Can anyone tell me or point me in the direction, where I could find the towing capacity of a 1967 Ford Country Squire, 390-2v (265hp) without a manufacturers towing package? I am thinking of a pop-up, teardrop or other small trailer. Thanks!
These guys can for sure: http://www.draw-tite.com/ And maybe these too: http://www.reeseprod.com/index.htm
Thanks guys I appreciate the input. FYI, I just found out the draw-tite and Reese are the same company now. Not good for competition, and thus the prices we must pay for sure.
I can see that. Hybrids can't haul their shadows. Gonna be a tough market for many big brands, from Spark plugs to big tires.
I think you would be fine towing a small trailer with a 390 V8. To be sure, though, wouldn't Ford itself be able to tell you? I don't know how you'd go about finding out though, but there would be someone who'd know. Caravanning is very popular here in Europe, and for pulling large vans, most people use saloon cars with 2.0-2.2 litre turbo-diesel engines or small-medium SUV's.
Just found this too. It lists by brand back to 2005. Yours would be stronger, because it has a frame and is heavier, but the explanations might help with what the sales people try to sell and tell you.: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/towing/towing-capacity/vehicle/towing-capacity-chart.htm This Towrating database isn't working for me, but it has lots of interesting info. http://www.campinglife.com/towrating/ This is a good guide book: http://www.sherline.com/lmbook.htm My little Fairmont wagon hauled a small double-deck utility trailer with over 3,000 lbs. from central Mexico to Canada with a stock 302 V8. The roof rack was full, the inside cargo area was full and two adults. I'm sure you'll be fine. This article is by a pro on Trailers. http://ezinearticles.com/?Tow-Vehicle-Capacity&id=381879 Here's his site: http://rveducation101.com/ And this one seems pretty good too: http://www.towingguide.com/towvehicle.html From these articles, whatever you tow shouldn't weigh more than the car. The hitch should be right for the car and the trailer, and your suspension needs to be right for both as well. Also the hitches with 'load-leveller' attachments are only a good idea if you're hauling a monster trailer (Long, Wide and Heavy). They do make the towing safer, but they put a lot of stress on the hitch and car. I've seen them used especially in our Canadian Rockies, where wind gusts can tip a trailer over, and the car, if the load isn't properly distributed between car and trailer. A little teardrop trailer wouldn't need that, because of the low profile.
towing capacity Ford (motorcraft) published a trailer towing tips and facts. The oldest i have is 1973, most similiar engine was a 400. cubic inch. that was rated as a class two hitch 500 lbs tongue, 3,500 puounds trailer weight.
The type of tires you have can make a large difference on towing a trailer...A good light truck tire can cure a lot of side sway....John put them on his Nomad and sure made a difference on towing...Nudder fulla bought a new trailer to pull and it was a little to big and had to sell it and get a smaller one as it wanted to get away on him......Before you purchase something try pulling it first at highway speed and a little above to make sure you are not on the eadge....of disaster....You may want to look at an equilizer hitch also and alowe for how much you will put in the trailer....
If you don't already have one I would recommend an external transmission cooler. I toasted a transmission pulling a couple motorcycles because I didn't have one.
Forgot all about that, but you're right on! IIRC, most of the optional Factory Trailer packages from the BIG 3, all offered tranny coolers, after the 1965. Thanks for the reminder.
Thanks for the input guys. Greatly appreciated. Things have changed though. Not getting the Ford with the 390 now. Getting a 67 Country sedan with a 289 (200 hp rated). Any input changes?
