[A/S] Re: Towing

["a9464" <a9464@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

 Hi, Wheelbase length is very important, but just as important is 
the "hookup" distance. The distance from the center of the rear axle 
to the center of the ball. The shorter the better. It gives the truck 
much better "leverage" when handeling the trailer. A long wheel base 
can be offset alot by too long a "hookup". That's why I prefer taking 
the box off the truck, chopping off all the excess frame, mounting a 
stainless steel bumper as close to the differential as possible. Then 
I build the receiver as close as possible. By reduceing the hookup by 
about a foot, you effectively increase the wheelbase. I then build an 
alum flatbed box to suit my trailering needs. But a lot of people 
don't care to give up the box they just paid $30k for. If you use an 
extended cab truck, you can gain a little wheelbase length. I don't 
like backing them up. Reduced visibility thru the rear window. 
Another thing I like about a flatbed is backing up. I look in the 
outside mirror and know just where the corner of the rear bumper is. 
When you consider that SUV's have a shorter "hookup" than a standard 
pickup, maybe the wheelbase isn't as short as they may appear. Good 
luck...Arnie