Tow Vehicle-What a difference

[GeneF]

For over two years I have read on this board about having the right tow vehicle and how important it is.

Well I finally got a chance to see the difference.

We towed our 98 Mesa with our 00 Toyota Sienna for about 3 years.  Had the sway bar and electric brakes put on because I couldn't tow it without them.    Worried about being close too or at the limit in weight.

Yesterday, I towed  the Mesa to the dealer where we traded for the Kiwi.

It is about 30 miles from home over very hilly countryside.  I towed it with the Silverado.

There was absolutely no comparison.   I didn't use the sway bar and had no sway at all.  The Silverado pulled the Mesa like it wasn't even there.

Definitely felt a lot more comfortable towing with the Silverado.

I just hope it does as well pulling the Kiwi.

I guess it takes old dogs longer to learn new tricks.

[MtnCamper]

There just isn't any substitute for weight and power, huh?

Just think, now your camping area will expand too! Why, It's more comfortable getting there. You can add the extra hour or two, and go where you normally wouldn't have before. Enjoy!

[jawilson]

There was absolutely no comparison.   I didn't use the sway bar and had no sway at all.  The Silverado pulled the Mesa like it wasn't even there.

Definitely felt a lot more comfortable towing with the Silverado.

I just hope it does as well pulling the Kiwi.

How big/heavy the Kiwi is, and how the Silverado is configured (engine, rear end gear, etc), will be the deciding factors. But realistically, the truck would need to have one of the smaller motors, and the trailer would have to be pretty big, before you'd start having any problems.

[GeneF]

I think I should be okay

Silverado has the 4.8 engine with tow package, 3.73 axle and heavy duty suspension.

GVWR on the KIWI is 4950.  As is it weighs about 3600.

Tow rating on the truck is about 6800 and I had a weight distributing hitch put on.

I believe I am even a little below the 75% rule.

[birol]

I think I should be okay

Silverado has the 4.8 engine with tow package, 3.73 axle and heavy duty suspension.

GVWR on the KIWI is 4950.  As is it weighs about 3600.

Tow rating on the truck is about 6800 and I had a weight distributing hitch put on.

I believe I am even a little below the 75% rule.

Did you sell the sienna ?  I am glad Silverado is to your liking.

[4Galvs]

Gene F,

I couldn't agree more.  Our new to us tow vehicle is an 02' Avalanche with the 5.3 V8.  I towed our ~3k pound 12FSO to the dealer this past weekend and hardly even felt a tug!

[tlhdoc]

I will agree with you.  I towed 2 trailers with 2 different minivans for a total of 6 years.  Towing with the Explorer makes a huge difference.  I miss my last minivan, but because of the towing I do I will keep the Explorer.

[wynot]

Sorry Tracy, couldn't resist.

Anyhow, no disrespect to those who are still towing with minivans, but the difference between towing with a truck based vehicle and a car-based vehicle (minivan) is phenomenal.

We get the same space, more safety, more capability, more comfort, and same same gas mileage with our Tahoe over our last two minivans.  What camper?

[tlhdoc]

I loved my Windstar!!!

[Diplomat]

We just upgraded our TV from a Grand Voyager to a K2500 Suburban with a 6.0L engine and 4.10 rear end.  A little over kill to be sure! The only way I know the trailer is back there is when I look in the rear view mirror!  I still use the sway bar though, cheap insurance.  Now I know how far over the safety limit I was for the last 2 years!

[farmer]

I agree 100 %
We towed an 03 Cheyenne with a '01 Honda Odyssey with sway bar and thought at the time that it did OK.  Since upgrading to a '02 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4x4 with 5.4 motor we see how much nicer towing can be !!
Farmer

[B-flat]

I agree that having the proper tow vehicle is important for safety and for ease in traveling.  No more having white knuckles on the way to the campground.