Andy, you can't be serious. A 34-footer behind an ML class Mercedes? I'm sure it will pull it, but safely? That's a little more trailer than I want behind a vehicle with a wheelbase that short.
__________________ AIR #8891 Unrestored 1969 25' Tradewind (that needs new axles) Overkill Tow Vehicle of the Year Award: 1997 Chevy C3500 Crew Cab Dually 6.5L Turbo Diesel
Here's my qustion now......will the V6 Touareg at 280HP be sufficient for my 20' Safari or the new 23' FB model I'm considering?
Sorry to keep draggin this on........
Mike
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"May God be with you, and may the devil be crushed underfoot as you march for peace on the skulls of our enemies, for goodwill, security and the quality of life that comes only with democracy" -- Ted Nugent
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Computers manufactured by companies such as IBM, Compaq and millions of others are by far the most popular with about 70 million machines in use worldwide. Macintosh fans note that cockroaches are far more numerous than humans and that numbers alone do not denote a higher life form. -NY Times 11/91
Given: Some (fortunately only some) RV dealers and quite a few auto/truck dealers don't understand tow setups very well. If I had to deal with the push and pull of daily driving/towing needs and found myself with a midsize vehicle, I'd go out of my way to pay a call on Andy (Andrew T) in London, Ontario. Low side-flex tires and a Hensley later, I'd be in better shape than some surprised folks with muscled up TV-trailer combos. But I'd apply everything he says and certainly wish that he oversee it personally. Lewster and others report talking to many Canadian travelers in Florida with such setups -- Lew is not surprised to see that they've made many trips trouble free (including mountain interstates). 34 footers? I have a hard time on every point. But I keep trying to follow Andy and will say that he has my strong respect.
Touaregs? Devoman and Westfalia are good advocates. I think Devoman had a Bambi (19') when he said a V6 wasn't great in this thread. On your own, use Search - Advanced. Use only one keyword - Touareg. Place either Westfalia or Devoman under User Name. Click 'Search Now' and start reading.
I've read a lot on here about the air suspension and generally lower horsepower of the models before this year.
Would you think the air suspension is a neccessary addition on this model? I havent found any v6 models between Denver and Pueblo with the air suspension.
Honestly, we're down to comparison of this V6 280HP Touareg and the V8 4runner. This will NOT be my primary TV, as my Tundra will remain primary.
Thanks again,
Mike
__________________
v/r
MDP
"May God be with you, and may the devil be crushed underfoot as you march for peace on the skulls of our enemies, for goodwill, security and the quality of life that comes only with democracy" -- Ted Nugent
Here's a slightly different take. When deciding on my present TV, I went to the numbers, for better or worse, as well as others' experiences. The numbers come from factory specs, so may not be totally accurate (they arealways fudged between optimism and liability), but are probably fairly precise (done the same way across brands).
For those interested in the numbers, here is a thread (with spreadsheets) and
an application.
We found a 2006 V8 model, new, still on the lot we may make a low offer for. The other is a 2008 V8 model.
Does anyone else find purchasing a new car frustrating???
Mike
__________________
v/r
MDP
"May God be with you, and may the devil be crushed underfoot as you march for peace on the skulls of our enemies, for goodwill, security and the quality of life that comes only with democracy" -- Ted Nugent
Does anyone else find purchasing a new car frustrating???
Mike
A better question is who DOESN'T find buying a new car frustrating. I've learned a few things over the years that make it a little easier, but spending a big chunk of money all at once has never fallen completely off of my 'things that stress me out' list.
__________________ AIR #8891 Unrestored 1969 25' Tradewind (that needs new axles) Overkill Tow Vehicle of the Year Award: 1997 Chevy C3500 Crew Cab Dually 6.5L Turbo Diesel
First choice for me in an SUV. Mercedes ML320 CDI. Great bang for the buck massive torque and great fuel mileage. Second the Mercedes ML350. Mated to the 7 speed transmission the 3.7 Litre V6 will perform similar to your tundra but handle better.
I towed an 3500 lb SOB with a '98 ML320 and now tow our 20' Safari with an '05 ML500. It's a great combination.
Mike... For years my buddy towed a smallish 19'SOB TT with an 05 Nissan Quest Mini Van. It worked well but he wanted something with a bit more power. This year he upgraded to a new 4 Runner V8. He reported it did have more get up and go but for sure he now feels the 18 wheelers going by and the crosswinds giving him some sway issues. He is working on solutions to those concerns now.
Update...... Got an email from my buddy the other day. He didn't want to get into making mods or installing an expensive hitch to improve the 4 Runner's stability so he traded it in a new Toyota Sienna Mini Van.
The Sienna a proven track record as a TV so my guess is that he should be happy with the overall performance. He tows a 19' sob.
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