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View Poll Results: tow vehicle tonnage
1/2 ton 342 44.07%
3/4 ton 336 43.30%
1 ton 98 12.63%
Voters: 776. You may not vote on this poll

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Old 12-21-2002, 11:13 AM   #21
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1995 21' Sovereign
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Smile

Silver Bullet

"Handling has never been an issue. Ford built these on F150 frames, the front and rear live axles both sport stabilizer bars (1' on front, 1 1/8 " on rear), heavy duty springs front and rear and high perfomance adjustable shocks front and rear."

Sounds like you got the handling under control with the stabilizers and shocks. I got a little nervous with the tail wagging the dog and few times, more important, I couldn't carry all of my toys with me when I had the Bronco. My 92 Bronco was one of my favorite trucks. I really miss the Bronco's size, turning and off road ability. I wish Ford would bring it back.

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Old 12-21-2002, 11:18 AM   #22
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Overdrive

When I towed with my 99 F150, I towed in 4th gear and in overdrive. (Standard Transmission)

I found very little difference in gas mileage if any.
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Old 12-21-2002, 12:00 PM   #23
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Niknas,

Yep, I've got the handling down (mechanically and expierence) but I've been "wagged" twice due to semi's pulling up behind 20 or 30 mph faster than me pushing air under the TT and relieving the downforce from above, (sometimes I think the do it on purpose). Slow deceleration and a good hitch/sway control set-up will straighten things up,the semi has to do one of three things, slow down, pass or (God forbid) hit you This situation (IMO) is why I do not use cruise control systems while pulling. I like to have control of the machine at all times.

My toys are easy, the Bronco for off-road excursions and a metal detector for finding that which has been lost by others previously. Hey, it's paid for a trip a time or two! Oscar
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Old 12-21-2002, 09:28 PM   #24
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The posts here point up one of the underappreciated facts of life about travel trailers as opposed to fithwheels- one has a choice of tow vehicles; truck, van, or SUV. And you retain your storage space too!

Mark
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Old 12-22-2002, 05:40 AM   #25
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A.R.E. Fulldoor

I have this type of camper shell on my truck. Without the tailgate, it's easier to reach inside to get items.
John
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Old 12-22-2002, 01:44 PM   #26
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Gears

Nik,

What was the axle ratio for your 97 F150?

Also, Ford dicontinued the full sized Bronco for the same reason the original Bronco and Bronco II went away. Not enough sales. Full sized Bronco has been replaced with Expedition. And Expedition sales have been a winner. Also look for Excursion to go bye bye. Same reason. Gotta sell more to keep it in the stable.

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Old 12-23-2002, 10:47 AM   #27
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OMG!! All those people with half tons, better upgrade soon before they crash and burn!
Guess it depends on what you're pulling, a 1/2 ton is fine for our '64 GlobeTrotter...

Shari
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Old 12-23-2002, 01:43 PM   #28
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longer is better!

the other thing i like about my rig is the long wheelbase, i think that is more important than 1/2 vs. 3/4 ton.

john
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Old 12-23-2002, 01:49 PM   #29
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I agree

My the is a Reg Cab Long Bed, but I still don't have the wheelbase that you have.

But I be poor and it will have to do!!!!!!!!!!!

Peace- John
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Old 12-23-2002, 01:51 PM   #30
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Daaaaaa again

My truck.......
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Old 12-23-2002, 03:24 PM   #31
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Action,

Quote:
What was the axle ratio for your 97 F150?
I sorry but I don't recall. I am going to guess it was a 3.73.

Nik

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Old 12-23-2002, 03:57 PM   #32
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Thumbs up GMC

My towing rig is a GMC Suburban SLT, 2500HD, Diesel, 4X4, ratio is 3.73. With the factory installed towing package, it does abt 18 mpg without the A/S and, around 13-14 mpg with the A/S. I use the Reese Torque bars, and anti sway setup. I must admit, that we've never experienced the 'effects' of 18 wheelers going by. Cross winds, also, have never been a problem either.

