Re: [a/s] looking for a tow vehicle....

["jim clark" <jec1938@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I have a 99 Silverado 1500 with the 5.3 engine.   I don't think I would want
anything smaller.... I have the electronic transmission control with the tow
mode switch on the shift lever.... I have a 4.something or other rear end
that is a little high according to the big boys, but it has not caused me
any problems...

I have used Mobil 1 in the engine and Marvel Mystery Oil in the gas for
upperlube since the truck was new.  It runs so smooth that it is easy to
forget that its running .... It's probably the best vehicle I have ever
owned....(you can get the same basic equipment in other models, but the
Silverado has lots of neat extras...)

I get 12.5 mpg with the trailer, 16 unencumbered around town and as high as
21 on the highway empty... ( haven't been empty in some time.....generator,
batteries , tools etc....)

The 5.3 and the 4.7 will cost almost the same and will give approx. the same
gas mileage.... I would suggest the 5.3 as a minimum and if you go for a
bigger trailer.(like a 30' 80's model).. get a bigger truck, like a 2500 0r
even 3500 series with the new Isuzu diesel.....In short... don't set
yourself up to where the tail is wagging the dog at the least excuse....A
lot of trailers, (big SOB models) are pulled by a tractor type of truck that
is often seen as a heavy duty wrecker... built by Peterbuilt, International
and others....Normally we would not think of something like that for an
Airstream, but a 2500 dually is definitely too much truck for the big
ones...

If everything stays straight and level, you can pull with a lot of a lot of
different equipment... If you get in any kind of a tight... you will
appreciate all the truck you can get....( reference Hunter's Dodge-em game
with the open range animals)

We are having fun with our little trailer, but 2 foot itis is setting in and
we are already thinking 25' would be nice and 27 even better.....

Good Luck
Jim