Looking at Hybrid and Vintage Tow Vehicles

[rec]

Thanks for all the valuable info -- I've actually found a 1978 Town and Country wagon that only has 14,000 miles on it (a true "little old lady from Pasadena" car). Do you have any suggestions for questions I should ask the owner or things I should look for to determine if this will a) meet my towing needs, and b) not be a maintenance nightmare? Do I need to plan to have a transmission cooler, etc. put on it?

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by rec

Thanks for all the valuable info -- I've actually found a 1978 Town and Country wagon that only has 14,000 miles on it (a true "little old lady from Pasadena" car). Do you have any suggestions for questions I should ask the owner or things I should look for to determine if this will a) meet my towing needs, and b) not be a maintenance nightmare? Do I need to plan to have a transmission cooler, etc. put on it?

Transmission cooler?

Absolutely.

Best insurance you can give the transmission.

But, "DO NOT" mount it in front of the radiator.

Andy

[Silvertwinkie]

No on the Jeep unless it's a 16'. Vintage, 19 still might be ok, but not with a newer Airstream or other RV for that matter.

Vintage wagon with a vintage Airstream or other RV, sure, most wagons could tow a vintage trailer up to maybe 27' depending on engine, wheelbase, etc, maybe more.

There is one person on the forum that does tow a 16' Bambi with a Hybrid. I would NOT tow anything larger than that with any of the Hybrids that are out there, except for say the Chevy Pickup Hybrid, that is a bit more stout than say a Highlander Hybrid.

Bottom line if you are in the 27 to 31 foot range, you should be thinking a wheelbase in the ballpark of at least 130", maybe even a few inches more.