One of the most significant hurdles to hauler ownership is maneuverability. These vehicles can be unwieldy, making accessing parking lots and tight environments virtually impossible. This 1991 Ford F-150 could alleviate that problem. It is a genuine 1-of-1 prototype that articulates for greater flexibility. It is unclear why its creator never moved forward with a production version because the attention to detail is admirable. The Hauler is listed here on Craigslist in Holland, Michigan. They set their price at $15,000, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting this unique classic.
The history and backstory of this Ford are unclear, but the overall condition is respectable for a survivor of this vintage. The F-150’s Colonial White paint presents well, with a nice shine and only a few minor chips and marks. The panels are straight, there is no evidence of rust, and the glass and trim are excellent. However, the focus of this Truck will undoubtedly fall on everything from the cab back. The curved front on the articulated bed allows it to pivot by up to 30° without fouling the cab. Anyone who has ever tried to maneuver a hauler in a tight space will appreciate how important this is. The bed has a self-centering function, limiting the chances of damaging a vehicle during loading and unloading. The low approach angle means bumpers and spoilers are unlikely to be scratched or scraped as the car transitions from Terra Firma to the back of this beauty. A remote control raises the bed for a rear clearance of over a foot once everything is tied down, meaning curbs and driveways shouldn’t pose a challenge. The seller confirms the trailer was designed to carry small to medium cars and light SUVs. It wouldn’t cope well with larger vehicles or vans. However, the integrated belly lockers could make this ideal for towing the new owner’s toy to the race track!
One factor that may limit towing capacity is this Ford’s drivetrain configuration. The engine bay houses the fuel-injected 300ci six, producing 150hp and 260 ft/lbs of torque. Shifting duties fall to a five-speed manual transmission, with the seller confirming the forward set of rear wheels features a limited-slip differential. The power and torque figures for the six are respectable, but it is easy to see that this beauty would struggle with a couple of tons of 4×4 occupying its bed. It could probably do it if such a vehicle would fit within the physical confines of the bed, but the strain may prove too much in certain circumstances. The seller has listed this F-150 on behalf of his employer but provides no information on how it runs or drives. However, they seem approachable and may happily answer any relevant questions.
This classic’s interior presents well for a Truck of this vintage, with no ripped or torn upholstery. The cloth seatcover looks dirty, and how it would respond to a deep clean is unclear. It would be worth the effort because that approach might yield positive results. The dash features aftermarket switches associated with the custom rear, and some factory controls are missing knobs. However, it appears it would take more time than money to lift the appearance significantly. The interior isn’t loaded with factory options, although those living in warm climates would welcome the air conditioning.
There is something undeniably cool about this 1991 Ford F-150 Hauler, and the attention to design detail is impressive. I would love to know why the project only progressed as far as this single prototype because it would seem the ideal solution for city and urban environments. Often, the cost brings such endeavors to a grinding halt, and this would undoubtedly have been a reasonably expensive exercise. However, the seller’s price is affordable, making me believe it will find a new home soon.
All that built on a 150?
So bizarre not to go to 3/4 ton.. was available w 300 and stick.
Wild 150 here
I don’t think this was built to carry cars, that rail in the middle and the rollers on the side at the end of the bed makes me think it’s actually made to carry empty cargo trailers, a stack of small flat bed trailers, or small campers like pop ups. The trailer jack sits on a small car thats in the rail mated with a pin at the bottom and the wench pulls the rail car up
I think I have seen this in action, about 15 years ago…in the Cobo Hall Parking Garage. It has a winding entrance and exit, like a spiral staircase. At the time, we all thought it was part of the North American Auto Show. It was a cold January night, and we were tired from all the walking. Should have looked it over…
Being around farms and road construction, not to mention the millions of miles in a semi, that and a huge auto racing fan, I’ve seen practically every hauling setup known to man,,or woman. This,I’m sure most will agree with me THIS time, is an unusual way to transport a vehicle. So many things here don’t make sense. While the 300 is a great motor, bigger is better here, like a 534 big block,( biggest Ford V8 I know of) and I’d like to see how the drive setup is. You’d think a front drive and both rears tags,, but they say no. What does make sense, is the swiveling bed, obviously before rolloffs became popular, and for tight situations, I’m sure it worked great,,and a slow ride back. Car hauling is a huge PITA. Many times, I was told, YOUR car is 2 or 3 cars “in”, and none run, all with flat tires. I’d have to think, design wise, you could be in for a big surprise, struggling up a long grade, or coming down, WHOAAAAAAA,,anyway, I suppose it could work in a very limited setting, but there’s usually only one for a reason, I figure.
