Sinking Creek 4WD Association

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?

Also, I'm not sure where anyone lives but if someone lives close to either of those locations and can just tow it down for me, I'd pay $175 to save me the trouble.

My brother has a towing business in the DC area. He will do it for 300. I know that is a little more then you offered, but thought I would let you know.

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?

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.

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.

Amen!

Ctrow wrote:
-Drive like your brakes don't work....cause they wont.

I lol'd, but the best advice for flat towing anything.

jac6695 wrote:

Ctrow wrote:
-Drive like your brakes don't work....cause they wont.

I lol'd, but the best advice for flat towing anything.

x2

After talking to other people, I was told it would be a much better idea to rent a flatbed with surge breaks and be over the weight limit, than to flat tow and be under the limit, but with no breaks. Whats peoples opinion on this?

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.

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.

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.

Truth. If it were me the convenience of drinking beer while it gets towed to my house would be worth 3 bills.

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.

I found a buddy to tow it for me with a powerstroke and equipment trailer for free. 79 f150 351m with c6 and np205... (minor) build thread to be coming soon!

ridemx wrote:I found a buddy to tow it for me with a powerstroke and equipment trailer for free. 79 f150 351m with c6 and np205... (minor) build thread to be coming soon!

Well, whats the story? I'm hoping you've got this and are pumped to wheel it this year..?

It will hopefully be ready by spring, unfortunately I haven't gotten any pictures but it is definitely coming along, just slowly. I am going home this weekend an will try and take some pictures.

Your poop pipe is waiting for you