How does one determine a safe and legal pulling capacity on one of these old trucks? We are pondering buying a travel trailer and the topic of getting something the '55 would pull came up. It's basically a 07 Crown Vic running gear with a 4.6 DOHC if I ever get around to swapping the engine in.

 

Good question! . No idea on a proper answer.
GVW , engine, transmission, rear diff. , brake set up, suspension. ... So many factors to consider.
That said, I always used the old fashion seat of the pants formula. Too much pucker, too much weight!
Hope someone else has a good formula for you.

 

I would think with a class 3 hitch, and a brake controller, you could pull a featherlite.http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...YR4jSWg0Q1Pg0XDpQ&sig2=0MK6R8fZE7HBi63xYBzMpQ
Jayco has one, I'm sure there are other manufactures too
I'm happy with the Jayco we bought in 03

 

I'll bet if you got in touch with a trailer co... or even talked to some RV forums that given the wheelbase, horse power, gearing, tires, GVW of the truck, they could tell you max trailer you could tow... and tongue weight that would be safe...

john

 

In addition to all of the above, be sure to factor in the size of the cooling system. A single tier radiator will not work when you need at least a triple core towing package. Electric trailer brakes would be preferred. I'm set for electric on horse, hay and implement trailer as well as the folks camp trailer. Hydraulic surge on the boat trailer.
Then you have to factor in flat land, gopher hills or mountains, like 20 miles 6% or better grade like we have here in the Cascades.