[VAC] New Airstreamer-to-be on List

["Terry Tyler" <tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Jill,

The comments by Marc Weimer (below) are exactly what we experience with our 1978 Ford E-250 Van when
towing either our 31' or 32' Airstream. This winter, our 23 year old Van has introduced us to
several mechanics so far. Each time, we have needed a minor part. Fortunately, the part was readily
available from the local NAPA dealer. The same thing has occurred with our 1975 Mercury when towing
one of our 22' Airstreams. Some people get bent out of shape by such delays. We're used to it, know
how to handle it and don't consider it a big deal. 

The reply by Pat Ewing (below) is right on the money. When towing our '67 22' Safari, I use our 1975
Mercury Station Wagon. It has all the bells and whistles, 460CID with dual exhausts, extreme
transmission cooling capacity, over size radiator and numerous upgrades to the factory trailer
towing package.

The wagon provides the storage space we need (several tool boxes, electric wheel chair, lawn chairs,
pet carrier and satellite receiver), the roof easily accommodates our canoe (I cn load it on and off
without grunting) and the stiffened suspension provides excellent manners at all Interstate speed
limits. There are additional features and modifications than what I've listed here.

As the owner for more than 25 years, it has always been kept in mint towing condition and used
regularly for towing. It has needed only minor restoration of one rocker panel. The guys in our
local performance shop want to chrome everything under the hood, but that's too indulgent for me.
This Mercury was used on the Ohio VAC caravan in 1999 and used extensively last year in the
Adirondack Mountains. It performs superbly, is always in command of the situation while towing and
does it all without strain (on regular gas, too).    

Our newest tow vehicle is a 1986 GMC diesel suburban and is not turbo charged. It has every
performance modification our diesel specialist can legally do. We used it in 1998 when towing our
'67 22' Safari to the west coast from New England. We followed the Oregon Trail its entire length,
then caravaned with VAC through the Sawtooth Mountains in Idaho, attended International and returned
to the northeast.

The 6.2L diesel engine performed flawlessly, provided 14 miles per gallon while towing, but never
had enough oooomph to get out of its own way. At 45 mph, I could press hard on the accelerator and
the only thing that occurred was the engine became louder (much louder). The way to accelerate was
to feather dust the accelerator and wait patiently while the speedometer needle slowly crept up.
This usually took several miles of flat Interstate highway. We quickly learned to anticipate any
need to accelerate and to never expect to keep up with traffic unless going downhill. It's a
handsome truck inside and out, very comfortable, mechanically sound, a pleasure to drive solo and
the radio/tape deck works great.  

Jill, I know neither of these three tow vehicles are the brand you want, but knowing the
configuration of features and performance we've experienced - maybe it'll provide you with ideas
about what sort of capability could meet your needs, in circumstances you expect to encounter. We
travel the length and width of the continent several times a year. Our muscular 1975 Mercury Station
Wagon is by far our best vintage tow vehicle. 

Terry
mailto:tylerbears@airstream.net