I tow a
1963 Tradewind (single axle) with a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the Mercedes 3.0L diesel engine. Some believe that this vehicle is not a capable tow vehicle. However, my experience, so far, has been very positive.
We have towed our Airstream about 3,000 miles with this vehicle. We just arrived in Florida for the St. Augustine National Rally. It was about 1,100 miles from Indiana and a very smooth trip. We averaged 17.1 MPG. During the stretch though the hills & mountains of Kentucky and Tennessee our mileage dropped to the low 16's. We get close to 18 MPG on flat stretches. These MPGs are actual calculations, not relying on the estimates on the instrument panel readouts.
We use an Equal-i-Zer hitch and experienced no sway even with strong cross winds, or passing semi tractor/trailers.
The 5 speed transmission only downshifted into 4th gear three times on very steep uphill grades. Otherwise it pulled effortlessly turning about 2000 RPMs at 60 mph.
I think this is a testiment of the towing ease engineered into the early Airstreams. Even with a vehicle that many think too small, and a hitch that is certainly not up to the standards of a Hensley, the old girl still tows great.
I might add that the new Henschen axle rode smooth as glass. Not one item was out of place during the 1100 mile journey.
BTW....... Having a great time at the St. Augustine Rally. What a great group of WBCCI folks. Didn't know one person when we arrived yesterday, and feel like part of the group already.
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