[A/S] Towing

["Nick Novia" <nnovia@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Always a little discussion on towing.

These are just my observations on the towing differences between my "68 Safari
22, and the '69 Overlander 27.
The Safari has a weight of approximately 3500 lbs dry.  I figure at most, a
thousand lbs of live load, even with ALL of my girlfriends convenience items!
(shoes)<g> 
So, maybe it's 4500 lbs.

I drive a 2000 GMC Sierra 5.3, with the 4.10 rear end, extended cab 6 1/2 foot
bed. The sticker said it was rated for 9500 lbs.  The manual says 8500.

When in tow, I hardly feel the Safari. I know it's there, but I can accelerate
easily.  There is absolutely no swaying with the dual cam system, sometimes
a slight porpoising on certain roads, and it stops easily!

When I hook up the Overlander, it's another story.  I figure it is only 1500
lbs heavier all the way around, although, I may be wrong. What could it be?
6500 the most, loaded? 

I really feel the tug with this one, although the sway is not bad, I can feel
it pulling the truck sometimes, and it is much harder to get going, and stay
going on the hills.

Maybe I'm just spoiled because I started towing the smaller one first!  With
the Safari, I can set the cruise at 65 mph, which pretty much is above the "tow
haul" usefulness, and have no problems.  When the big rigs go by, it doesn't
sway a bit.

I know I should keep it at 60 the most, but sometimes the road conditions seem
OK, and I find myself going faster without even knowing it!

Just my two cents on towing.

Nick