Re: [A/S] suburban 1500 ??

[Terry Tyler <tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Thomas,

Yes, you can tow a '74 29' Airstream with the 1500 Suburban 5.7L engine and
many do. But, that's not the question I would ask myself. For example:

1 - How do you feel about being the slowest one on the Interstate hills, or
how do you feel about accelerating onto the Interstate ramp and not being
able to achieve a minimum of 45 mph when you run out of merging lane, or
climbing a long hill (half an hour) on a hot day with the a/c going full
blast, traffic piling up behind you, no place to pull off and your
temperature gauge red lining (because your engine is overworking)?

There are many factors to consider and each one requires some predictability
on your part - otherwise, it's difficult to know your limitations - and that
means only one thing - you can inadvertantly get yourself into a dicey
situation without acceptable options available.

2 - How do you feel about not having any reserve when attempting to control
even the slightest sway as an 18 wheeler passes you? Remember, the old story
about pulling the string taut by simultaneously accelerating and feathering
the trailer brakes? A 5.7 liter engine with a 29' trailer behind it won't
provide much acceleration ooomph at 60 mph. If your tow vehicle can't
control the situation when you ask it to, then luck suddenly becomes your
copilot (and white knuckles will be what you have to show for it).

3 - How often and for how many miles are you planning to tow the 29'
trailer? If taking it to the lake from home and returning with it at the end
of the Summer will be the extent of towing, that's one story.

But, if you're taking it a thousand miles to the beach during your two week
Spring break and then returning home, that's another story.

Likewise, if you plan to roam the continent for several months at a time,
that's a much different story.

These are merely a sampling of considerations that I would have. Only you
can decide which considerations will apply to you or if none would apply.

Regardless of what tow vehicle you buy, the choice you make will, in fact,
be making the decision on how you'll be able to handle these and other
similar situations.

If you can avoid decisions based on emotions (it's a handsome truck) and
stick tightly to factors reflecting mechanical advantage, I think you'll be
far more satisfied in the long run (and safer).

Thomas, these are merely my opinions. Everyone has them. Never ever make
your decisions based on the opinions of others. Only you can identify your
needs and only your opinions should count.

Terry

mailto:tylerbears@airstream.net

1975 Mercury 460CID V8 with factory towing package

1967 22' Airstream Safari & 1963 22' Airstream Flying Cloud