[VAC] Comment on Towing (sorry.. it's late after a full day)

[jim clark <jec1938@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

This could only be called advice for very new towers.. The people that have 
been towing all their lives are much less likely to over extend their 
capabilities...

Tow Vehicle....
Don't forget that the whole package is important... springs, brakes, 
engine, transmission etc.. Don't select something that has to work 
perfectly to get the job done... There will be times that the only thing 
between you and disaster is the margin between what's required and what you 
have...When you are selecting the type of transmission, select what you 
have been using for the bulk of your driving... If you use manual trans a 
lot, then you probably won't screw up when the chips are down...If 
everything you have driven since the army was auto, buy auto...all you will 
remember when you get in trouble, is put you foot on the brake...
Hitch...
Get a better hitch that most people think you need... If you have a large 
trailer use a Pull Right or the Hensley ... Smaller trailers are fine with 
Reese Dual Cam type of hitch...There are some nasty pictures of Airstreams 
upside down due to a combination of mistakes...If you kill yourself using 
marginal equipment, I will feel anguish, but if you kill me or someone else 
in my rig, I will be really pissed...
Speed..
You will get a few one finger salutes if you stay at 55 or 60, but not 
many... especially if you keep to the right and make an effort to keep it 
steady...If you decide to run at 70, just because every one else is going 
that fast, you better have the very best equipment...If you get double 
tapped at 70, by a pair of bread trucks trying to get home, you will find 
out what sway means...

General..
Picking something that needs perfect conditions to be functional is a big 
mistake... If you have no chance to stop your setup on a damp road, with 
failed trailer brakes, you might want to take another look at your 
choices...ie a light car pulling a 25+ foot trailer loaded with water, 
clothes and other necessities...You haven't really lived until you slide 
out into your first intersection....and that might be the end of it....

Sorry to sound so rancid, but I am getting ready to head out for a couple 
of months and am worrying about who will be out there with me... The big 
boys don't scare me much... it's the ones that want to pull it with a 
bicycle just because that's what they usually ride and they think it looks 
cool....

My apologies for venting...  Jim



Jim Clark

jec1938@corecomm.net