Towing with the F body. - NJFBOA - Home of New Jersey's Camaros and Firebirds

Mark42 · 10-20-2009, 05:49 PM

Now don't everyone jump on my case because I want to tow with the Firebird.

There are going to be a few times a year when I won't have the Sienna to tow our boat. So I'm going to add a class II tow hitch to the Firebird. It won't show except for the receiver, and it works with dual exhaust.

The owners manual says the tow limit is 1500 lbs under normal conditions (ie not mountians, not hot, not hauling butt).

Just wondering if anyone has towed a small boat with their f body and how did the car handle?

This is what I'm towing, boat, motor and trailer come in at about 1400 lbs. So its close to the limit. And the rig looks big in the picture, but the boat is only 16'. I was towing it with the Town Car in the background and it was a walk in the park, but I sold it to buy the Firebird.

And this is what the hitch with receiver looks like.... For those who don't know about hitches, the silver ball mount bar comes off when not in use.

deadtrend1 · 10-20-2009, 05:54 PM

PM JL8Jeff

maroman88 · 10-20-2009, 06:01 PM

http://www.njfboa.org/forums/showthread.php?t=33127

Mark42 · 10-20-2009, 06:07 PM

Yep, ramps can be a pain. Need to get a Torsen LSD and 3.42 or 3.73 gears installed. Got and open diff and 3.08 in there now. Not too good.

When I order the hitch I'll include a trans cooler too. Should help extend the trans life when not towing.

Put 3.55 gears and a Trac-Loc in the Town car, along with 255 50 17's. Never had a problem on the ramp after that.

JL8Jeff · 10-20-2009, 06:15 PM

My boat/motor/trailer come in rougly around 1000 lbs or less and it's no problem with the SS suspension. 1500 lbs might move the rear around a bit.

Mark42 · 10-20-2009, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JL8Jeff

My boat/motor/trailer come in rougly around 1000 lbs or less and it's no problem with the SS suspension. 1500 lbs might move the rear around a bit.

Yeah, I expect to be traveling about 55-60 tops on the LIE. Why push your luck?

BTW, what brand hitch did you use? Draw-Tight, Curt, Reese, etc? Does it fit well?

JL8Jeff · 10-20-2009, 06:29 PM

I have the Hidden Hitch with the flat drawbar. I think it's class III or IV.

Mark42 · 10-20-2009, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JL8Jeff

I have the Hidden Hitch with the flat drawbar. I think it's class III or IV.

I looked at the Hidden Hitch its a nice receiver hitch, and with the flat draw bar it really is hidden! But all my draw bars are 1-1/4" so I'm going with either the Curt or Draw Tight just for draw bar compatibility.