advice on towing an 79f150
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advice on towing an 79f150
I nearly bought a 79 f150 in Hancock, Md (I live in Herndon, va, 95 miles away) but it had brake issues that made me very uncomfortable driving it on the highway so unfortunately I drove back the two hours with no truck. Everything about the truck is what I want and it recently had a lot of stuff replaced, and the seller is asking a pretty decent price, so I would like to make this happen. Only way I can think to tow it without exceding my tow rating is to flat tow it. Who has experience flat towing, I've found a few tow bars online for 125-175 that have a 5000lb rating so it seems to me it should work. Anything I am overlooking?
Re: advice on towing an 79f150
I've flat towed many times, and I would say don't do it. If you just need to move it once it's not worth paying for the bar, lights, fuel, and time/trouble it takes to install. Pay the money and get someone to tow it. If you're dead set on flat towing, here are some tips.ridemx wrote:I nearly bought a 79 f150 in Hancock, Md (I live in Herndon, va, 95 miles away) but it had brake issues that made me very uncomfortable driving it on the highway so unfortunately I drove back the two hours with no truck. Everything about the truck is what I want and it recently had a lot of stuff replaced, and the seller is asking a pretty decent price, so I would like to make this happen. Only way I can think to tow it without exceding my tow rating is to flat tow it. Who has experience flat towing, I've found a few tow bars online for 125-175 that have a 5000lb rating so it seems to me it should work. Anything I am overlooking?
-Un-lock the steering wheel of the 79.
-Pull the drive shafts
-Don't tow in the rain.....when you turn, the truck in tow will keep going straight
-Drive like your brakes don't work....cause they wont.
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Re: advice on towing an 79f150
Amen!Ctrow wrote:I've flat towed many times, and I would say don't do it. If you just need to move it once it's not worth paying for the bar, lights, fuel, and time/trouble it takes to install. Pay the money and get someone to tow it. If you're dead set on flat towing, here are some tips.
-Un-lock the steering wheel of the 79.
-Pull the drive shafts
-Don't tow in the rain.....when you turn, the truck in tow will keep going straight
-Drive like your brakes don't work....cause they wont.
![:thumby:](./images/smilies/icon_thumby.gif)
Re: advice on towing an 79f150
I lol'd, but the best advice for flat towing anything.Ctrow wrote:
-Drive like your brakes don't work....cause they wont.
James C.
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97 K2500HD 6.5/4L80E/NP241/9.5/14BFF
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Re: advice on towing an 79f150
x2jac6695 wrote:I lol'd, but the best advice for flat towing anything.Ctrow wrote:
-Drive like your brakes don't work....cause they wont.
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Ive seen smaller trucks haul larger loads that that(not saying its smart). Just make you your tires are in good shape and be careful. Might try loading the 79 on backwards if it helps with tongue weight.
Or foot a tow bill and have the responsibility sit on someone elses insurance and checkbook while you watch.
Or foot a tow bill and have the responsibility sit on someone elses insurance and checkbook while you watch.
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I towed my Jimmy (probably heavier than the '79 with a diesel and full of parts) home with a 93 GM1500 which is older than your Ford. I used a dolley from Uhaul and it did fine. Granted the wheelbase of my Jimmy was shorter, but I think you should find a large dolley, use a trailer, or have someone tow it for you, whatever you are most comfortable with.
Just be aware and don't trust the towing company's "estimate" as it will be much less than the bill they give you when you pull into your house. When I had an F-350 towed 27 miles to my house last summer, the bill was $180. They told me it would be "around 100 bucks". I have had 4 vehicles towed to my house professionally. Every time, it has been ~25% more. However, it is nice to sit on one's ass and not do anything.
![:lol2:](./images/smilies/uglyhammer.gif)
Just be aware and don't trust the towing company's "estimate" as it will be much less than the bill they give you when you pull into your house. When I had an F-350 towed 27 miles to my house last summer, the bill was $180. They told me it would be "around 100 bucks". I have had 4 vehicles towed to my house professionally. Every time, it has been ~25% more. However, it is nice to sit on one's ass and not do anything.
1969 Cadillac Deville 7.7 Big Block
1978 Ford F-150 6.4 FE
1993 Ford Bronco 5.8 Windsor
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2016 Ford F-250 6.7 Powerstroke
1978 Ford F-150 6.4 FE
1993 Ford Bronco 5.8 Windsor
1994 Ford F-250 7.3 Powerstroke
2016 Ford F-250 6.7 Powerstroke
Re: advice on towing an 79f150
Truth. If it were me the convenience of drinking beer while it gets towed to my house would be worth 3 bills.Ctrow wrote:
If you just need to move it once it's not worth paying for the bar, lights, fuel, and time/trouble it takes to install. Pay the money and get someone to tow it.
OR, If you have a hitch and light hook up (which I'm assuming you do) I think a dolly would work fine. My rig fit on a u haul car hauler with full width one tons and 16.5 tires, your ferd should fit no problem.
My dad has towed my rig a handful of times using u haul car haulers or dollys, a little different for me though given he has a duramax and doesn't charge me gas money.
Nick
'79 Jeep
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'79 Jeep
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'13 TDI Wagen DD
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