Poquito
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'68 10' Serro Scotty Sportsman
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Post by Poquito on Mar 28, 2018 7:39:01 GMT -8
I'm still prowling for a tow vehicle and found a promising 2003 Ford F150 Super Crew Cab near me, the mileage is good, the truck is in good shape, etc. however the tow ball is on the bumper. I am not knowledgeable about why trucks have this on the bumper instead of attached to the frame...can someone enlighten me before I go talk to the owner?
Thanks, Poquito
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Ten
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70 Shasta 16SC + 1964 Airflyte
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Post by Ten on Mar 28, 2018 8:41:26 GMT -8
It was the simplest way to set up to tow, and is useful for something light like a fishing boat. It is fairly easy to have a frame mounted class hitch added. Most garages, U-Haul shops, or RV shops, can install them and set up wiring and brake controls for towing. Don't let the tow ball throw you if the vehicle suits your needs otherwise.
EDIT: A note however...if the only thing the truck has for towing is the ball on the bumper, it is not likely equipped with the oil coolers that a towing package would include. These can also be added, but you may find it more economical to find a vehicle with a factory tow package in place to begin with.
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Poquito
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'68 10' Serro Scotty Sportsman
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Post by Poquito on Mar 28, 2018 13:45:05 GMT -8
Oil cooler...hmmmm. I really liked the Truck. Ran terrific, miles are good. Has wiring harness. Price is in the budget range. Would have to install the hitch, weight distribution bars. Is the oil cooler the same thing that is usually installed by the transmission or up front with the radiator? If it is, I've seen those in the Auto parts store. This thing has a Triton V8 engine with an Spectre Air Intake system designed to aid performance/horsepower. I don't think the oil cooler will break the deal, sounds like if there is room for it, it could be added on. I'm budgeting around $200-300 for the tow parts. Am I on the right track with the oil cooler thing?
Thanks, Poquito
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Post by bigbill on Mar 28, 2018 14:38:58 GMT -8
A tow package usually includes a hitch, larger radiator, different rear end gear ratio, oil and transmission coolers, and sometimes an electric brake controller. To change all this could cost thousands of dollars. A lot depends on what you are going to tow.
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Post by vikx on Mar 28, 2018 19:38:10 GMT -8
I would have a class III hitch installed ASAP. You want the trailer to tow level. The class III receiver allows for adjustable ball height, unlike a bumper mounted ball.
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datac
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1957 Cardinal
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Post by datac on Mar 28, 2018 20:44:01 GMT -8
Ford trucks have had ball mount holes in the bumper for as long as I can remember (and I sold them in a previous incarnation back in the early '90s), but they're not suitable for anything beyond a light utility trailer (and maybe not even that, IMHO). Get a proper hitch and a good-sized transmission cooler, unless you like the idea of ending up stranded and/or upside down and/or on fire.
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ruderunner
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Post by ruderunner on Apr 7, 2018 6:31:40 GMT -8
You're towing the Scotty? just get a hitch so you can set the ball height. The truck won't know the trailer is attached.
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