speed bump
Red Skull Member
Just to really drive the point home, here is a page from the owners manual for my 1980
F350 with 5.8L/351 engine isn't listed as able to tow a trailer above 3,500 lbs 5th wheel has a max weight of 6,500 lbs. Good luck finding a trailer rated that light. Nobody in their right mind is going to not tow 7k lbs on a goose/5th with any F350.
A 1980 F350 is a lot less truck than a highboy. No clue what they are rated at but I know mine would tow ~6k slowly with a Miller Big 40 in the back.
What does your 71 have for steering? My least favorite part of using my 71 was the manual steering.
As far as trailers for what you are doing and the truck you are pulling it with I bet a 10k is fine. There isn't really a downside to a 14k other than initial cost and replacement parts cost unless you are always towing big light stuff though.