4 down towing vehicles

[Poppy2003]

I'm planning to buy used Ford F150 4x4 cab, automatic or standard to tow on all 4s, is this a right toad?, or what is the best dingy??, not planning to spending money (retired) for modifications.

[camp-n-family]

Poppy2003 wrote:

sch911 wrote:
Most likely too heavy for a Class C, or a gas Class A. What MH do you have?

2003 Itasca Sunova 31 foot gas MH

A google search of specifications shows that a 1/2 ton truck will probably exceed your limits. You don’t specify which model (27C or 30B) but both seem to have a hitch receiver rated for 5000lbs max tow and 350lbs tongue weight. An empty truck will weigh more than 5k.

The 27C shows a gvwr of 15,000lbs and a gcwr of 19,000. This would leave you a tow max of 4k if you’re anywhere close to being at gvwr.

The 30B has a gvwr of 18k and a gcwr of either 21k with the Ford motor or 26k with the GM vortex motor leaving between 3-6,000lbs tow capacity at max weight. A 1/2 ton truck will be close to if not exceed the 6k.

[Poppy2003]

sch911 wrote:
Most likely too heavy for a Class C, or a gas Class A. What MH do you have?

2003 Itasca Sunova 31 foot gas MH

[ranholago]

IF you decide on a f 150 be sure it is a "manual" activated transfer case, IF it is an electronic activated transfer case ( where you push a button vs shift a shifter to engage 4x4) be sure that the dealer is able to install the program/access to the computer of the vehicle to enable "N" on the transfer case. Went through that and was unable to get a dealer able to enable the computer to put the transfer case in neutral.
Just something to investigate and to check before you pull the plug on a f 150

[sch911]

Most likely too heavy for a Class C, or a gas Class A. What MH do you have?

[dodge_guy]

If it has a N position on the 4WD selector then chances are good it's 4 down towable. But always check the owners manual to verify.

[Janss]

Look at the Dinghy Guides:
Dinghy Guides

Even if your chosen vehicle is on this list or any other towable list....Before actually buying a vehicle, be sure to look at it's owner's manual under "recreational towing" or similar (not to be confused with roadside assistance towing).

[SDcampowneroper]

We saw many a pick up towed 4 down behind MHs, As ( rear and front gas or diesels) and Cs ( again either fuel) both auto trans and manual. 4 WD trucks have a neutral in the selector switch to allow towing.
It. also allows carrying other cargo like a M/C. Your expectation of power,economy and gcvr is the limiting factor. Definitely install auxiliary brakes on the tow. You cannot have a heavy vehicle pushing the coach.

A consideration if you are adventurous in your travels that puts you in a situation is,

I have seen and done backing up a 4 down many times, just have a spotter watch the front wheels. Its no different than backing a trailer except for the front wheels, if you have to turn sharp they may not follow the turn. It is a myth that 4 down cannot be backed or that damage will happen. Hitches that can pull can also be pushed on.
Its MFGR Cover Butt Speak.

[Lwiddis]

Keep planning but check closely before you buy...4 down towable, MH max tow weight etc.

[camp-n-family]

Is it the right toad? Depends on what you’re towing it with. A full size truck is a pretty heavy vehicle to tow around. It will exceed the ratings of a lot of MHs. It may be ok behind a class A but probably not behind most class Cs.

[Bumpyroad]

look up owner's manual for that make model year etc. and see what they say.
bumpy

[Lwiddis]

Ford is the best source for this information.