[A/S] Re: hello I'm new with a question.

["overlander_64" <overlander64@xxxxxxxxx>]

Greetings Lisa!

Welcome to the world of Vintage Airstreaming!

I have owned my '64 Overlander International since 1995, and the 
slightly smaller TradeWind would have only a marginally lighter 
weight (my estimate would be less than 1,000 pounds difference when 
loaded).  When fully loaded for an extended trip, my Overlander is 
within a few pounds of 6,000 lbs. 

As one who travels for four to six weeks (and sometimes more) during 
the summer, I find that I like to select a tow vehicle that has the 
capacity to tow at least 25% more than the weight of my trailer.  My 
current K2500 GMC Suburban has a trailer tow weight limit of 10,000 
pounds (7400 VORTEC V8 with 4.10 differential gearing, and heavy duty 
factory trailer towing package).  It is my favorite tow vehicle of 
those that I have owned over the past ten years - - decent fuel 
mileage (14 to 16 MPG Solo and 10 to 13 MPG towing) - - plenty of 
power for mountain grades as well as freeway travel - - traveling 
comfort for up to eight people.  The Suburban's immediate predecessor 
was a 1995 Chevrolet K1500 Z71 club cab pickup with the 5.7 Liter V8 
and 3.73 differential gearing - - it was very nearly maxxed out with 
the Overlander, and its fuel mileage was less than with the Suburban 
under all conditions - - the main reasons for its departure was the 
lack of power on mountain grades, a fuel tank that was too small, and 
the harshest ride of any tow vehicle that I have ever owned.

A half-ton based tow vehicle with the factory heavy duty tow package 
would likely be sufficient for your TradeWind or Overlander unless 
you anticipate extended vacations that will include much mountainous 
travel.  If your travel plans include much extended travel in the 
mountains, I think that you might be better satisfied with a three-
quarter ton based tow vehicle with a big block V8 for greater towing 
stamina along with the 3.90 to 4.10 differential gearing that is 
typically part of the heavy duty trailer tow package.

Good luck with your search for a tow vehicle!

Kevin

Kevin D. Allen
WBCCI/VAC #6359
1964 Overladner International/1999 GMC K2500 Suburban
1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre/1975 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible