Best Tow Vehicle- '80's (7000#?) Airstream

[aaastircrazy]

Hard to pin down the best tow vehicles. Looks like I'll need to be able to pull about 7000# trailer + 1-2000# for total weight (gear). Do I need a 3/4 ton for this? Diesel? Ford Chevy Dodge Toyota? Any SUV's (Suburban, Tahoe, etc.) that will pull this weight? Would like to find a mid 2000's model suv (interior storgae) that will handle the AS. Need biggest motor? Liters? V8 enough? Heavy duty towing package, anti-sway, etc. Any good sites for finding used tow vehicles for sale? Looks like 30' AS from 80's wieght about 7000#. 70's models lighter? Any suggestions. Thanks!

[SteveH]

I would say for a 9000 pound load, trailer and stuff, you would need a 3/4 ton truck/SUV to have any comfortable reserve. Granted, there are 1/2 ton trucks now rated to tow that much, but with no "comfortable reserve". At a minimum, I would want a vehicle equipped with the towing package, a 4.10:1 rearend gear (3.73 would work with a Diesel), and at least a 6 Liter engine (gasoline), or any Diesel. If you are staying on the flatlands, a lesser drive train would work, at least until you got sick of it.

[altamont]

We have friends that pull their "ultralight" with a Nissan V8 pathfinder. After two trips out they are looking for a 3/4 ton diesel even though, on paper at least, their TV should work. Comfort is the name of the game and not having a good size reserve is not a happy situation.

[99Limited34]

I'd definitely vote for a 3/4 ton for that much weight..Some half tons might be rated to tow that much, but you'd be pushing it, I'd rather have some reserve....You'll need a good sized V-8.. I definitely prefer the diesels...They are great for towing...