Re: [VACList] Tow vehicle recommendation needed.

["Kevin D. Allen" <overlander64@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Greetings Marv!

I have spent quite a bit of time at my Cadillac garage recently getting my
'75 Eldorado ready for a season of traveling.  While there I have enjoyed
perusing the specifications of the Escalade that has been on the showroom
floor.  The only shortcoming, at least for my towing preferences, is the
lack of an option for the 8100 VORTEC - - the only available engine is the
6100 VORTEC regardless of whether the Escalade that is comparable to the
Yukon/Tahoe or Yukon XL/Suburban is ordered.

With the Z82 trailer towing package, the Escalade is rated as follows:

[quote]
AWD maximum payload/trailer weight ††: 1,359/7,800 lbs
2WD maximum payload/trailer weight ††: 1,393/7,300 lbs

†† Maximum trailer-weight ratings are calculated assuming a
standard-equipped base vehicle plus driver. The weight of optional
equipment, passengers, and cargo will reduce the maximum trailer weight your
vehicle can tow. Maximum payload capacity includes weight of driver,
passengers, optional equipment, and cargo. See your Cadillac dealer for
additional details.[quote]

With the Z82 and the Escalade ESV, trailer tow ratings are:

[quote]
ESV maximum payload/trailer weight ††: 1,331/7,400 lbs

†† Maximum trailer-weight ratings are calculated assuming a
standard-equipped base vehicle plus driver. The weight of optional
equipment, passengers, and cargo will reduce the maximum trailer weight your
vehicle can tow. Maximum payload capacity includes weight of driver,
passengers, optional equipment, and cargo. See your Cadillac dealer for
additional details.
[quote]

As the ratings reveal, the tow capacity is there for most Vintage
Airstreams.  I just happen to be one of those who prefers a dinosaur-sized
engine in my tow vehicle - - 454 cubic inch V8 in the Suburban, and 501
cubic inch V8 in the Cadillac.  I really wanted an Escalade when I ordered
the Suburban in 1998, but the largest engine in the Escalade at that time
was the 5700 VORTEC; and my reason for trading the tow vehicle that I was
using at that time was due to the lack of power in my 5.7 litre equipped
Chevrolet K1500.  To me, the Escalade would be a excellent tow vehicle that
could be a great tow vehicle with the 8100 VORTEC.

Kevin