[A/S] Re: towing with a jeep-trying again

[Jim Redelfs <jim.redelfs@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

> I'm sorry, but the imports just will not do it, nor will many US
> made trucks.

I have subscribed to Trailer Life magazine for probably 20 years.

When the "fullsize" Toyota Tundra came out, the magazine ran a feature of
their test of the truck.

When staying within the official Toyota towing specifications, it was a VERY
capable vehicle.  I recall that it was a "glowing" report.

The big CAVEAT is "staying within the official" towing limitions.  Many
recommend the old "75% rule-of-thumb" where the REAL, full load equals no
more than 75% of the vehicle's official towing capacity.

The "half-ton" or 1500 series pickups today are little more (if ANY more)
different from the BIG, old full-size cars of yesterday that were regularly
used to tow big, loaded campers.  Today, however, the tow ratings are now
OFFICIALLY determined by the manufacturer.

You really don't see too many long trailers being towed by the
shorter-wheelbased SUVs.  Admittedly, I saw one today (Expedition towing
28-30-ft SOB TT), but that's what caused me to realize that I haven't seen
very many.

I wish I could easily convey the full scope of my towing experience with my
full-size/high-profile SOB behind our V6-powered S10 mini pickup.  I have
since upgraded tow vehicles to the outter reaches of the galaxy (496cid V8)
and have concluded that, when selecting a COMPETENT tow vehicle that will
not only tow what you have TODAY but will also adequatedly tow what you
UPGRADE to in the future, there are two, main criteria that must be
considered:

First:  Cubic Inches.

Second:  Wheelbase

If the OP REALLY wants to do it right, s/he will opt for something a little
less new but a LOT more competent as a tow truck:  A 2-3-year old big block
gasser that was traded in too early by an RVer with enough money to make the
upgrade to diesel.

           :)
JR