Can I tow my 25' Trade Wind with my van?

[doctormark]

I am selling my 1973 25' TradeWind and need to tow it one time about sixty miles. I have a 1998 Ford Windstar van. Is that big enough to haul it that far?

[68 TWind]

I have a 68 TW and I had 3 different Windstar vans back in my salesman days. I drove them nearly 250K miles all together so I know about both. There is no way I would consider pulling a TW with a Windstar. First, there is not hitch that I know of that would be suitable and even if you could find one the toung weight on the TW would surely exceed the limits. Go to Enterprise and rent a pick up for the weekend or get a buddy to help you out.

[overlander64]

I agree with Bruce, if your Windstar does not have the factory heavy duty towing package you are asking for certain trouble with the tow . . . even one of short distance. Even with the heavy duty tow package, the Windstar had a maximum trailer tow rating of 5,000 pounds which would be marginal for a Tradewind. . . . and I suspect that you would find that you still need a transmission oil cooler, wiring package, and possibly the receiver hitch. For the distance involved, you may find that a towing company would offer an economical alternative, and they would have both insurance and experience on their side.

Good luck with your project!

Kevin

[mutcth]

I'm going to give the other side: If the Windstar has the towing package, and it's wired up with a brake controller and a 7-pin connector, that 4000-lb Tradewind would be within the specs. After all, it's going to be towed essentially empty of all camping stuff in order to go to its new owner.

I've been very impressed with the stability and capability of towing with my minivan; I've towed with it for about 20,000 miles now. The dynamics aren't the issue here. Being properly equipped - brake controller, properly set-up weight-distribution and anti-sway, and having the heavy-duty coolers for towing - is the main issue.

I do agree - if you don't have all of those items, just tow it with a U-haul or a borrowed truck.

Tom

[MrUKToad]

Originally Posted by mutcth

I've been very impressed with the stability and capability of towing with my minivan; I've towed with it for about 20,000 miles now. The dynamics aren't the issue here. Being properly equipped - brake controller, properly set-up weight-distribution and anti-sway, and having the heavy-duty coolers for towing - is the main issue.


Tom

Like Tom, I'm towing an Airstream with a minivan, albeit that it has the modifications he's listed. It works well for me but I wouldn't consider it without said mods.

[Road Ruler]

As always.. We too used a Mini Van and know how popular the Windstars/Freestars have been as TV's.

As Tom and UK have said, it is the correct set up that needs to be done to complete the pkg.

For a one time pull Kevin may have the best idea of opting for a different TV.

[doctormark]

Appreciate the knowledgeable advice. After listening to all, I am going to rent a truck.

[ss4869]

Originally Posted by 68 TWind

I have a 68 TW and I had 3 different Windstar vans back in my salesman days. I drove them nearly 250K miles all together so I know about both. There is no way I would consider pulling a TW with a Windstar. First, there is not hitch that I know of that would be suitable and even if you could find one the toung weight on the TW would surely exceed the limits. Go to Enterprise and rent a pick up for the weekend or get a buddy to help you out.

I have a '69 Tradewind Land Yacht hitch 490 lbs, Weight 4340. I had my trailer towed to my backyard as a guest house. Now I would like to take it on the road. I don't get this GVWR. I'm considering buying a Toyota Tacoma Prerunner V6 4.0 that has a GVWR of 5350. It's towing capacity is 6500 lbs. I like the gas mileage this truck gets. Will it do the job?
Thanks,
Sherry

[TG Twinkie]

I think the Pre Runner would be seriously under powered fir the task. If it has an automatic transmission you could damage it severely pulling the trailer. A better choice would be the Tundra.

[TouringDan]

Sherry

I have a Toyota Tundra as a tow vehicle and I love it. It will do a better job of towing the TW, but it is a huge vehicle. My answer is it depends. Look at both of them. Where are you towing the TW? How much are you going to be towing it? I really think that both will do the job, the Tundra will just do it better. This is a very personal decision. Look at both of them and then make your own decision.

Dan

[Road Ruler]

Originally Posted by ss4869

I have a '69 Tradewind Land Yacht hitch 490 lbs, Weight 4340. I had my trailer towed to my backyard as a guest house. Now I would like to take it on the road. I don't get this GVWR. I'm considering buying a Toyota Tacoma Prerunner V6 4.0 that has a GVWR of 5350. It's towing capacity is 6500 lbs. I like the gas mileage this truck gets. Will it do the job?
Thanks,
Sherry

I feel you would have more than enough power and there is no past reports that I know of that reveals your transmission should have issues. You would be well in the ratings of the vehicle and the vintage Airstreams are an easy tow.

Stability ???? Connection/set up is the key here. Professional advice and setup is always best.

Towing specialist/forum member Andrew T wrote this about an older Tacoma not long ago that may help.... http://www.airforums.com/forums/f42/...-ca-88437.html