It takes more than hp to tow. The V8 has the torque to the do the job, although
the 4.0 ltr 6 is a wonderful engine. Again if you're in the low altitude,
flatlands, a V6 can work, but don't plan to go anywhere. In Denver the 5.0 ltr
V8 actually gets better mileage than the 6, but with much greater towing gusto.
Randy
asbestos wrote:
> 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 >>
> >
> >
