Re: [A/S] newbie questions

[wescott50@xxxxxxxxx]

Craig, welcome to the list.   Your choice of tow vehicle is a good one.
The 350 is adequate up to about 25 feet.   I know of people that have
towed 31 ft A/s with 1/2 ton 350's, and have done ...............OK.
But, not on hills.   The 350 half ton is really at its limit with 25
feet.   Suspension and Trans cooling are the keys.   Since you have
"chilluns", and lots of gear, you should probably step down to a  19 to
25 footer which will include lots of models, such as Globe Trotters,
Safari's, Trade Winds, and other lesser know models.  It really depends
on how much travel you will do and what type terrain.  I have a 350 half
ton GMC, and pulling a 23 ft Safari, at 5600 lbs loaded, in the
mountains was just about at the limit.  

When you are looking at models in the late sixties and seventies, watch
out for bent frames, tail droop, frame separation, and rotten floors.
Bent frames are usually caused by overloading, and rough roads.  Some
were also caused by the longer 31 footers with rear bathrooms.  Rats and
Mice are also a cause of bent frames, because they nest in the
fiberglass, then any moisture will collect around their nests, and cause
rust, which will eventually cause frame weakness, and failure.  Many
early seventies A/S had frame failure.   You sound like you are fairly
well read, so .............good luck in your search.

Bill Scott
61 Bambi, VAC & WBCCI #3221
1VP & Membership Chairman , WDCU
http://www.servintfree.net/wbcci-dc/