Need some help with the amount of weight a 60's econoline p.u. can handle?
I have someone who wants to buy my 8ft. non cabover Alaskan camper that weighs about 1600 lbs. and is exactly 4 feet wide. Does anyone know if this will fit an econo pu? I have my doubts and don't want the guy to drive 1200 miles for nothing.

 

The Econo trucks were not made for heavy hauling like that size of camper. It would hang over the back end, causing the weight to lift the front that you are not getting proper wheel contact with the pavement. These trucks were your early 1/4 tons before the 70's.
I once picked up a bunch of flat rocks for someone to use as stepping stones. I only had maybe a 1/4 of the box full and the truck sagged considerably and weaved from side to side due to the weight.
It would be a slow drive with the camper on it, but your springs and motor will pay for it if anything breaks. They are working more than they normally would.
He should haul the camper with a proper 8 ft box. Also you have to anchor the camper to the trucks frame on the sides, where can you do this on the econo truck?
My recommend is not to do this. You may have trouble with the highway patrol if pulled over.

 

The heavy duty models did have around 1600 # pay load. I would not advise though eith due to the length and weight distribution.
Dan

 

if you will check your data plate, it will have the gross weight on it, then you can figure your capacity. econo pickups weigh around 2450 pounds empty, heavy duty extended vans will weigh about 2950 pounds empty.

you will find most pickups have a payload of less than 500 pounds, vans may have as little as 200 pounds payload, or as much as 1100 pounds payload.
they were not built for heavy hauling, just for light delivery duty around town.


jim

 

Thanks for the feedback. I have told the would be buyer I dont think it will work.
Thanks again!

 

Probably too late now, the the standard maximum payload for the mid-60's Econoline pu was 1600 lbs. Ford had an option HD package that upped the payload to 2075 lbs. on the pu.

The brochures are scanned in at:

www.falconman.com

 

Just a note to say that I've put a 1200lb crate in the back of my 61 Econoline and found that it isn't fun. And I've got a V8 and disk brakes.

Cheers