The ford explorer V8 is only 5hp stronger then the V6. according to consumer
repts.
Also check out the new kenworth pilgrimage ---
http://poseur.4x4.org/futuresuv.html
----- Original Message -----
From: Randy Unter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 26, 2000 12:45 PM
Subject: Re: [VAC] SUV"s for towing
> Yes, many options. I went through the same search a year ago when shopping
for a
> tow vehicle for my '66 26' Overlander International with dry weight of
4250#'s.
> I live in Denver so needed a vehicle capable of mountain grades/high
altitude
> operation. Here are some vehicles for you to consider: Ford: Explorer (V8
model),
> Expedition (5.4 V8), Excursion-any model. Chevy/GMC: Tahoe/Yukon-any
engine but
> the 5.3 V8 has a margin of power. Suburban/Yukon XL-the standard for
decades of
> towing. Dodge: Durango (preferably the 5.9 V8, but the 4.7 will work if
you stay
> out of the mountains-also order the 3.92 axle ratio. This was my choice
and it has
> been a winner). Toyota/Lexus: Land Cruiser/LX 470 with the 4.7 V8 (pricey
but
> luxury). Lincoln: Navigator. The new 300 HP 5.4 V8 is sensational if you
can stand
> the garish interior. I found this vehicle to handle remarkably well for
its size
> and weight, far better than the Expedition on which it is based. I felt as
> comfortable and safe in this vehicle as I have in previous Suburbans. Land
Rover:
> I don't consider this vehicle well suited to tow usage. 4 liters is too
small for
> heavy hauling, plus Land Rover's traditional unreliability. None of the
compact
> SUV's with V-6 engines, even if the dealers say they will tow your a/s,
unless you
> are just going to the beach and back. If you plan to travel in your a/s to
> mountain areas, add 50% to your a/s' weight to determine the tow capacity
of the
> vehicle. In general, vehicles loose 1000 lbs of tow capacity for every
mile in
> elevation. So, you probably need at least 6000 lbs of comfortable tow
> capacity...unless your trips are to the beach.....then a bicycle will do..
>
> Stick to axle ratios above 3.73. Those climbs out of the coastal lowlands
can be
> taxing. The higher axle ratios make for relaxing mountain descents as
well,
> providing effective engine breaking without the need to ride the brakes,
saving on
> the a/s, vehicle and your wear and tear. Also, upgrade to all heavy-duty
service
> options which include HD cooling, electrical, brakes, axles, etc. These
are
> remarkably cheap when new but pricey later. Good luck shopping.
> ps. Do you serve sushi in your a/s?
> Randy Unter
> '66 Overlander
> Denver
>
> [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
>
> > Are there any other towing options besides pickup trucks? I have a 25'
> > Airstream and no vehicle yet to tow it. Are there any capable SUV's out
> > there?
> >
> > Doug Whaley
> > '74 Airstream
> > Burbank, CA
> >
> > In a message dated 7/26/00 10:22:14 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
> >
> > << I concur with John's assessment that the bigger tow vehicle is
better, even
> > though you can 'get by' with a smaller vehicle. A half ton pickup will
tow a
> > 20-30' a/s trailer, but, I would recommend at least a 3.73 axle ratio
for
> > optimizing torque for acceleration/hill pulling. Also, living in
mountain
> > filled
> > Colorado, I have found these axle ratios to effectively provide engine
braking
> > when descending +6% mountain grades, albeit in second gear. I believe
3/4 ton
> > truck based vehicles work the best for overall stability and safety
(brakes,
> > suspension, engine cooling, electrical, etc.). If you are considering a
new
> > vehicle, price the difference between a 1/2 ton, 3/4, and a 1 ton
vehicle.
> > You'll
> > be surprised at how little more vehicle costs.
> > As to size, four people with two opposite sex children may be a
challenge in
> > anything less than both a motor home with a/s in tow. Your children may
be at
> > an
> > age or soon to be where they value their space/privacy which posses a
problem
> > in
> > the small space of an a/s, even the larger ones.
> > Another option is to add a tent or awning enclosure for folks to get
away from
> > each other for privacy.
> > Randy Unter
> > '66 Overlander
> > Denver >>
>
>
