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Denis4x4 · 12-31-2013, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kscherzi

I like the combo. How do you reconcile the trailer tongue weight vs the lesser Jeep tongue weight?

First off, the published tongue weight for the GC has a proviso for additional tongue weight when using a weight distribution hitch. I'm using a proPride hitch and I ordered it with out the retaining pin hole so that I could get it another 1-1/2" or 2" closer to the rear axle. Published weights are suspect in my opinion and real weights happen when you cross the scales or use a SureLine scale.

Ready to roll, this rig's combined weight is 12,280#. Well within the CGVW rating.

The Airstream brochure shows a gross weight for a Safari 25 FB at 7200#. Mine is 6200# after leaving the stuff you never use in the garage.

ALANSD · 01-01-2014, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silvery Moon

I don't want to get into a "my TV vs. your TV" discussion

Agreed there are too many of those threads already,
Let's please just keep to the topic here..showing the smaller tow vehicles and how they are set up.

I was a Jeep Sales manager in a dealership for some time, and like the GC a lot. Just still looking to go smaller if I can. I like my Excursion, it drives great and has been ultra dependable for the 6+ yrs I ave had it. But the in town driving mileage is 11-12 MPG. I would like to double that, and increase my towing mileage a bit as well. Its also about 11-12.

xrvr · 01-01-2014, 07:29 AM

It would be nice to see photos of these small tv. Like others have said, if there is not a picture it did not happen. I am not positive about small tv, show me pictures and convince me. Jim

Denis4x4 · 01-01-2014, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zigzagguzzi

It would be nice to see photos of these small tv. Like others have said, if there is not a picture it did not happen. I am not positive about small tv, show me pictures and convince me. Jim

See post #8 in this thread

xrvr · 01-01-2014, 10:28 AM

A grande Cherokee is not that small and it is one photo thanks. Jim

dkottum · 01-01-2014, 11:14 AM

Some people come on these threads to tell others who have been towing Airstreams with sedans and SUV's for generations it can't be done.

We've got a small truck and car now but are among those who would like to replace them with a small SUV (which today is often a combination of the two).

Would like to see more examples of them working, and less well-worn discussion of why they can't.

MrUKToad · 01-01-2014, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkottum

Some people come on these threads to tell others who have been towing Airstreams with sedans and SUV's for generations it can't be done.

Which is why I've given up posting pictures of my small(er) TV. Ho hum

Cyquest · 01-01-2014, 12:17 PM

We are using a Montana SV6 with tow package. E Z lift weight distribution. Works for us and our Safari

Sent from my LG-E617G using Airstream Forums mobile app

Ag&Au · 01-01-2014, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Denis4x4

See post #8 in this thread

There a lot of reasons why "Size is in the eye of the beholder" is a good thing.

In this case I don't agree with your assessment. I towed a Bigfoot trailer of similar size and weight for a few years with a '99 Grand Cherokee with a V-8. I never considered it a "small" tow vehicle. The main reason we swapped up to a pickup was primarily to increase the range between fuel fill ups. There were some roads in Montana and Wyoming that I had to depend on one service station to be open, and if it wasn't, I had to wait until it was.

Ken

robert claus · 01-01-2014, 03:00 PM

Okay, my TV is not exactly small in size, as it has a 118" wheelbase, but it has a small engine, with a 2.7L 5 cyl turbo diesel. About 170hp with about 250 ft.lb. of torque w/ 5 speed auto trans. The economy is impressive for the size, as I get about 22-23mpg when not towing, 16-17 with the A/S attached. Cruise at 65 while towing with no problem, and hills will result in a shift down a gear or two, but speed can be maintained. Unfortunately, this size and engine are no longer available. However, the new Mercedes Sprinter is available with a 4 cyl diesel. So, you don't need a massive engine, and the trend towards smaller diesels is encouraging, with many marques introducing them. Chevy Cruze, Volvo, VW, Mercedes, Jeep, Audi, Mazda, BMW and 1/2 ton Ram trucks are all offering diesels this year, with more to come. Small diesels offer economy and low rpm pulling power that is just being discovered by car buyers.

mstephens · 01-01-2014, 03:24 PM

Large: 2007 Suburban. 223" long, 77" high, 5600 lbs curb weight.
Small: 2012 Chry. 300. 198" long, 58" high, 4000 lbs curb weight.

