Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post

j8ear · 02-26-2004, 11:37 AM

You will have no problem with a fifthwheel trailer, unless your towing around multiple vehicles or horses.

An empty camper trailer shouldn't present much of a challenge.

Here's some things to be on the out look for.

Rear springs and shocks need to be fresh and heavy duty.

Front suspension needs to also be dialed in.

Brakes are easy and cheap to replace. Do all four corners, and make sure your brake lines are solid. They deteriorate over the years, and are also relatively cheap to replace.

Parking brake cable is notorios for needing replacement and this is essential for trailoring.

Right under the master cylinder is the steering column....with a u-joint and a rag joint. These begin to loosen over the years, with brake fluid dripping on them and/or lifted suspension/big tires, stressing everything out. This is a PITA to replace and not really that cheap, unless you can find something decent in a junk yard. If you feel any wobble in the steering, replace it. You DO NOT want this busting apart underway.

Definately want brakes, suspension, and steering solid when towing...

This is not your best option for fifth wheel hauling, but with a freshly tuned 351m, decent suspension, clean braking system, tight steering, a light duty fifth wheel will be manageable, under 8000lbs.

Ideal sitch for any fifthwheel is a dually, preferably with a huge diesel.

I've used my 79 bronco (with 351m) to haul another 6000lbs 78 bronco 500 miles through the pocono's a few times. I wished I had a diesel, but I made it through OK.

Oh and unless you want to get 2-5 mpg, stick with the double barrell carb. You'll feel acceleration and top end improvements, maybe even some better torque, but contrast that with fuel efficiency and you'll wish you stuck with stock. You won't be doing a lot of drag racing with a fifth wheel trailor, after all.

best,

-bear

02-26-2004, 11:37 AM	#14 (permalink)
j8ear Gentlemen Farmer Location: Middle of nowhere, Jersey	You will have no problem with a fifthwheel trailer, unless your towing around multiple vehicles or horses. An empty camper trailer shouldn't present much of a challenge. Here's some things to be on the out look for. Rear springs and shocks need to be fresh and heavy duty. Front suspension needs to also be dialed in. Brakes are easy and cheap to replace. Do all four corners, and make sure your brake lines are solid. They deteriorate over the years, and are also relatively cheap to replace. Parking brake cable is notorios for needing replacement and this is essential for trailoring. Right under the master cylinder is the steering column....with a u-joint and a rag joint. These begin to loosen over the years, with brake fluid dripping on them and/or lifted suspension/big tires, stressing everything out. This is a PITA to replace and not really that cheap, unless you can find something decent in a junk yard. If you feel any wobble in the steering, replace it. You DO NOT want this busting apart underway. Definately want brakes, suspension, and steering solid when towing... This is not your best option for fifth wheel hauling, but with a freshly tuned 351m, decent suspension, clean braking system, tight steering, a light duty fifth wheel will be manageable, under 8000lbs. Ideal sitch for any fifthwheel is a dually, preferably with a huge diesel. I've used my 79 bronco (with 351m) to haul another 6000lbs 78 bronco 500 miles through the pocono's a few times. I wished I had a diesel, but I made it through OK. Oh and unless you want to get 2-5 mpg, stick with the double barrell carb. You'll feel acceleration and top end improvements, maybe even some better torque, but contrast that with fuel efficiency and you'll wish you stuck with stock. You won't be doing a lot of drag racing with a fifth wheel trailor, after all. best, -bear __________________ It's alot easier to ask for forgiveness then it is to ask for permission.