Community Forums

jreyno11 · 11-09-2007, 05:52 AM

Hi all,

My wife and I just bought a 1997 CruiseMaster 3190. I would like to tow my 1998 F-150 4x4 automatic with it but haven't got a clue about what I may need. I would like to tow with 4 down, and also an ATV in the bed. I'm thinking weight will be around 5500 lbs.

I've done some research but have a few questions.

I understand I will need a tow bar, and brackets to pull it with. What will I need to do to the tranny on the pickup? Anything? Since I have an automatic transmission and a transfer case can I put the transfer case in neutral, or do I need a lube pump for the trans too. Can I just drop the driveshaft and put the transfercase in neutral?

What would I need to do for brakes? I would assume some kind of auxilary brakes but does that hook to the pedal in the truck or under the hood. Thanks for any help. I've learned alot already. But need alittle specifics on my situation. Thanks again.

jreyno11 · 11-09-2007, 05:52 AM

Hi all,

My wife and I just bought a 1997 CruiseMaster 3190. I would like to tow my 1998 F-150 4x4 automatic with it but haven't got a clue about what I may need. I would like to tow with 4 down, and also an ATV in the bed. I'm thinking weight will be around 5500 lbs.

I've done some research but have a few questions.

I understand I will need a tow bar, and brackets to pull it with. What will I need to do to the tranny on the pickup? Anything? Since I have an automatic transmission and a transfer case can I put the transfer case in neutral, or do I need a lube pump for the trans too. Can I just drop the driveshaft and put the transfercase in neutral?

What would I need to do for brakes? I would assume some kind of auxilary brakes but does that hook to the pedal in the truck or under the hood. Thanks for any help. I've learned alot already. But need alittle specifics on my situation. Thanks again.

BBBEEBOP · 11-09-2007, 06:53 AM

I'll try to help as best I can. Yes you'll need a tow bar. I would suggest either Roadmaster or Blue Ox. Make sure it has the proper weight towing capacity. I use a Roadmaster Blackhawk (8000 lb cap) to tow my Explorer. Check on this site to make sure your F-150 is towable 4 down: http://www.motorhomemagazine.com/output.cfm?ID=1073647
If it is you may not have to do anything with the driveshaft or lube pumps. I just had to have a neutral tow switch installed to put the electronic transfer case in neutral.
You may have to check with your local Ford dealer based on the year of your Pick-up.
The brackets you refer to are also available thru Roadmaster or Blue Ox.
As far as an Auxiliary Braking System, there are many on the market and this forum as well as FMCA magazine and others have reviewed many of them. I use the Brake Buddy system because I tow two different vehicles and it is easy to switch over.

Route 66 · 11-09-2007, 08:05 AM

First of all, is your motorhome's hitch rated for that weight?

Some motorhome hitches are rated as low as 3500 lbs.

BLUE OX and ROADMASTER have baseplate and towbar info on their web sites.

Ford or REMCO TOWING can tell you if your truck is towable without modification.

The neutral tow switch mentioned above is not applicable to Ford pickups.

Hopefully, all you would have to do is place the transfer case in neutral, transmission in park, and ignition key turned 1 position to unlock the steering wheel if it locks with the key out.

The BRAKE BUDDY is one of the best and easiest to install braking system.

Gary RVRoamer · 11-09-2007, 05:10 PM

It is unlikely your 97 Cruisemaster 3190 is rated to tow 5500 lbs - quite likely only 3500-4000 lbs. Both the hitch receiver rating and the GCWR is probably too small for the F150. FInd out the Cruisemaster's GCWR and actual weight as well as the hitch rating before proceeding.

The F150 automatic can be towed without mods if it has a manual transfer case that you can put in neutral. If not, it probably needs some mods to tow. Remco Towing is the best source for advice on this subject.