I don't think that is all that controversial, is it? The 'Burb fits in my garage with exactly 1" to spare. We have to open the garage door to get to the washing machine. The Chrysler fits with 24" to spare, and we don't have to open the garage door. I need a stool to check the oil or wash the windows on the 'Burb, but no stool on the 300.

Big and small are not that hard to grasp.

Ag&Au · 01-01-2014, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mstephens

Large: 2007 Suburban. 223" long, 77" high, 5600 lbs curb weight.
Small: 2012 Chry. 300. 198" long, 58" high, 4000 lbs curb weight.

I don't think that is all that controversial, is it? The 'Burb fits in my garage with exactly 1" to spare. We have to open the garage door to get to the washing machine. The Chrysler fits with 24" to spare, and we don't have to open the garage door. I need a stool to check the oil or wash the windows on the 'Burb, but no stool on the 300.

Big and small are not that hard to grasp.

I agree that we must resolve this.
Below is the clarification:
The yellow one is big. The red one is small. Everything in between is some degree of medium.

Ken

P.S. If you pull into the driveway next to the small one, don't run over Daisy.

P.P.S. I'm sure you have heard of CanAm. The hitch setup on the red one was done by a place I discovered south of the border called "MexAm"

dkottum · 01-01-2014, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALANSD

I have heard all about the VW Diesel tow vehicles, and other smaller ones.

How about showing your set up with one of these smaller rides?

I am looking into replacing my V10 Excursion with something drastically smaller. My Overlander is about 4500 lbs.

If I could do it with a VW diesel I would be very pleased. Its the non-towing daily around town driving of the EXC that is killing us.

Bump.

ALANSD · 01-01-2014, 04:16 PM

I am considering Chrysler 300 , a Magnum or a Charger. Also VW Jetta diesel still sounds very good to me. So far not much else is appealing, oh maybe a Volvo of some sort.

ALANSD · 01-01-2014, 04:26 PM

here is a photo I came across...Its a Golf TDI ..smaller than the Jetta.
This trailer weighs 3500lbs. mine weighs 4000 or so.

idroba · 01-01-2014, 04:50 PM

Here is a photo from my past. The TV was a 1986 Mercedes 300 D (diesel) 5 cylinder, 77 HP as I recall. The hitch was a custom welded WD receiver type. The trailer was a 1963 Bambi.

It was sloooooooo, but always got me where I wanted to go. This photo was taken on a trip to California from Washington state, to look at a job offer. I didn't take the job, the Bambi is long gone (sigh), and the Mercedes too.

So, yes, Virginia, you can tow a Bambi with a 77 hp diesel.

rluhr · 01-01-2014, 05:52 PM

Sweet! I've been tempted to hitch up my 1984 Mercedes 300D Turbo to my 1968 Caravel, but I've been afraid of killing the transmission. How many miles would you estimate you towed with this rig?

Being the turbo model, mine has a whopping 125 horsepower and 180 ft-lbs or torque ... or at least it did when it was new. That's still going to be slow by any measure. Perhaps I'll drive it downhill only.

AWCHIEF · 01-01-2014, 06:27 PM

Years ago I used to race H&I Gas VW bugs. I towed the race car on a surplus military flat haul trailer. My tow vehicle was a 1964 VW Van with the top cut off. I had to cut it off because I was afraid with all the rust it might blow off on its own. I towed that VW all over the south and as far as Los Vegas for the Nationals a couple of times. So anything is possible even if it is not the smartest thing to do.

andreasduess · 01-01-2014, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALANSD

here is a photo I came across...Its a Golf TDI ..smaller than the Jetta.
This trailer weighs 3500lbs. mine weighs 4000 or so.

In the UK, the Golf Tdi is one of the more popular tow vehicles.

When I lived over there, I used to drive an old Land Rover Series IIa for years, 66hp if I remember correctly. I towed all kinds of trailers with that, typically horse boxes.

(not my truck, but an identical model)