1969 F-100 Tow Vehicle

[Rfeldes]

Putting the 47 GMC in for a frame off re-new since the last re-do lacked Love, not mine, if you can imagine that. Came into a Beautiful show winning 79 F-100. Gotta have it as the restorer is family and has been restoring and showing for 40 years. This is his toy and I am aiming to match the 79 to the same vintage loved Air Stream and will eventualy match the 47 to its vintage. I know the changes nescessary for the 47 and would like your opinion on the 79 as far as which A/S to choose and I can modify the truck but feel she can handle a broad range...Specs..The P/U is a 1969 Ford, F-100, Frame off Restoration with 65,000 actual miles, Maroon 21 coats of paint w/clear coat. It has new Shocks, new springs, new front end, rebuilt trans w/overdrive [Gear Vendors] 6 speed up/down, Nodular Diff. W/locking rear 3:70 to 1 gears, new front & rear stabilizer bars, center line wheels, 4 disk brake conversion w/special power brakes & brake pads, The Engine is a new factory hand built full race version Cleveland w/ 400 Hp. with 3,000 miles on it. The ignition is MSD, w/ceramic headers, flow master mufflers, alumn. heads, Tranny cooler and just too much too list. Long Bed, has shown "Best in Show" 4 times... I don't "park and tow to show" these trucks. Way too much fun... Any input with this forum's vast knowledge and towing experience? Thanks!

[slowmover]

Up to and around 7k comfortably (given a good set-up with a WD hitch). After that --higher in weight -- more strain on all components.

"Full race" is at the wrong end of the spectrum for towing, generally. Tow engines are not totally "low end torque", but big inches (400 cid +) ahead of a three-speed auto was the standard right through the 1990's. Todays gasoline means a compression ratio generally no higher than 8.8:1 (true). Tire height, rear axle gears, convertor stall speed and camshaft must all work together to make a good combination.

Brakes sound great. But, as above, cam & piston change are in the works for decent towing combination. Gearing might be changed to around 3.31 - 3.55 for better all-around performance.

I'd start by analyzing the where/when/what of TT use. Rockies, or Atlantic coast? Fall hunting or high humidity summer? A few days, or a few months out at a time? Etc.

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[Rfeldes]

Thanks for the reply slowmover thought to point out the "Gear Vendors" mod. Thinking of putting it into the 47 also. Informative site..not pushing them just looking if anyone has used them. Thanks again and won't private you again? Thanks.

[Jammer]

Nice.

A couple of things to keep in mind.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s pickup trucks were rarely used as tow vehicles for Airstreams. A more common tow would have been a full-size four-door sedan or station wagon, or rarely, a Suburban or IH Travelall. The attitude of the era was that Airstreams were luxury products while pickup trucks were working class. The usual combination involving a pickup truck then would have been a 3/4 ton truck with a pickup camper.

If the front end rebuild was with stock steering and suspension geometry you should realize that you won't have the control of a modern front end. Speeds were lower in those days, even though speed limits were as high as 70 mph trucks towing trailers would choose a lower speed.

Might want to consider adding air conditioning if you don't already have it.

Typically hitches were custom made by a welding shop in those days and lacked an official weight rating. Be sure you're hitching up right and consider some frame reinforcements if running heavier weights or if there was corrosion on the frame prior to the rebuild.

[slowmover]

Originally Posted by Jammer

Nice.

A couple of things to keep in mind.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s pickup trucks were rarely used as tow vehicles for Airstreams. A more common tow would have been a full-size four-door sedan or station wagon, or rarely, a Suburban or IH Travelall. The attitude of the era was that Airstreams were luxury products while pickup trucks were working class. The usual combination involving a pickup truck then would have been a 3/4 ton truck with a pickup camper.

If the front end rebuild was with stock steering and suspension geometry you should realize that you won't have the control of a modern front end. Speeds were lower in those days, even though speed limits were as high as 70 mph trucks towing trailers would choose a lower speed.

Might want to consider adding air conditioning if you don't already have it.

Typically hitches were custom made by a welding shop in those days and lacked an official weight rating. Be sure you're hitching up right and consider some frame reinforcements if running heavier weights or if there was corrosion on the frame prior to the rebuild.

Dead-on.

[Rfeldes]

$45k was spent on this restoration. Not my monies....front end redo with suspension, disc brakes and steering rack in 2010. Custom factory air all new. No hitch has been spec'd. Not looking to haul the Titanic..just a 22-24 foot 60's Vintage.Thanks for your time, help and advice. Not sure how to load a pic.