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Topic: Towing a 3/4 ton? (Read 849 times) previous topic - next topic

Towing a 3/4 ton?

Anyone have any experience towing a 3/4 ton or more with your FT? Be interested in hearing your impressions of the experience; braking, fuel economy, equipment used, taking corners, etc. Thanks
97 U320
Build 5099
Victoria, Tx

Re: Towing a 3/4 ton?

Reply #1
We tow a Suburban if that's close enough for comparison.  Equipment used is a Ready brute tow bar and Blue Ox bracket.  Starting and stopping no different towing or not.  Turning corners the inside rear tire of the Suburban tracks within an inch or so inside the path of the rear coach tire so no fear of running over curbs or various other obstructions one encounters.  I've read the longer length of the Ready Brute tow bar plus the length of the 4" drop hitch make the towed vehicle swing wider which helps with tracking, but have no experience to confirm or deny that as correct.  Fuel economy on a 1400 mile round trip Michigan to Tennessee averaged 7.6 - 8.3 mpg depending on the wind.  I adjusted the top section of my rear view mirror so after passing someone I know I am far enough ahead to pull back in when the person I'm passing is no longer visible in the top section of rear view mirror.  Rear facing camera adjusted same way.  Not sure if that's the best way, but this was my first time towing and it worked for me.  When extended, the towing mirrors on the Suburban are just visible in the coaches rear view mirrors, a comfort to know it was still there while I became accustomed to towing it.  "Piece of cake".
2019 Pleasure Way Lexor

Re: Towing a 3/4 ton?

Reply #2
We pull a HD2500 Silverado with a Blue Ox and a M&G braking system. It pulls great and I don't notice it when we stop or take off.  Most of the time we stay hooked up when pulling through campgrounds until we are close to the site on a level and straight piece of road.  I can't give any figures on the difference in mileage when we pull the truck.  We have pulled the truck through Raton, La Veta, Wolf Creek and Monarch Passes without any problems.  It is easy to hook and unhook, also.
Hope that helps.

Glen
Retired Nurse and Bat Chief
2001 U320 36' 450 Cummins
Past 1981 Bluebird 36' 3208 Cat
HD2500 Chevy Toad

Re: Towing a 3/4 ton?

Reply #3
I tow a GMC Yukon, It weighs around 6000 lbs.  Probably not quite as heavy as a 3/4 ton, but close.  I have no problem pulling or stopping when it is behind the coach.

I pulled it with out a braking system for a short time.  I wouldn't recommend doing that, but I only had one time that I wondered if I was going to stop in time.
1998 U320 40'
2005 GMC Yukon
MC# 17609

Re: Towing a 3/4 ton?

Reply #4
I pull an 2015 GMC HD2500 4 door 4x4 diesel pickup with no issue at all. I use the Blue Ox tow bar with AirForce 1 braking system and if it wasn't for my backup camera I wouldn't know it was there. I'm about 2 to 3 miles per hour slower climbing Arizona 6% grades.
Steve
2001 U320 40' IF$ Build #5798
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Toad
2015 GMC Duramax HD2500 Toad
2014 Polaris RZR 1000
Litchfield Park, AZ- Soon to be Paulden, AZ

Re: Towing a 3/4 ton?

Reply #5
I pull a 2014 Ram 2500 6.7 diesel. I have only pulled it a few times but I do need to down shift on hills. The truck weighs around 8000 pounds per truck paperwork. When my brother and I went to pick the coach up in AZ we towed his Yukon back to AR. He said that he could tell we didn't increase speed getting on freeway as fast as he did with his coach. He has the 450 HP and I have the 350HP Cummins. I am sure that in the mountains it will take more downshifting and slower speeds but I am ok with that since I don't live in the mountains.I am sure that in time I will downsize my toad but I am not sure I can ever give up a truck of some kind. I do have the Air Force 1 breaking system. I have more concern with stopping than pulling.
I hope this helps.
Ron Clark
Sherwood,Arkansas
1999 U 295 40 foot Build # 5550
2020 Jeep Gladiator
Motorcade # 18173
FMCA # F485593

Re: Towing a 3/4 ton?

Reply #6
                           Have an 2008 Ford F-250 , 4 by 4 , diesel , with an after market flat aluminum bed. This is my toy hauler . Heavy ---yep , but it is going to be pulled !  Can't see it in the mirrors except while in a tight turn . So , to see if it is still there , the monitor gets it done . Have pulled this truck in excess on 300,000  miles so I can tell you it seams to be workable . Hmm :o  :o  :o  Brad Metzger
Brad Metzger
2010 Phenix 45'

Re: Towing a 3/4 ton?

Reply #7
Well it certainly seems as though I should have no worries then. As always thanks to everyone who shared their experience.
97 U320
Build 5099
Victoria, Tx