Looking for a Tow Vehicle for a 57 Flying Cloud...

[Skellington]

Hi Everybody, As Spring is finally here in Western Canada, I am starting to look for a Tow Vehicle for our '57 Flying Cloud. The Specs on the old brochure says 22 ft. bumper to hitch and #2870 lbs. So, What can I get away with? I am thinking SUV or Truck, I don't think the weight will ever be an issue, but with the length?? So far I have looked at Tahoe's, Suburban's, F150, Silverado 1500. They all seem more than adequate.

While I would like something more period like a '50's wagon or something, I am also worried about comfort and reliability. I have thought about Dodge Magnum's as well as I like the "retro" feel of the wagon.

Any practical suggestions? or even unpractical suggestions?

Thanks, Dave

[utee94]

If money is no object, then I'd recommend a 1957 Cadillac Eldorado convertible.



Otherwise, any of the more mundane vehicles you mentioned will be fine. I pull my '63 26-footer with a 2005 Tahoe.

[Road Ruler]

Originally Posted by Skellington

I have thought about Dodge Magnum's as well as I like the "retro" feel of the wagon.

Any practical suggestions?

Thanks, Dave

A number of Airstream owners are towing with the V6 and V8 Magnums. One forum member has a 34' Airstream.

Your 22 is not that heavy so your options are too great to list on one page.

Give us your top 5 favorite vehicles and maybe you will get some comments/opinions.

[wahoonc]

Just about anything on the road with a V-6 or V-8 and a tow package should be able to handle it. I love the idea of going vintage. If you get a good solid vintage vehicle and take care of it you shouldn't have problems towing with it. FWIW my old 1997 V-6 Ford F150 would have handled it with no problem...I towed my 1975 31' with it a couple of times when I got in a pinch.

Aaron

[Melody Ranch]

In my case I am using a 1958 Buick Super. I have a back up Chevy Diesel pick up...for some reason. Send us your pictures!!!

[Ahab]

A Honda Ridgeline would do you just fine.

[JFScheck]

How about this guy....

[Skellington]

Originally Posted by JFScheck

How about this guy....

I would like that car regardless of towing the AS! Very cool, but would it actually be capable of towing??

Dave

[Skellington]

Originally Posted by utee94

If money is no object, then I'd recommend a 1957 Cadillac Eldorado convertible.



Otherwise, any of the more mundane vehicles you mentioned will be fine. I pull my '63 26-footer with a 2005 Tahoe.

Wow!! Unfortunately Budget would be an issue trying to get that!!

Thanks, Dave

[Skellington]

Originally Posted by Road Ruler

A number of Airstream owners are towing with the V6 and V8 Magnums. One forum member has a 34' Airstream.

Your 22 is not that heavy so your options are too great to list on one page.

Give us your top 5 favorite vehicles and maybe you will get some comments/opinions.

Well, Top 5, I am not sure yet, but I really like the Magnum's, Would I need the factory towing package?? AWD or RWD?? V8 or V6? (I do like the V8, but Waaaay more expensive!)

I liked the '99 Tahoe I looked at
Suburban is good, but really long
Vintage would be great, something in either a Convertible or a Wagon
Trucks seem good, but there are tons of different makes models and trim packages. I do like the idea of being able to take 4 or 5 people comfortably, so definitely a 4 door is vital.
The Ridgeline is interesting as well, I have driven Honda products for years.

Obviously I am a bit lost here, I find there are waaaay to many choices. Today I am leaning towards the Magnum's, I have liked the look since they were first introduced.

I am also not opposed to a temporary vehicle while I find the "Right" one.

I really appreciate the input! Thanks everyone!

Dave

[Road Ruler]

As far as Magnums go there was a good towing article with one of them in a Canadian Mag a few years ago. RV Lifestyle - Hitch Hints
Forum member Andrew T. from Can Am RV has set up many of them and would have much info re proper set up etc.

Hopefully some forum members that have experience with the Burbs, and Vintage vehicles will chime in with their thoughts. Also search the towing forum for more threads on towing with Vintage vehicles. There are a few.

[Skellington]

Originally Posted by Melody Ranch

In my case I am using a 1958 Buick Super. I have a back up Chevy Diesel pick up...for some reason. Send us your pictures!!!

Pics...

When we got it home Pics 1 and 2

Progress Pic 3

Winter stopped me... Pic 4

[Silverfoxrae]

Right now I have the "newer" vehicle, and will probably use that for it's relaibility when I go across the country, but when I'm fairly local, going to rallies and so forth that aren't real far, I'm going to eventually get a Chevy Nomad. That car and an Airstream have been in my dreams since I was a little girl. (I know- I wasn't a typical "girl") :-)

Rae

[fotochop]

Skellington, that is a beautiful trailer!!!

..and since you have my '69 beat by 1K+ pounds in the low-weight department, I'm more than a little jealous ;-).... to have a single axle that pretty and that light, well...you have been blessed!

[Byams55FlyCl]

Originally Posted by Skellington

Pics...

When we got it home Pics 1 and 2

Progress Pic 3

Winter stopped me... Pic 4

What a beauty! What is your interior layout?

[Skellington]

Originally Posted by Byams55FlyCl

What a beauty! What is your interior layout?

Thanks! It is, I think, pretty typical, Street side Bathroom at the back, bed across from it, Kitchen in the middle and a Gaucho type couch at the other end.

It was well lived in when we got it, and it had a pretty dirty and old carpet in it, but we pulled that out and put in a Black and white checkerboard floor, again, Winter kind of stopped me, but I am ready to start again! I want to paint the inside, we are not very fond of the color in there now, but I will leave the wood original, or restain it original in color.

Pics...

Thanks, Dave and Brenda