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Andrew T · 01-14-2014, 07:01 PM

Here are some more pictures for you. First is a Subaru with a 22' International in Japan. We have set up several Subaru's over the years and they are bullet proof. I am not a huge fan of the CVT transmission, it might be that I just have not driven one enough to get used to it but is a weird beast to tow with.

The second shot is PT cruiser convertible towing, also in Japan but we ran one of our own for 4 years. We have done a couple of others for customers. The PT was not a fuel mizer, the 300 is better by a long shot.

The last two are a couple of Volvo's owned by customers we have set up a large number of Volvos over the years.

Andrew T · 01-14-2014, 07:17 PM

We would would not consider either of these to be small tow vehicles but I suppose many would.

My personal car is this 2004 Jaguar, it has an aluminum body that feels like it was carved out of a solid block of steel, very tight and quiet yet the car only weighs 3800 pounds. Very light for a V/8 120" Wheelbase sedan. The air ride is tuned for handling not floating, it is a little picky about torsion bar tension the but combination ride handling and fuel economy is hard to beat. Then again it was 100K new. I bought 3 years old for about 30. I have 80,000 miles on it today and so far not a problem.

Easily the best value in a tow vehicle is a Dodge Caravan. They make so much sence we bought a second one yesterday for towing duty most of which will be trailers that tow much harder than an Airstream. The new Caravan base model with stow and go seating, 19,998.00.

Andrew T.

andreasduess · 01-14-2014, 08:40 PM

We just bought a Caravan for our business - they really are amazing value and incredibly versatile.

I like the drive of our Honda van better, but then it's more than double the cost of the Caravan.

TouringDan · 01-14-2014, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALANSD

"UK towing capacity is listed at 2000 kg (4400 lb) while US towing capacity is listed at 1,500 lb (682 kg). This is with the same engine and transmission (though likely running different software). I'm sure some of the difference is from the lower speeds allowed for towing in the UK and differences in tongue weight. Some may be from the mandated surge brakes in the UK vs. the requirement that owners install an aftermarket brake controller to have brakes on most trailers in the US. I just don't think any of it is from the Forester being "beefier" in the UK. "

Sounds like a Forrester could be anothe choice to handle my 4000lb Overlander..

Anyone here using this?

Alan

I would definately use the european towing specs (and tow bar), but I believe your loaded overlander will weigh significantly more than 4,000 lbs. My loaded 66 TW weighs about 5,000 lbs.

Dan

ALANSD · 01-15-2014, 06:48 AM

Those photos say a lot. I am looking at a SUZUKI this afternoon. Used but with decent miles on it.
ALso have some Volvos in my radar. How does the smaller engine do in the Volvo...I think its a 2.4?

Bigventure · 01-15-2014, 08:41 AM

I had though that the 2012 Subaru Outback was a great tow. Untill the trailer got away and totaled the new Outback and 2010 16' Bambi. I'm lucky to be alive.
I then switched to a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee V6 and it pulled my 2011 20 Safari very well. Towing it got 12-14 MPG. Not towing 18-22 with regular gas.
I just traded the Jeep for a 2014 Grand Cherokee Diesel. On the way home from the dealer I got 28.6 MPG. I can't wait to tow.

FYI Jeep has a new Cherokee that may fit the bill for a small tow.

ALANSD · 01-15-2014, 09:03 AM

I would love that Jeep just not in my price range at this time.

Bigventure · 01-15-2014, 09:06 AM

That was why I suggested the Cherokee it's a new Jeep not to be confused with the Grand Cherokee

andreasduess · 01-15-2014, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigventure

I had though that the 2012 Subaru Outback was a great tow. Untill the trailer got away and totaled the new Outback and 2010 16' Bambi. I'm lucky to be alive.

If you don't mind me asking, what exactly happened when you say "the trailer got away"?

Bigventure · 01-15-2014, 10:49 AM

We were doing about 50mph on 77 north. The trailer fish tailed near Whytheville, VA and passed me up. It barrel rolled the car and trailer. We were upside down in the lane I was traveling in. I had to self rescue and get my wife out the back door. She went the long way over the top. She was in a panic about her 70lb boxer dogs running out in the freeway.

