Bronco is a no-go

[scubachris]

I have an 84 Bronco that I love, the problem is that everyone I have talked to says it is unsafe to use as a towing vehicle. Right now I am saving to buy a 25 or 27 ft Eddie Bower, but I need to start planning for a new vehicle. My question is what to get. I like my Bronco because it is compact, and big. It is just my daughter and I so I don't need a suburban type vehicle. The only new vehicle I like is the new Grand Cherokee, but it is expensive. Is there any vehicles I am missing?

Thanks,
Chris

[zlee]

Touareg TDI. That's my dream TV. Not sure it'd tow a 25' though.

[TG Twinkie]

I'd buy a Toyota Tundra or Sequoia. Very dependable long lasting and comfortable. But be sure it has a tow package rated for the trailer you choose.

[idroba]

If you don't get all the bells and whistles, and stick with the Pentastar V6, the Jeep GC would be good up to about a 25' trailer, and cost in the lower 30's range. With all the stuff on it (which I really wanted) the GC Overland Hemi I got was considerably more, but I figured it will be my last TV, so, what the heck. I have only one 1000 mile trip so far, but it is a very, very nice TV for the 20' Argosy.

[perryg114]

Are jeeps any more reliable than they use to be? They tended to break a lot from that I remember. They are owned by Fiat now which I think it among the most unreliable brands out there.

Perry

[Rebee]

I am a fan of over kill, especially when there is work to be done. If it were me, I would look at a 4 door, short bed pick-up, 3/4 ton, with a shell on the back it would also have storage for all kinds of extras such as bikes. 4 wheel drive could be a help depending on your off road desires. Get enough motor so it would not strain too hard on hills. I am sure a good used truck could be found for a reasonable price. For fuel economy check rear end ratios and tire selections.

[ROBERT CROSS]

As Rebee noted it's better to have more than you need....than need more than you have.

Be watchful of the tow vehicle payload and axle ratings, you will be surprised by the loaded weight and tongue weight of the Streams you are considering.
The Factory numbers are notoriously low.

Good luck in your search.

Bob

[jdalrymple]

Buy your trailer at Can-Am, they seem to be able to make any tow vehicle-trailer combo safe...

Best Regards,

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by jdalrymple

Buy your trailer at Can-Am, they seem to be able to make any tow vehicle-trailer combo safe...

Best Regards,

Looseeanna to London...thats a bit of a streeeeeeetch.

Bob

[kevin242]

I don't know why people are calling your Bronco an unsafe tow vehicle (unless it's a Bronco II!). Have they said why?

If it has the towing capacity, is in good mechanical condition and has a proper weight distribution hitch set up, it should be able to tow an appropriate sized Airstream.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by kevin242

I don't know why people are calling your Bronco an unsafe tow vehicle (unless it's a Bronco II!). Have they said why?

If it has the towing capacity, is in good mechanical condition and has a proper weight distribution hitch set up, it should be able to tow an appropriate sized Airstream.

84 Bronco.....it's time, I think he's doing the correct research.

Bob

[Road Ruler]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

84 Bronco.....it's time, I think he's doing the correct research.
Bob

yup!

[jdalrymple]

Not so far on the map.

Or if I say it real fast.

[zlee]

Originally Posted by jdalrymple

Buy your trailer at Can-Am, they seem to be able to make any tow vehicle-trailer combo safe...

Best Regards,

I disagree with Bob, since i dont think its much further CO to London! But they spend a fair amount of time at CanAm saying, "no, you can't tow that with that." (They were very specific about what i could tow and what i couldn't.) If you want to be SURE the Bronco can or can't tow your trailer, give them a call or an email (tell them we sent you) and ask, they'll be happy to talk to you whether you're buying from them or not. (Andy's said before that he has to walk around campgrounds being careful not to look; he estimates roughly 3/4 of rigs are hitched improperly.)

[slowmover]

Towing puts a lot of strain on a vehicle, more than racing. It'll find all the weak spots where components and/or systems are old & tired. A thirty-year old SUV is not, IMO, the way to go.

A turbodiesel SUV is the TV to which to compare all others when starting from scratch. The default comparison. While a half-ton truck appears to be from a conventional starting point, an Airstream has the advantage of it's design over the SWB's.

Choose the TT first. Check weights. Consult CAN AM. The "best" TV (best for you) will make things enormously different; better.

.

[50KIP]

For those who doubt the towing capabilities of shorter wheelbase vehicle should watch the Airstream produced video on You Tube titled Airstream Performance. BTW: The Porche Cayenne is the same body as the VW Touareg, but with 500 hp.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqWHSsHcxRU

[AWCHIEF]

Interesting and impressive test but I would like to see done with more common TV trailer combinations.

[ROBERT CROSS]

........ the original question was 84 Bronco, that said, lets all agree he's doing the rite thing by researching a compatible tow vehicle.

As a former user of a full size "short wheelbase" SUV.....never mind.

Bob

[Road Ruler]

Originally Posted by 50KIP

For those who doubt the towing capabilities of shorter wheelbase vehicle should watch the Airstream produced video on You Tube titled Airstream Performance. BTW: The Porche Cayenne is the same body as the VW Touareg, but with 500 hp.

That is a sweet set up. Would luv to have that whole pkg in our driveway.

Note that the big influences in this combo are the
short rear overhang on the TV,
the Hensley,
high end performance tires/suspension,
etc.
When there are so many positive things going on as in this Porsche/Airstream combo the wheelbase becomes much less of a factor.

[Ag&Au]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

........ the original question was 84 Bronco, that said, lets all agree he's doing the rite thing by researching a compatible tow vehicle.

.............................................

Bob

Too late to get a consensus "on subject". Someone has already said "Oh, look at the kitty!" ( or if you're a dog fan "Squirrel!!!!").

Ken