Re: [A/S] Tow vehicle???

[Airstream12557@xxxxxxx]

Anthony, the 5680 pound tow rating leaves you 1180 pounds for a load in your 
trailer.  In another post to your question, the author suggested that you 
should check the GCVW.  This is an excellent suggestion.  That weight may be 
on the door frame of your Explorer.  I towed a 27 ft. Safari with a 5.7 L, 
1/2 ton GMC pickup with a 3.42 rear end.  I was quite satisfied on the flat 
ground here in the Midwest, but was not satisfied with the performance once I 
got to the higher elevations and started pulling the mountain grades.  In 
addition to the numbers you find for the tow rating for your vehicle, you 
will need to take into account where you will be towing.  Tim Taylor from the 
TV show Tool Time always said "more power".  When towing a trailer, his 
philosophy "ain't all bad".  Assuming your proposed tow vehicle meets the 
GCVW, you might consider is taking the trailer for a "test pull".  If this 
proves OK, then consider renting the trailer for a week or two for a longer 
test.

I've pulled Airstreams with pickups, the old style, full size Blazer and 
Surburbans.  Another good point the fellow made in the earlier post was about 
the wheelbase.  I had an older Surburban and ordered a new Blazer (about 
1970).  I went with a larger engine and higher number rear end to improve the 
towing performance, but when I hooked the Blazer to the Airstream I realized 
that it wasn't an ideal set-up.  The wheelbase of the Blazer was too short to 
make a "good" tow vehicle.  Later I traded the Blazer for a late 70's 
Surburban.  It did a great job.  It was a 3/4 ton, 454 ci, with 4.1 rear end. 
 Wasn't much for gas mileage, but it would tow a trailer.

Sam in KY