[A/S] Tow vehicle for 22'

["Terry Tyler" <tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Jim Stewart with the 1961 Bambi.

In a note you wrote:

(and hoping to find a Safari or Flying Cloud)

Jim, when I realized you would be going from a Bambi to a Safari or Flying Cloud, I had to reply.

We have a '67 Safari 22' that weighs in at about 4,500 pounds. We have used two of our tow vehicles
with it - a '75 Mercury Wagon 460 CID w/air and a factory towing package and a '87 Suburban 1500
w/air and a 6.2L diesel - no turbo charger. Both have towed our Safari from New England to Oregon
and back. Fuel mileage for both was similar with the diesel slightly better. My driving style is
usually at or slightly below the posted speed. 

The Mercury was superior under all conditions, even in the Rockies. Reserve capacity was evident up
to 60 mph, - and probably beyond. A slight touch on the accelerator at 60 mph had an obvious impact.
 Always, always, it felt like I had many options to control the situation. I'll never sell or trade
this tow vehicle. 
 
The Suburban was just adequate under most conditions and struggled in the Rockies. Reserve capacity
was seldom evident beyond 45 mph. Any amount of touch on the accelerator at 48 mph had little or no
impact. Sometimes, occasionally, it felt like I had one or two options to control a limited number
of situations. I like this big vehicle, it's fun to drive, it's mechanically reliable, everything
works, it looks great, there's no rust and it has cavernous carrying capacity.
 
Why do I mention these ideas? When changing from a Bambi to a Safari, the weight change of the 22'
may be a consideration when it comes to decisions about a tow vehicle. Buying a Safari or Flying
Cloud may mean buying another tow vehicle. 

Which is more important? Performance or miles per gallon. Which experience would make your day when
all was said and done - with you and your honey recapping the day's events? 

These are just ideas to consider. Only you can determine what will work best for you.

Terry
'63 Flying Cloud 22'
'67 Safari 22'

mailto:Tylerbears@airstream.net