I swear that, there's times I have to look in the rearview mirror to "see" if the Silver Turtle, is in fact, still there.
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Old 12-23-2002, 07:10 PM   #33
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What year is your Suburban, its looks just like mine. Mine is a 94 with the 6.5. One problem (kinda major) is that it overheats in the mountains. Have you had any similar problems?

I'm going to get the radiator cleaned out real good after the first of the year, hopefully that will fix it.

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Old 12-23-2002, 08:37 PM   #34
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Thumbs up I'm surprised!!!

I'm surprised that the 1/2 ton tow vehicles have a higher percentage than the 3/4 ton. I learn something new everyday

John
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Old 12-24-2002, 05:15 AM   #35
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Unhappy Ouch~

Ken,
Thanks for asking.
It's a '95. I've been watching, and waiting for GMC to put the diesel in the newest Burb~! But, as of yet, that hasn't happen..DARN..<g>Ask em why and, then be prepared to listen to the biggest "BS".
Yes, it has gotten hot. What I do is:, Open all the windows, turn on the heater to full blast and, just let it rip. Don't you know? it kewl this baby down fast.
ciao
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Old 12-24-2002, 06:23 AM   #36
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'01 Chevy 3/4 ton crew cab diesel.

I would love to have a 'burb with the new Chevy diesel. That doesn't appear to be happening any time soon.
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Old 12-24-2002, 07:58 AM   #37
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Suburban

Hasn't Chevy put the 6.5 diesel in the Suburban prior to the Duramax diesel? Maybe the sales were so poor they decided not to fool with it for awhile. The latest tests at Pickuptruck.com shows that the Duramax has now been eclipsed by the new Ford turbo diesel engine. That means Chevy will now have to figure a way to pump up an already great Izusu engine.
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Old 12-24-2002, 10:39 AM   #38
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Question Not sure abt that..

Davidz71
I'm not sure abt that "sales" performance but, you could be right.
I know that mine ('95) is diesel and, runs like "forever"..I just had the compression checked abt 2 month ago with hi marks~Well above 420 psi per cylinders.(Readings below 380psi is a bench mark for repairs to follow soon)
I do know that the new diesel is available in pickups..The only issues that I'm aware of that's seems to be keeping the newer diesel off the Suburban market is the tranny..Apprears that GMC hasn't worked it out yet as to how it should fit in..(tranny, not the diesel).
If this is true and, the source that I'm in touch with, swears that it is..Sounds like someone goof in the designing of the newer Burbs.
I'm still watching...
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Old 12-24-2002, 10:43 AM   #39
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Nik,

Nice looking rig!

I'm surprised you had to keep the R's up for grunt power on your '97 with the 5.4l and a 3.73. In fact the magazine articles that I have seen show a flater curve for torque and one that comes on quickly, like 2000 to 2200 rpm. My current van struggles, however I am pulling near or at the max load.

And I would stick with a van (sans the 4X4 and diesel) however my family situation has changed and we need a SUV. So the venture to the Navigator. I have been considering 4X4 or 4X2 cause there are so many 4X4's out there. However, I have no need for a 4X4 and the tow rating for a 4X2 is 8900 #'s (vs 8100 #'s for a 4X4) for units built prior to 2003 model.

John,

As for the preponderance of 1/2 tons, why would that be much of a surprise. Half ton towing can be had up to 7500 #'s properly equipped. It's a less expensive rig. And the majority of trailers are smaller. Bambis, Globe Trotters, Tradewinds, and even my Overlander fits in to that catagory. Might be a nice topic for a new poll!

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Old 12-24-2002, 10:56 AM   #40
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KenJ~
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One problem (kinda major) is that it overheats in the mountains. Have you had any similar problems?
We had the same overheating problem when we were towing with our Jeep. We haven't had a problem with the Yukon though...one thing we learned is you shouldn't ever tow in overdrive, especially at altitude. All you guys probably already knew that though...

Shari
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