Triton54HD

Well I recently was given a 1973 AMC Javelin in which I am traveling to go pick up this weekend. This will be my first ever "Heavy" tow with my 06 F150 5.4 scab 2wd with 125k on the clock. I am traveling from Chicago to Upper Michigan about 600 miles round trip. Any tips for a first timer? all are appreciated.

Manuellabour247

Take both chains/binders and 2"+ ratchet straps to hold the load. I personally try to balance the load on a trailer to where I have about 200 lbs of tongue weight. There are other people that will tell you 10%-15%. It's what you feel comfortable with hauling that distance. Look far ahead while driving, at least 1/2 mile. Go slow on acceleration and braking if you can.

I like to anchor the rear axle and front frame (preload suspension) with a chain, then preload the rear suspension (hooking to the frame) with the straps to avoid the bounce that you can get over rough roads. You don't need to chain it so tight that you risk bending the frame, but you want it tight enough that it won't move around much if you have to do evasive maneuvering.

Idiots will test you on the road. Stay calm and take it easy.

EDIT** Try not to wrap the chain around brake lines, suspension, or steering components. I use the frame because it's usually the strongest point of attacchment. When doing the rear axle, be carerful of wrapping around the pinion. You could damage the driveline.

Mod (Ret.)

^^^ What he said.


And when you get back, please post pictures of that Javelin! I'm drooling right now on my keyboard...you are a lucky person!

Fordfan2006

Don't forget overdrive off. i'd turn it off while the trailer is empty also..

techrep

iTrader: (1)

X3 on everything said... Just made a 800 mile round trip with an 1800lb 18" car hauler.. took a 5800lb Expedition down and brought back a 4300lb Kia.

Manuellabour247

How was the tow? Everything come out good?

Redneckstone

hell no that doesnt sound like a problem at all.


I tow a 24ft open car hauler with a 2000 ranger lifted, and a 30ft enclosed car hauler with a 1930 ford. truck doesnt have any issues. hell usually with the open hauler no need to even take overdrive off the enclosed yes that thing is a pig....

Triton54HD

I made it back without any issues.. Left on Wednesday night and drove 75 mph the whole way up and for some reason averaged 14.5 mpg!! Loaded up the car which wasn't bad had to remove the rear drums (seized). Left on Saturday morning with car in tow and drove again 75 mph with od off...averaged AGAIN about. 14 mph...weird but I wasn't complaining.
Any got her home had to clean all the mice crap out (luckily the interior was unscathed) just did a basic clean and figure out what damage I had to contend with... Bad rear quarters and trunk...and passenger floor pan.. All in all not bad for a car that's been sitting for 30 years!!
Edit* I was told for years that it was an inline 6...it's a 304 v8!! Score!!!!

Redneckstone

sweetness... yes people under estimate these trucks.

Rick's 06

Very nice. It looks to be in pretty good shape. What are your plans for it?