Tow vehicles for 64' Globetrotter ?

[hellonewman!]

I am considering a 64' Globetrotter as my A/S of choice. I'm wanting to get a TV that will get the maximum MPG and still be able to tow the GT. I would appreciate any advice on this matter....Hellonewman!

[47WeeWind]

I tow my 1964 Globe Trotter with a 1992 Dodge 3/4 ton 4X4 Cummins Turbo Diesel truck with an automatic overdrive transmission. It's a bit of overkill, but I feel safe in it and just cruise along at 15 mpg while towing the GT. I get about 19 mpg when not towing.

[uwe]

Your Globetrotter is of the sub-5000lb narrow body variety. This gives you a very wide choice of tow vehicles, from midsize SUV, full size older cars, and of course full size SUV's, vans and pickup trucks. I would stay away from 6-cyl cars and or trucks, and would prefer a body on frame type vehicle over unibody vehicles.
Generally, longer wheelbase vehicles with tow rated axle ratios, and factory tow packages give the best results. I tow with a 97 Suburban 1500, which gives me 18hwy, 14 city, 10-12 towing mpg, for example.
This is just a starting point. Once you find something you like, update your thread, and I am sure someone will have much insight on your choices.

[overlander64]

Greetings hellonewman!

Originally Posted by hellonewman!

I am considering a 64' Globetrotter as my A/S of choice. I'm wanting to get a TV that will get the maximum MPG and still be able to tow the GT. I would appreciate any advice on this matter....Hellonewman!

To narrow your list of candidates, it may be helpful to think in terms of the weights involved with your coach. The '64 Globetrotter had a factory empty weight of 2,890 pounds with an empty hitch weight of 385 pounds -- the gross weight will likely approach 4,250 pounds with a gross hitch weight or approximately 575 pounds. A tow vehicle with a trailer tow rating of at least 5,000 pounds would provide a "safety" margin. There are any number of vehicles that might be appropriate for the purpose -- with newer as well as imported vehicles, be sure to check maximum hitch weights as some manufacturer's have hitch weight limitations that represent signficantly less than 12% to 15% of gross trailer weight that Airstream/Argosy coaches typically carry.

I know that my '85 Oldsmobile Delta 88 with 307 cubic inch V8 and 3.23 differential does very well with my Minuet that is quite close to your Globetrotter in hitch weight but a bit lighter in gross weight at 3,100 pounds. The Oldsmobile is a family heirloom with a factory 5,000 pound trailer towing package, and I rarely use it for towing, but it does yield about 14 MPG with the Minuet (a reduction of 11 MPG from it usual solo highway cruising 25 MPG).

Good luck with your research and search!

Kevin

[bredlo]

We tow our '63 with a 2004 Tahoe LT (Vortec 5300 V8 engine with four-speed auto trans) and I have no complaints whatsoever.

Now, I haven't tried other vehicles, so I'm no good at giving a comparison. Perhaps a Trailblazer or something slightly smaller would work very well, too.

But as far as the power, stability, and feeling like there's nothing back there... we were thrilled with our cross-country trip (through the Cascades in Dec. and across the northern plains) with the Tahoe. Ours even has a dedicated towing mode (accessible as a button on the windshield wiper wand.)

[Aluminium]

try a Honda Ridgeline - sweet!