Newbie question about TV

[jeftec]

Good evening all. I spent a lot of time researching on the tow vehicle thread but didn't quite see my situation addressed. Currently have just acquired a 79 Safari International and like most of my dilemnas I got the cart in front of the horse(i.e., no suitable tow vehicle) Seems I've seen lots about 19,25,28 and 31's but couldn't really find much about suitable TV's for the 23'. The AS site shows an EW of 3905 but I doubt this includes the 3 awnings or roof a/c unit so a good weighing is in order. I would imagine I'll find it's closer to 4400# so I imagine I can plan on around 5200 # minimally. I currently reside in the Dayton OH area and am planning on trips the first couple of years of no more than a 500 mile radius, that is it's relatively flat.

Currently am considering 4-6 yr old chevy/gmc 1500 ext cabs with 5.7 engine. I'll stand back now and politely listen to what people who seem to have a good grasp on this have to say. Thanx in advance for any help.

[moosetags]

I think that you are in the ball park for that weight class with the TV that you are considering.

[wkerfoot]

Originally Posted by jeftec

Good evening all. I spent a lot of time researching on the tow vehicle thread but didn't quite see my situation addressed. Currently have just acquired a 79 Safari International and like most of my dilemnas I got the cart in front of the horse(i.e., no suitable tow vehicle) Seems I've seen lots about 19,25,28 and 31's but couldn't really find much about suitable TV's for the 23'. The AS site shows an EW of 3905 but I doubt this includes the 3 awnings or roof a/c unit so a good weighing is in order. I would imagine I'll find it's closer to 4400# so I imagine I can plan on around 5200 # minimally. I currently reside in the Dayton OH area and am planning on trips the first couple of years of no more than a 500 mile radius, that is it's relatively flat.

Currently am considering 4-6 yr old chevy/gmc 1500 ext cabs with 5.7 engine. I'll stand back now and politely listen to what people who seem to have a good grasp on this have to say. Thanx in advance for any help.

Jeftec,

I have a 1979 Safari also, the gross weight on the tag is 5800 lbs. I use either my 1973 Dodge W200 Power Wagon with a 360 2V (aka 5.9L) or my 1977 Lincoln Continental with a 460 4V (aka 7.5L). I think that you will be fine with the chevy/gmc. Just be prepared to slow down on the hills, but then there are not many in Ohio.

Bill

[uwe]

Originally Posted by jeftec

Good evening all. I spent a lot of time researching on the tow vehicle thread but didn't quite see my situation addressed. Currently have just acquired a 79 Safari International and like most of my dilemnas I got the cart in front of the horse(i.e., no suitable tow vehicle) Seems I've seen lots about 19,25,28 and 31's but couldn't really find much about suitable TV's for the 23'. The AS site shows an EW of 3905 but I doubt this includes the 3 awnings or roof a/c unit so a good weighing is in order. I would imagine I'll find it's closer to 4400# so I imagine I can plan on around 5200 # minimally. I currently reside in the Dayton OH area and am planning on trips the first couple of years of no more than a 500 mile radius, that is it's relatively flat.

Currently am considering 4-6 yr old chevy/gmc 1500 ext cabs with 5.7 engine. I'll stand back now and politely listen to what people who seem to have a good grasp on this have to say. Thanx in advance for any help.

I tow a 63 Overlander that weighs 5100lbs travel ready, but without food.
My 1997 5.7l Suburban does just fine with this trailer, so I am assuming that a pickup will do even better due to the reduced weight of the pickup vs. the Suburban.
Key is to get a pickup with the factory towing package, and a min. rear end ratio of 3:73 better even with a 4:10 ratio, if you can find it.
Expect 12mpg towing, 15 around town, and perhaps up to 18 hwy, depending on how fast you want to go.

[BillTex]

Originally Posted by uwe

I tow a 63 Overlander that weighs 5100lbs travel ready, but without food.
My 1997 5.7l Suburban does just fine with this trailer, so I am assuming that a pickup will do even better due to the reduced weight of the pickup vs. the Suburban.
Key is to get a pickup with the factory towing package, and a min. rear end ratio of 3:73 better even with a 4:10 ratio, if you can find it.
Expect 12mpg towing, 15 around town, and perhaps up to 18 hwy, depending on how fast you want to go.

FYI; 1/2 ton Suburbans almost always have greater towing capacities than comparable 1/2 ton pickups...
Yes, this surprised me too. I have owned (2) 1/2 ton Subys and several 1/2 ton pickups...

Having said that, if the weights listed above are accurate, you will be OK with the 1/2 ton truck. Not over-powered, but OK.

Bill

[Silvertwinkie]

I think your in good shape.

[Goin camping]

Make double sure the one you choose has the tow package. The rear end ratio is usually on that tag in the door jam.

[Safari-Rick]

You'll have more then enough HP and torque to pull a 23 foot.