RE: [VAL] Towing Vehicle Question

["Mark Wiltrakis" <trackus@xxxxxxxx>]

Ron -

 

I previously owned a '72 27-foot Airstream International. I towed it with my
'97 Chevy Tahoe LT 4WD. This set up worked reasonably well here in western
Oregon and Washington. I never got into major mountainous terrain, such as
the Rockies or the Tetons with it. Your 31 foot Sovereign weighs 4960
pounds, just about 400 pounds more than my trailer did.

 

I sold this trailer and bought a '92 29-foot Excella, which is considerably
heavier (5600 pounds). The Tahoe struggled commonly pulling the load, and I
had a couple of unpleasant "tail wagging the dog" experiences on quick
turns. I sold my Tahoe and now have a Chevy crew cab pickup with a Duramax
diesel engine. Towing is immeasurably easier, more (psychologically)
comfortable, and was problem free in the Tetons last summer. 

 

The three-quarter ton pickup, especially with an extended cab or crew cab,
will make your towing life greatly more pleasant. You could get by with the
Tahoe, but you will be marginally adequate.

 

Mark