Hi, new guy here. I have a '69 F-250 with a 360. So far it's been just a dump hauler but I'd like to restore it. I plan on getting a small 5th wheel and using it as the tow vehicle.

I guess my first question is whether restoring the '69 or just buying a newer vehicle would make more sense.

The '69 is a Camper Special so I assume the basics for towing are there.

Also, I was expecting to restore the '69 someday anyway so it's not just a dollars and sense issue. I have a '65 Mustang and the truck would be a nice complement.

The body's solid, only some surface rust, but I expect I'd have to replace the entire power train, shocks, etc. as well as the interior. I can't however restore it AND buy a newer vehicle for towing. It's one or the other. So if there are serious downsides to using the '69 I'll have to decide, keep it and rethink the 5th wheel or sell it for a newer vehicle.

If I do keep and restore it then the next question is repowering it. The 360 sucks gas like crazy, not something I want to be feeding as I travel around.
What would be a recommended engine that would get better mileage, be an easy swap, but still have the power to pull a small 5th wheel? It's a 3 speed auto btw.

What's the collective wisdom on these issues?