Re: [VAC] SUV"s for towing

[Randy Unter <runter@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Yes, many options. I went through the same search a year ago when shopping for a
tow vehicle for my '66 26' Overlander International with dry weight of 4250#'s.
I live in Denver so needed a vehicle capable of mountain grades/high altitude
operation. Here are some vehicles for you to consider: Ford: Explorer (V8 model),
Expedition (5.4 V8), Excursion-any model. Chevy/GMC: Tahoe/Yukon-any engine but
the 5.3 V8 has a margin of power. Suburban/Yukon XL-the standard for decades of
towing. Dodge: Durango (preferably the 5.9 V8, but the 4.7 will work if you stay
out of the mountains-also order the 3.92 axle ratio. This was my choice and it has
been a winner). Toyota/Lexus: Land Cruiser/LX 470 with the 4.7 V8 (pricey but
luxury). Lincoln: Navigator. The new 300 HP 5.4 V8 is sensational if you can stand
the garish interior. I found this vehicle to handle remarkably well for its size
and weight, far better than the Expedition on which it is based. I felt as
comfortable and safe in this vehicle as I have in previous Suburbans. Land Rover:
I don't consider this vehicle well suited to tow usage. 4 liters is too small for
heavy hauling, plus Land Rover's traditional unreliability. None of the compact
SUV's with V-6 engines, even if the dealers say they will tow your a/s, unless you
are just going to the beach and back. If you plan to travel in your a/s to
mountain areas, add 50% to your a/s' weight to determine the tow capacity of the
vehicle. In general, vehicles loose 1000 lbs of tow capacity for every mile in
elevation. So, you probably need at least 6000 lbs of comfortable tow
capacity...unless your trips are to the beach.....then a bicycle will do..

Stick to axle ratios above 3.73. Those climbs out of the coastal lowlands can be
taxing. The higher axle ratios make for relaxing mountain descents as well,
providing effective engine breaking without the need to ride the brakes, saving on
the a/s, vehicle and your wear and tear. Also, upgrade to all heavy-duty service
options which include HD cooling, electrical, brakes, axles, etc. These are
remarkably cheap when new but pricey later. Good luck shopping.
ps. Do you serve sushi in your a/s?
Randy Unter
'66 Overlander
Denver