[VAC] Re: recommendation for tow vehicle

[RJ.Dial@xxxxxxx]

1996 was the last of the Ford (4.9L) straight sixes. I still use our 
'96 F-150 w/5speed manual and 3.72 axle Eddie Bauer edition as my 
"gentleman's truck" (you know, going to Home Depot, helping friends 
move, going to the cafe for breakfast..).  

It was at its towing limit with the 17 foot Caravel, and on High Sierra 
passes 30mph and 2nd gear was the norm.  The manual is rated at 3500#, 
the Auto at 5000# due to the fact the manual trans and clutch is the 
weak link.  MPG is 17 hwy/15 street/12 towing.  I wouldn't try to use 
it for anything longer than 19 feet, even with an auto.

An ideal used tow vehicle for small to medium (24') trailers would be 
the newer Tahoe/Jimmy?/Expedition/Navigator ilk with the V8/Automatic. 
4WD is optional, but desirable if you live in snow country.  Funny 
thing is, the gas mileage is the same as the I6, and actually better 
towing.  It is even very close to our V6 Montero.

Later,
RJ
'65 Caravel
'57 Flying Cloud
'00 Mitsubishi Montero