[A/S] Tow Vehicles

[Jim Whitworth <jim_whitworth@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

	Richard - What the good folks here are sharing with you is the
towing relationship or characteristics between a large trailer and the
tow vehicle. The trailer getting away from you at 60+ MPH & wagging the
tow vehicle will make you need a clean pair of Hanes. Hopefully you read
of Tony Turner's tragedy this morning and can therefore more easily
appreciate the point being made about the desire for longer wheelbase in
your tow vehicle. I traded a perfectly good low mileage Explorer with
the 5.0L engine and tow package because I could easily see it didn't
have the wheelbase to effectively help me handle my 28' Safari nor the
engine muscle to help me move in & out of traffic comfortably. After
some shopping, I chose the Ford 3/4 ton diesel pickup 
	(F250 PSD) as I felt it best met all my personal requirements.
But Chevrolet & Dodge both have great trucks too. That choice is very
subjective - some wouldn't accept a Ford truck if Ole Henry made a
special appearance to present it as a gift. Bottom line is that they all
will do a great job and give you a much higher degree of safety than the
Mercedes or Toyota. If you're not a truck kind of guy, take a look at
the Suburbans & Expeditions. But be sure to get as many horses as you
can, hooked to the right transmission & rear end. You'll also need a
good transmission cooler too, plus the weight distribution hitch and
brake controller, all of which have been discussed recently on this
List.

	Most of the above isn't necessarily inexpensive to buy, but is
chump change when you think of it as additional safety factors for you &
your family. I've ridden out an overturned (horse) trailer on a freeway.
It took me YEARS to get over the loss of that (my first) horse and to
pull a trailer again. 

	Probably more than enough said. When you've digested it all, let
us know how you elect to set up your tow vehicle. Your gonna love
Airstreamin' and the good folks you'll meet on the road, in the camps,
and in your local WBCCI.

	Jim Whitworth
	Houston