HMMMM, AAA, no thanks. It’s interesting, someone put quite a bit of time into it but no. Lets see, slow, oh you bet. I used an 82 F350 with a Jerr Dan aluminum unit. That truck is a 400 with a 4 speed and it is slow but you can put anything from a 59 Caddy limo to a 15 passenger van and it will roll and stop. The winch unit is bullet proof, so no tires, flat tires, cars with small trees attached load with ease. 15k is ok I suppose for a high roller to haul his go carts but for a car collector to move stuff around…no.. Mine is quite adequate for my needs. This unit couldn’t do half of what my unit does and from the design isn’t tough. This unit would be a mess if it did any dirty work. Pass car people, get yourself and old F350 series rollback or a square box Chevy with a Jerr Dan rig and go. Wether it is a load of lumber, an old parts heep, or a buddies grand piano, you will not have an issue. Pass on this, keep your car trailer and I hate car trailers.
^^^100% correct. ^^^
Lotsa shifting going to Ouray …
Interesting concept, but try opening a door of anything of normal height with those wheelarches in the way.
I was thinking the same thing. Seems like there’s a limit to what you can haul based on width/track. Interesting but a demonstration is needed.
My first thought was, I would like to have this, just for convenience when I do short trips etc. But looking at the comments I would reconsider. It seems as usual many people know more than I do
This could be a fantastic vehicle for a car show. Have a lightweight car to haul to the car show, and then displaying both of them together or very close. It would be the talk of the show both from the general public and car enthusiasts alike.
As a practical recovery rig, I would agree with all of the comments above, in that it is built on far to light of of a chassis and Insufficient power.
This rig has 8 lug wheels, so if it is an F150 the axles have been changed over to a F250, which is good for the bigger brakes.
You are correct, I’d bet this is a real F-250. Why go through the effort on a half ton?
Back in the ‘90’s someone built these on a Chevrolet / GMC chassis with a V8 and sold them, primarily for show car transport not for commercial use. They modified the transfer case so that it would be front wheel drive. With the ramp level, opening the doors was no problem.
For folks considering this, it would make sense to show a picture with the ramp level. ‘Cause I guess then doors could be opened. But, the purchase of a good used slide-back makes lots more sense.
Great for In-op Citroens!
Can someone please explain: if the entire “trailer” portion can articulate 25 degrees, and the first axle of “trailer” are the drive wheels, how does the driveshaft or pumpkin articulate 25 degrees to provide power to these wheels?
Good question.
There should definitely be pictures of all the underside and a picture with the bed up.
CV Joint
Please wake me up and tell me that it was just a nightmare…because I had a dream that I bought this ridiculous contraption.
…and can we please, PLEASE, stop with the ridiculous “respond to a deep clean” in every, single description? It’s getting ridiculous.
How about “a good scrubbing”?
First off , in my neck of the woods this would be overloaded empty . Second the local police that have been certified to be DOT inspectors saw you , they would have the orgasm of their lives before they even got you stopped . Now years back Danco (Dan was Jerry’s partner in the Jerr-Dan Corp. until they had a quarrel and he started Danco) produced a rollback that had a rotating bed you could pull up in a lot and spin the bed to load . That truck seemed , to some folks a great idea , but it was a total POS , the guys that bought one (and a friend of mine did) were stuck with a nightmare truck . This truck totally beats the Danco “Spin Bed” hands down and is truly a “Mechanical Abortion” . JMHO .
Not sure why you said all this twice, but regardless I would like to see a picture of the “Spin Bed” truck. Seems to me it was written up in some automotive magazine.
You bet the Dot Cops would love this THANG. I can see them waltzing around it as tickets flipped into the air like pixie dust…
cmarv is correct as far as the DOT. This truck is probably at it’s legal weight empty. Forget about putting what looks like a steel bed on it. I own a 1986 F350 dual wheel ramp truck with a steel bed and a 460 stick. It weighs 9500 empty. I bought it new before the DOT was cracking down on weights. Now I move my cars at night and on back roads. I weighed the truck with a Mustang on it and was over 13,000. I registered it for 14,000, but the VIN shows 10,000 pounds. I don’t know what they were thinking using a F150 for a ramp truck base.