My take way is don't try to slow down if it happpens. Speed up and hit the trailer brake.
The Subaru, dose not have the power to control a trailer. It also is only factory wired for lights. I added a 2" class 3 hitch, WDH, brake controler and 7 pin connector.

ALANSD · 01-15-2014, 10:52 AM

so you did have trailer braking? Thats scary

Bigventure · 01-15-2014, 11:01 AM

I though I did because I took it to an RV dealer to check my wiring. When I asked "Do I have brakes?" The RV dealers responce was "yes".

But, I think he was talking lights and I was talking electric brakes.

It was very scary. That is why I now own a Jeep. They have built into there computers an anti sway safety ciruit. It applys the alternate brake to prevent sway.

2013 Durango Trailer Sway Control - YouTube

dkottum · 01-15-2014, 01:21 PM

Bigventure, the 20' FC is still a substantial trailer behind the short wheelbase Jeep. You might consider a ProPride/Hensley hitch to eliminate the possibility of sway as well a more comfortable towing experience in crosswinds and semis passing.

Road Ruler · 01-15-2014, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigventure

We were doing about 50mph on 77 north. The trailer fish tailed near Whytheville, VA and passed me up.

Sorry to hear of the event.

Back in the 60's My dad was towing a 16' lightweight Shasta with his 61 Ford on a paved highway that was under construction. There was about a 6" drop off at the pavement edge as no shoulder gravel had been added yet. For whatever reason ( I can't recall) the passenger side trailer tire slipped off the pavement. My dad yanked on the wheel and brought the wheel back on hard surface. The action caused a violent sway. Luckily it all straightened out and all was fine.

For the pass 10 years of towing the 23, 1st the Nissan Mini Van and now the G35 we have never had the hint of sway, even after an aggressive emergency maneuver.

Jim Flower · 01-15-2014, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBERTSUNRUS

Hi, that 2014 Volkswagen Micro-bus should really tow great with the "2000 Horse power 2.0 L turbo charged four cylinder gas engine."

Good catch Robert, Jim

ALANSD · 01-16-2014, 09:26 AM

I looked at a Volvo X90 yesterday...nice but I wonder how much better mileage I would get. Not too much it seems...still looking

ALANSD · 01-16-2014, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigventure

I though I did because I took it to an RV dealer to check my wiring. When I asked "Do I have brakes?" The RV dealers responce was "yes".

But, I think he was talking lights and I was talking electric brakes.

don't you have a brake controller? It tells you when its connected to the braking system

Lucky Tom · 01-16-2014, 11:09 AM

Just sharing my towing arrangement: I have just purchased a Flying Cloud, (October) and I pull it with a 2003 Land Rover Discovery which I bought new. These are the numbers:
Front Axle max: 2646LB
Front Axle w/WD (Valley): 2200LB
Rear Axle max: 3792LB
Rear Axle w/WD (Valley): 3060LB
Gross Weight of TV plus 23ft FB FC 9940LB
The FC is made weighing 5118LB and with fresh water (39 gal) and a little in the BW tank I'm guessing it weighs around 5500LB
With WD hitch I am shifting almost 1000LB onto the TV.
Fuel is from 10-11 mpg premium
This arrangement tows well. I have made one trip using a lot of sway control, which I did not like. This last trip to Canopener 2014, I used no sway control and like it much better. There was never any sway, even with the sway adjustment loose. The water on-board really helps with stability and sway control.
With the Valley WD hitch, the sway bar is external, a separate item. On the first trip I was thinking I would have a sway problem so I tightened it all the way down and this made the TV veer left each time I was overtaken by a big truck coming up on my left. The wind-force pushing the A/S to the right was forcing the TV to the left, toward the center lane. With no sway control, (the adjustment loose) the TV and A/S articulate better. Each person has his own preference, this is mine. For what it is worth.

ALANSD · 01-16-2014, 01:33 PM

wouldn't call that a small tow vehicle though. You have to run premium fuel too? Thats not good..at least my Excursion runs regular and gets 10-12 towing too.

Bigventure · 01-16-2014, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALANSD

don't you have a brake controller? It tells you when its connected to the braking system

You are correct about the brake controler. But, since I was a first time trailer tower, I did not know what the controler was telling me. It is lit at all times even without a trailer on. I also did not have the owner manual with me.
I now know how to read and use it correctly.