Towing a PU with a 2001 Windstar

[Toolmaan]

Hello newbie here. Just bought a used PU today. A 92 Starcraft Starstream. I pulled it home with my Ford Ranger pickup. I would like to tow it with my 2001 Ford Windstar that way everyone could go without taking 2 vehicles. My Windstar doesn't have a tow package, I was gonna buy a hitch and a large trans cooler. Anyone else towing with a Windstar? My PU weighs about 1400 lbs, single axle with no trailer brakes. I have been surfing the forums a few days and this site looks great. Thanks for any info.

[tlhdoc]

I towed with a 1999 Windstar with the towing package for 3 years.  You should do OK with adding the tranny cooler.  You might need to beef up the rear suspension on the van.  Good luck with the new PU.  Tell us more about your camper.

[Toolmaan]

Well here is a pic of it. We have been searching for a PU for about a year. I am so cheap I had to find one in my price range. This one is in good shape for the age. Has a fridge, recently replaced carrier AC unit, sink, 3 burner stove, 13" tires, Canvas is pretty good, one small hole about a 1/4" wide and about 1" long. Anyone know of good canvas patches? All the threads on the canvas are nice and tight not rotten. I've looked at a lot of campers and there is a lot of trash out there. This one came with all of the window coverings, curtains, etc. From what I have seen on the market on this old of a PU it is rare to get everything.

[tlhdoc]

It looks like you did a good job in getting a camper that is in good condition.  When will you get to use it?  Do you have a place in mind for your first trip?

[SpeakEasy]

Canvas is pretty good, one small hole about a 1/4" wide and about 1" long. Anyone know of good canvas patches?

I repaired a canvas tent last year with an iron-on patch. The tear was quite a bit larger than you're describing. I think it was more like two or three inches long and not at all clean. It was a mouse-chew, I think. The iron-on patch worked great!! I cut it in an oval in order to avoid having corners that would tend to pull off. I highly recommend this method of repairing your canvas. A package of iron-on patches will cost you less than $2.

[flyfisherman]

Good looking popup, Toolmaan. There are some older campers out there that are in great condition, it's just finding them AND finding them for sale.  But like you said, there's also a bunch out there that's just this side of wornout!

The byword for you and yours, the Starcraft and the Windstar, is to "travel light".  Although I started out that way, keeping the weight down with all the junk I want to tote along, it is a major undertaking!


Fly

[Toolmaan]

It looks like you did a good job in getting a camper that is in good condition.  When will you get to use it?  Do you have a place in mind for your first trip?

Probably won't get to use it until middle of March. My wife and I are both teachers and that is spring break. But if the temps stay up we might take it out in a few weeks. Bought it now because it seems like you can get a better deal this time of year. First time out will be to a local lake area, about 10 miles away.

[lushy]

Toolmaan,

I tow our Palomino TXL hardsided PU with a 2003 Windstar and it does quite well for the type of travel we do (no major hills/mountains). I have the WD hitch also and that is a BIG help! You do have to be careful of your load like flyfisherman has mentioned. Learn to pack "light".  

Good luck with your new PU and have fun on your first trip!

Happy camping!   :!

[West Coast Canuck]

It should be no problem to tow with the Windstar, I towed a Starcraft Starflyer with a Dodge Grand Caravan and the only thing that I would suggest if your PU is equipped with brakes is to add a brake controller. I noticed going down steep grades, the pu was pushing me and I found that the brakes on the van were getting hot and started to experience some brake fade. I didn't have brakes on the PU at the time. I now pull with a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 quadcab 4x4 with the Hemi and have no braking issues. Just remember that your towing capability is reduced when you carry passengers and cargo in the van. I believe, if my mind serves me correctly that your van can tow 3500 lbs so I would suggest a class II hitch minimum. Class III is better and the tranny cooler.