Re: [A/S] New to list Questions

[Jack Canavera <jpcanavera@xxxxxxxxx>]

Chuck,
I used to own a '91 Astro which had a premium gas H.O.
V6 and a 4.10 rear end.  The factory towing package
gave it a 6,000 lb towing capacity.  I towed a 21'
Hi-Lo and then went to a 28' Electra square side
travel trailer.  The Electra was a Thor built trailer
that used aluminum framing rather than wood.  It
weighed in about 4,750 lbs. dry.  

I towed in third and stayed out of O.D.  Did about 11
miles per gallon towing with the Electra.  17 with the
Hi-Lo.  

While the Astro was a stump puller, it did suffer from
a stability standpoint when pulling the Electra in
windy conditions or when we got passed by some of the
tractor trailers that like to travel at 70+ mph here
on I44 in Missouri.  I used a Reese dual cam sway
control which did great job, but at 28' feet the
Electra was like a giant sail.  I decided to trade the
Astro after a couple of years for a Chevy Express full
size van.  While I only picked up 500 lbs. additional
towing capacity, it was like night and day regarding
stability.  My new Safari adds another level of
stability over the Electra.

I think '91 was the last year for the 6,000 lb. Astro
and GM down graded them to 5,500 lbs. mostly because
of cooling concerns.  I never had a problem in this
area.

Bottom line the Astro was a very good tow vehicle
within its limits.  My own feeling is that dependent
upon trailer type, weight and style.  25' is probably
the limit that I would consider for towing, with
weight being an important factor.

Jack