Best tow for older Globe Trotter or Safari - next question

[JoePfznik]

Hi, It's me again. I'm no longer looking (see copy of original post below). Pending completion of paper work, I will soon be the proud owner of a 1969 Globe Trotter. I have gone off the idea of towing with a 4runner based on negitive information regarding hitch quality in response to my original post. Now, I'm thinking Explorer with 8 cylinder engine and tow package. What do you think of this as a tow vehicle? Reading elsewhere, I get the impression that there has been an uptick in the robustness of Expeditions for towing. Can any one tell me how old I can go and still gain the advantage of these improvements? Finally, How do I go about finding/verifying tow package information using the VIN. Can this be done on line?

My original post follows:

I'm about to retire and become a snowbird with a project. To this end, I'm looking to buy a '69 or early 70's Globe Trotter or Safari (Globe Trotter prefered). Right now I am looking at a good deal on a 1998 Toyota 4runner with six cylinder engine and two wheel drive that is rated to tow 5000 pounds. I expect that most of my driving will be on I95 and I10, never in snow and at economical speeds. As a rule, I will be traveling alone and traveling light. Will this vehicle be a responsible option for towing the above trailers? Is there a downside to two wheel drive for my purposes? If not the 4runner, what would be a good choice to tow one of these trailers.

[tphillips]

I have a '67 globetrotter that I tow with an 8 cylinder Explorer, Tekonsha brake controller, and a wd hitch with a sway bar. The Explorer pulls my trailer easily and I've had no problem braking or accelerating. I don't know the weight and length difference between the '67's and '69's but those could make a difference in your experience.

[Tom Nugler]

I've pulled my GT with a 2000 Expedition for the last two seasons without any problems. Works much better than the E-150 I used before.
I don't think you can determine the equipment level, other than engines, from the VIN.
In 2003 they changed to a 3 valve per cylinder head with an increase in output.
For a more detailed discussion of tow packages and the other quirks of the Expy I spent some time on these Forums:
Expedition & Navigator - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
Ford Expedition Forum - powered by vBulletin
Lots of good info put out there by the Gearheads. (Kind of like the AirHeads on this forum).

Good luck with your search,
Tom.

[VIKING]

We tow our '64 Safari with a 2006 Tacoma and it handles great. This is also my wifes daily driver, and I believe it gets about 20 mpg without the trailer. We don't have enough time towing to have checked the mileage with trailer but I would estimate 14 to 16 mpg. This is with the tow package. Otherwise it would not be enough truck, IMHO.
If you are using the tow vehicle as a daily driver it's something to consider.
Good luck, Rich