|
Post by littlefathorse on Apr 12, 2017 6:00:37 GMT -8
For the past couple of months I have been on the lookout for a smaller travel trailer that I can rebuilt over the summer. After searching craiglist and ebay I started to think to myself, can I really tow something like this with my little Ford Escape? To which many mechanics said, no that is not a good idea at all. So now I'm adding new car to the list of things I need for this project. I was wondering what might be the best option for me to look into. I prefer an older pickup truck, bc aesthetically I think the new ones are butt ugly. But I plan to be driving across country with this whole setup so I'm not sure that is the smartest idea. I suppose a bigger SUV could also be an option. Or a van. I've been doing a lot of research on my own. Just wanted to see what other people have and what works best for them.
|
|
nccamper
Administrator
Posts: 7,743
Likes: 2,870
1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
Currently Offline
|
Post by nccamper on Apr 12, 2017 10:44:29 GMT -8
|
|
chametzoo
Full Member
Posts: 585
Likes: 128
1960 Mobile Scout
Currently Offline
|
Post by chametzoo on Apr 12, 2017 11:09:35 GMT -8
I have a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I bought it for $5,000 with about 85,000 miles on it. It was well maintained and had only one previous owner. I took it to my shop before purchasing it and it was declared to be in excellent condition. It's a ubiquitous and very successful vehicle model and very flexible. I selected it specifically for towing. It has a 4.7L V8 with the manufacturers towing package: that is, the wiring and 7-pin plug, transmission cooler and towing hardware in the back. It now has a little over 100,000 miles and it tows my 1960 Mobile Scout admirably (about 3,000 lbs loaded and most likely 250 to 300 lb. tongue weight). I use an Andersen anti-sway/weight distribution system and tow vehicle and trailer get along just fine, and the Jeep does an admirable job. I live in the western US, so it's all up and down, mountain passes, etc. I believe this is an ideal vehicle for towing modest sized trailers. It is built like a truck: chassis on frame. Many SUV's are unibody construction and have very limited tongue weight capacity, even though their engines may technically be able to pull the weight. Lay too much weight on their back end and you may very well damage the body in a serious way. Size of engine is just a single factor in a larger towing equation. Also, having an auxiliary cooler for your transmission (a typical feature of a towing package) is essential as well, except maybe if you live in the flatlands. Transmissions usually fail or overheat under duress before your engine will. Keeping your transmission in a steady 3rd gear (or lower if necessary) is best in hilly country… otherwise, it will be constantly “hunting” for the right gear… and too much unnecessary shifting builds lots of heat in the gear box. On long flat terrain, you can let it go into overdrive high gear.
So remember: terrain, temperature, transmission cooling system (you can add this to an existing vehicle that does not have one), engine capacity and real truck construction for high tongue weight capacity. A good (and unconventional and easy to set up) anti-sway/weight distribution hardware like the Andersen will make your towing experience a relaxing one. Also, no question, trailer brakes and a brake controller in your tow vehicle. Trailer brakes will not only slow your whole set up more quickly and safely, but the brake controller can be operated manually if necessary and can quickly diminish any sway that begins to build in the trailer (by applying trailer brakes only, it takes the slack out of most swaying situations). Oh… and keep your speed down; 55-60 and 65 if you're on the flats, with no cross winds.
Maybe more than you wanted to know, but the choice of vehicle is implicit in all these other factors I mention.
|
|
|
Post by littlefathorse on Apr 12, 2017 11:23:06 GMT -8
That was exactly the right amount of information I needed to know. Thank you for the input. I'm just diving into this project head first and learning as I go.
My transmission actually went 2 years ago on my escape, so I was already weary of that situation having recently paid for that mess. I figured it could not handle even a smaller trailer unless it was a pop up. Which I'm not really interested in. I always loved Jeeps so its nice to know that something like that could be an option.
|
|
ruderunner
Active Member
Posts: 472
Likes: 97
Currently Offline
|
Post by ruderunner on Apr 15, 2017 4:13:56 GMT -8
I wouldn't rule out older pickup truck, especially 73 and newer. Most have designs that are still competent and parts availability is not a big deal. As with any used vehicle purchase, a thorough inspection is a good idea. Basic half tons can handle most vintage units.
Realize of course that the older stuff will be lacking in creature comforts, functional ac and cruise being tough to find. But there are kits to add or update a truck.
Mid 80s saw the addition of fuel injection and overdrive transmission and the comfort options ramped up.
