Tow rating

I would not expect much from the drum brakes on a truck of this era and I would not tow more than 3,000 lbs. in total and avoid mountain roads.
At a minimum I would also add the best transmission cooler I could find.

1974 was the last year of leaded fuel engines in most passenger cars. I thought the Ranchero shared the same platform as the Torino? I use to have a 1974 Ford Torino Wagon with the 302 cu in until the NE winter salting ate it up.

Michelle.S wrote:
Wasn't it around mid 70's when Unleaded gas made an appearance the HP took a nose dive.
I had a 82 Chevy 1500 with 350 (5.7L) and 3.08 gears and pulled a 24' TT gross approx 4500 to 5000. Did OK, but wasn't fun for long trips.
I don't think I would try 28' behind a Ranchero or El Camino

Back then yes, with a factory drive train. But his Ranchero is not "factory" by any stretch. "Engine has Edelbrock intake, Holly 600 carb, billet dist., Magnflow exhaust". I wouldn't be surprised if the transmission has some mods as well.

Wasn't it around mid 70's when Unleaded gas made an appearance the HP took a nose dive.
I had a 82 Chevy 1500 with 350 (5.7L) and 3.08 gears and pulled a 24' TT gross approx 4500 to 5000. Did OK, but wasn't fun for long trips.
I don't think I would try 28' behind a Ranchero or El Camino

With that 3.0 rear axle there won't be much power to get rolling and it will down shift for most hills.

Old-Biscuit wrote:
It's a heavy CAR (4600#) with a bed and a small rear end. Plus you have tall gearing.

It's a steel unibody design with a people-and-paylod capacity of 1250#

Towing ......up to 6000# with 500# tongue using Class III hitch

Ranchero 'The Personal Pickup'.........LINK

I don't think it's a unibody - it says in the brochure and from other sources that I read that it's a body on frame design.

The payload seems to be 1250 on the brochure. Interesting that it had the coil over rear springs. Shouldn't be a problem with a 5-7k lb trailer IMO considering 500-700lb of tongue weight which would leave 550lbs (estimate) for 2 passengers and a little gear.

I would still consider a tranny cooler if you're going to be towning with it though.

Also being that the vehicle is 40 years old I would really look at how the receiver is attached to the vehicle. You mentioned class 3 and while I personally think you're at the limit of a 3 hitch with that 28ft trailer I would at least make sure that the weld points are solid. Sure would be a crappy day if you get everything done and halfway through your trip the receiver falls off because of rust or something!

Best of luck to you!

nickbcars wrote:
I have a "74 Ford Ranchero. 351 C, FMX, 3.00 9" rear. Has factory tow pkg. + air shocks. Engine has Edelbrock intake, Holly 600 carb, billet dist., Magnflow exhaust. I am trying to find what the tow rating is as I am buying a 2012 28' trailer, one slide. The truck has a class 3 hitch, I'll use a load leveler hitch + sway control. I have owned about 12 rv's in the past. Trailers, Motorhomes, 5th wheels, Just trying to get info on Ranchero. Thanks

I have no idea about towing hitches for that.

But, I sure would like some pics of that posted!!

I worked with a guy way back when that had a Ranchero from that year and it was a waaay cool ride.:C

It's a heavy CAR (4600#) with a bed and a small rear end. Plus you have tall gearing.

It's a steel unibody design with a people-and-paylod capacity of 1250#

Towing ......up to 6000# with 500# tongue using Class III hitch

Ranchero 'The Personal Pickup'.........LINK

Many class 3 hitches turn to 4's with WD bars or equal.

I really really really doubt you will find a true tow rating for rigs back that far. Much less a gcwr. It was more a keep the rigs level, if it went forward, stopped and in reverse, good to go.

In the early 80s I learned an older rule of thumb to use, that was max trailer was 2x the GRAWR. So if the Rancharo has a RA of 3500 lbs, max trailer would be 7000. I would think 5-7K would be the most you would want with that TV. Othewise, you could be having a tail wag the dog per say.

Marty

Sorry I can't give you any info on tow ratings for the Ranchero - no doubt though you can probably find something on google.

You mentioned it had a class 3 receiver. That might be a little limiting as they are intended for 5000lbs or less. Your 28ft trailer might be over that especially with a slide. Might see if a specialty shop can work a class 4 receiver in there.

Best of luck to you - pictures of your combo would neat!