Re: [A/S] Towing a Bambi with an SUV?

["Tuna" <rctowns@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

welcome to the world of land-yachting, Jeff. Years and years ago, i took the
plunge knowing virtually nothing about the subject and relying upon purely
operant learning... you have no idea how far ahead of the game you are by
having found this list.

Not that it matters greatly, but the oldest bambis were quite light, the
bambi II was a bit heavier, and the modern bambi is heavier still.
Nevertheless, a *full-sized* SUV, i.e., one with a bigger v8 engine,
torque-ier rear end (3.92 minimum, probably), and factory tow-package is
what you're looking for. Most fulltimers and frequent trailerers opt for
what might seem like 'overkill' to the untutored; one fish-tailing
experience will swing you over to that way of thinking in fairly short
order.

I towed many things many miles over the past couple of years with a '99
Durango w/5.9L 'magnum v8' - right up to it's limit of 7,500 lbs, with an
'ez-lift' load-distributing hitch and a jordan research ultima 2020
brake-controller. never had a single problem with the rig over some 20,000
or so towing miles - average load around 6k - 7k lbs.

Something equivalent to the durango/tahoe would be adequate for your
purpose... i won't say 'more than adequate', because the 'overkill factor'
disappears quickly when the unexpected occurs. You absolutely want the extra
margin of safety. Some might say that a v6 ford exploder - with no
load-distribution necessary - would do the trick, and it would, probably, on
the flats of I-80  in iowa... but the moment you hit the long grades or
steeper inclines found here and there in this country, you'd be burning up
your engine/transmission/brakes unbelieveably quickly, not to mention
operating at or near maximum capacity under *normal* conditions.

the shorter wheelbase of the suv is somewhat of a drawback with trailers
over 20' long, i think most would agree. longer wheelbase is better, but the
load-distributing hitches compensate a lot for that.

tuna
reno, nv