Community Forums

Alienhead45 · 03-15-2021, 02:35 PM

Hello Everyone,

I was gifted an 18 ft Terry Taurus by my father-in-law. It's a really old model, maybe 80's. So I can't find any information online as far as the weight, but I assume it must be in the 3k range.

Now, I have a 2020 Ford Ranger and understand that technically it is within it's towing capacity of 7k lbs.

I am looking for your feedback on whether or not I should tow it using my mid size truck based on your personal towing experience. Note, I have zero towing experience and this would be new to me. I was planning on buying a weight distribution hitch, anti-sway arm, & brake controller.

Just looking to get feedback from people who have actually towed.

thanks,

tuffr2 · 03-15-2021, 03:43 PM

You will need to just hook up and start towing. Your truck will know it is back there. Start off slow on back roads before hitting the 70mph highway.

All it takes is time towing to figure out what the truck is doing. Like what it feels like going over a bump.

Desert Flyer · 03-15-2021, 11:34 PM

...research challenge accepted...

Old trailers of that era were (are?) not as light as we would expect today. Materials were not as high tech and heavier. The new for 1999 Terry/Mallard/Prowler 19N (overall 20’-8”) came in at 3,750 lbs, without any options. Expect that to be closer to 4,000 lbs off the lot.

Toby Dog · 03-16-2021, 05:04 AM

Most local land fills will have a scale if you are not close to an interstate tp find a Cat scale.
We had a couple of those old TTs, they are heavier than I thought they would be.

Martian · 03-16-2021, 09:16 AM

If you are in farm country there is probably a grain depot not too far away and they have scales. Getting the weight is the first part of your journey.

Dave Pelletier · 03-16-2021, 03:46 PM

What they said; probably 4,000 dry and 5,000 - 5,500 loaded but check to make sure. Despite the ratings, I wouldn't tow 5,000+ lbs with a Ranger.

This isn't any substitute for a weigh scale but good reading; https://camperreport.com/camper-weig...0%9D%20example.

and

https://www.ford.com/cmslibs/content...nger_Oct15.pdf

Dave