Re: [VAC] Is a Toyota Previa Van, 4 cylinder capable of safely towing a 1967 Airstream, 17' Caravel??

[Dave Huffman <huff@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I don't know... but I can report that my beloved '90 Mazda MPV (rated @
3500 - 4500 lb. towing capacity, depending on the fixings -- I thought
to have mine altered to about a 4000 lb. tow capacity) -- was OK on
shorter trips w/only some high, steep hills to the WA/OR coast (150
miles).  
   But once we crossed the high Cascades passes, the transmission died. 
Too much for the van?... well, it did have 120k miles on it, I neglected
to change the transmission oil before the trip (a must on Mazdas), and
Mazda transmissions are their weak point.  
   We pulled our '67 Caravel up the big passes in 2nd gear below red
line -- it did not overheat, we did have a transmission cooler installed
as aftermarket.  The transmission did overheat.  
   Now we pull with a '97 Toyota Land Cruiser rated @ 4500lb. for
towing.  No modifications needed.  Only long trip w/several high passes
was to Missoula, MT this spring -- no problems at all.  I have also
hauled our 18' runabout and 20' pontoon boat with the Cruiser w/no
problems. 
Huff