Just a note about the Grand Cherokee, it is not body on frame construction. Nor are the regular Cherokee. That said, for the weight, they are adequate.
|
|
chametzoo
Full Member
Posts: 585
Likes: 128
1960 Mobile Scout
Currently Offline
|
Post by chametzoo on Apr 15, 2017 12:06:07 GMT -8
Just a note about the Grand Cherokee, it is not body on frame construction. Nor are the regular Cherokee. That said, for the weight, they are adequate. Ruderunner… I stand corrected regarding the JGC. But the sucker can carry quite a bit of tongue weight without consequences. You can also use weight distribution hardware, which is often strictly prohibited on many SUV and automobile designs because of the stresses introduced to the unibody. For what it's worth, here's a quote from a chassis, frame & rails parts supplier for the '03 model: “However, even though a unibody SUV doesn’t have an evident frame, it still relies on a number of load-carrying members” www.carid.com/jeep-grand-cherokee-chassis-frames/So perhaps the JGC's underlying structural members are designed to support these exceptional stresses? In any case, in my experience, it's a great tow vehicle for our single axle vintage trailers.
|
|
ruderunner
Active Member
Posts: 472
Likes: 97
Currently Offline
|
Post by ruderunner on Apr 18, 2017 8:34:07 GMT -8
There's many ways to design a unibody vehicle, most are geared towards weight reduction, cost reduction, crash worthy ness etc. But there are plenty of unibody vehicles where hauling and towing were considered as important.
Older gm and dodge full size vans come to mind.
|
|
chametzoo
Full Member
Posts: 585
Likes: 128
1960 Mobile Scout
Currently Offline
|
Post by chametzoo on Apr 18, 2017 11:04:04 GMT -8
There's many ways to design a unibody vehicle, most are geared towards weight reduction, cost reduction, crash worthy ness etc. But there are plenty of unibody vehicles where hauling and towing were considered as important. Older gm and dodge full size vans come to mind. Thanks… this is more good information for the original poster of this thread to make his/her best choice for tow vehicle/travel trailer combination.
|
|
|
Post by bigbill on Apr 18, 2017 14:36:31 GMT -8
This is a very difficult question to answer as everyone has a favorite make, model, brand, motor ,transmission, or whatever. My suggestion is before buying anything check factory specs to see what it's tow/ load ratings are as you might buy two vehicles that look exactly alike but one will tow a 7000 pound trailer while the other might not even be tow rated. Many things factor into tow vehicle selection, from your budget to the load and terrain you are operating in. You can find much info on this if you look. Start your search right here on this site. Look in towing and tow vehicles you will find 90 plus entries.
|
|
turbodaddy
1K Member
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 462
17' 1965 Fan "Sunseeker"
Currently Offline
|
Post by turbodaddy on Apr 21, 2017 15:36:56 GMT -8
Still on the quest for a suitable tow vehicle. Anyone own a Chevy Avalanche? I think they are kinda homely looking, but so is our trailer! Interesting versatility of design. Not quite a truck, not quite a car...my daughter calls it a "caruck". Supposed to be rated for 7000 lbs towing capacity. Built on same frame as Suburban and Silverado, with V-8 Vortec engine.
|
|
|
Post by vikx on Apr 21, 2017 20:16:01 GMT -8
7K is a great towing capacity. If you can live with the ugly, it's probably a good truck...
|
|
chametzoo
Full Member
Posts: 585
Likes: 128
1960 Mobile Scout
Currently Offline
|
Post by chametzoo on Apr 22, 2017 10:30:35 GMT -8
Still on the quest for a suitable tow vehicle. Anyone own a Chevy Avalanche? I think they are kinda homely looking, but so is our trailer! Interesting versatility of design. Not quite a truck, not quite a car...my daughter calls it a "caruck". Supposed to be rated for 7000 lbs towing capacity. Built on same frame as Suburban and Silverado, with V-8 Vortec engine. If you plan on towing through mountainous terrain with elevation changes, I think a V-8 is a must, even with a modest sized trailer. It truly makes the towing experience less stressful. If it doesn't already have a towing package, I would put a cooler loop to the auto transmission. The 4 doors and the short bed are a little disproportionate, but it's not too bad looking. The short bed will be just enough for all your travel junk, tools, etc!
|
|
|
Post by vikx on Apr 22, 2017 20:11:30 GMT -8
I always suggest a FACTORY towing package. They know what the vehicle needs. I'm also guessing at 7K towing capacity, it has the factory package already.
|
|
ruderunner
Active Member
Posts: 472
Likes: 97
Currently Offline
|
Post by ruderunner on Apr 23, 2017 3:22:23 GMT -8
Could be a 3/4 ton Avalanche,
That said, I find them uh useless. Not enough enclosed storage and not enough open cargo space. I'd pick a suburban or pickup instead.
|
|
|
Post by vikx on Apr 23, 2017 23:55:41 GMT -8
I like your thoughts, Ruderunner.
|
|