[VAC] Re: re tow vehicle

["Harvey Barlow" <harveybarlow@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Randy & Cheyanne,

You didn't mention whether you have a sway control installed.  There are
three major types available.

The most common are the Reese Dual Cam Sway Controls which can only be used
with a Reese equalizer hitch, another is the friction sleeve device made by
Eaz-Lift and others, and third, reportedly effective but very expensive is
the Hensley hitch assembly.

Any of the three will reduce the sway and in the case of the friction sleeve
device, two can be used, one on each side of the trailer tongue.

What tire inflation pressure are you using.  Inflate Suburban and Avion to
the maximum pressure molded into the tire sidewalls for towing.

Now, I hate to write this as you may not like the answer.  I suspect that
your Avion 32' weighs 8k to 10k pounds loaded and ready to travel.  It is
too much weight and too much length for a 1/2 ton Suburban to tow safely.
Yes, it can be done but it will be a marginal rig.

I have a good friend who is a stubborn old man like I am and many of us are.
He absolutely swears by his 1/2 ton 350 powered Suburban.  I rode in it
while he was towing a car loaded on a tandem axle car trailer a couple of
years ago.  The combined weight of car and car trailer was considerably less
than a large self contained travel trailer.  It swayed dangerously when he
entered a sweeping curve at around 50 mph.  He handled it because he is
experienced towing such loads with his Suburban but I wouldn't do it.

We can never anticipate all the various conditions that can suddenly combine
to threaten our safety and lives when towing a heavy trailer.  Hills,
curves, wind gusts, rain or snow, bad driving by other drivers, loaded 18
wheelers roaring by at 80 mph, poorly inflated tow vehicle or trailer,
children or dogs suddenly entering the roadway, all these situations can and
do occur and singularly, a good driver can handle all of them.  But when you
combine a marginal tow vehicle towing a heavy and long trailer and suddenly
several of those potential threats develop, it can result in disaster.

You may be able to get the trailer under control with a sway control or
controls and proper tire inflation but there is no substitute for a 3/4 ton
Suburban or pickup or a one ton van or pickup when it comes to towing a
heavy and long trailer like a 32' and longer Avion or Airstream.

My purpose here is not to criticize your Suburban or Avion.  I like both but
my bias it toward heavier equipment.  I have towed a 34' A/S some 45k miles
with a Ford F250HD with trailer/camper equipment and a Reese Dual Cam sway
control assembly.  I haven't upset it yet.

My advice and suggestions are worth only what you paid for them and others
may disagree but that is my best information and advice.  Good luck.

Harvey Barlow
Lubbock, TX
WBCCI # 1171, WDCU, VAC