IDEAS   ON  A   TOW  VEHICLE   FOR 
YOUR    VINTAGE    CAMPER
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The question, what should I use as a Tow Vehicle for my Vintage camper?  There are probably as many answers to this as their are people who have campers.  Sometimes, this can be more of a personal choice than logical. Some people want a vintage vehicle to pull their vintage camper and this may be ok. It depends on what 'vehicle' it is and if it is fitted properly with a frame mounted hitch, has mirrors that can provide rear view(since the trailer will block normal rear view mirror use) an engine that can sufficiently pull the trailer and vehicle without over use.  When we speak of vintage vehicles as a tow vehicle, I would say in general most are good candidates as back then the vehicles were bigger and heavier and this relates to the vehicle frame, engine, etc.  So, when properly equipped, these vintage vehicles, car or truck, would probably make good tow vehicles.  There are a couple things that I can think of that may need some attention for a vintage tow vehicle. The electrical system(some may be 6 volt and likely your camper is 12 volt) may need to be checked to ensure it can handle the extra lights, brakes and maybe accessories for the camper as you go down the road.(depending on how old the vintage vehicle is, some didn't have turn signals, which surely you will need)  Second, this is brakes.  Probably most all vintage vehicles had the regular type brakes(no disks brakes until later into the 70's) These are drum type brakes which can have the tendencies to fade some with over use and with the added weight of a trailer behind you is something to check if you are using a vintage vehicle.  Having trailer brakes will aid in a braking situation. These vintage vehicles can make great tow vehicles and compliment your vintage camper as well. 

Now, if you are thinking more of a newer Tow Vehicle this can be a personal choice as well, if you like a particular brand or type of vehicle or maybe a financial choice depending on how much you have or want to spend on a tow vehicle.  In general trucks, SUV's, some vans make the best tow vehicles, as they were designed to haul/tow more weight.  This normally translates to their size, weight, suspension, engine size and 'gearing'.  Having said this, there are still some cars, station wagons and other vehicles that can make good tow vehicles.  The biggest difference in these two(2) 'categories' of tow vehicles is the size and weight of the camper that can be towed.  Normally, the cars and other tow vehicles are limited to the small to mid size campers while the trucks, SUV's and some vans can tow the larger campers and 5th wheel types. Even the small type SUV's will likely be limited to the small to mid size campers. Since most vintage campers tend to be smaller and lighter, most any of these vehicles should be ok.  No matter which tow vehicle you prefer, the vehicle specifications will tell you how 'large' a camper you can tow.  Refer to the Trailer Towing Info page as the table there will give you the info about these ratings.

There is alot of info on the web for various brands/types of tow vehicles.  Too much to try and list here.  So, if you're looking for a particular tow vehicle, just search the web for that vehicle and read what they have to say about it's towing capabilities.  If you are looking for a used tow vehicle, depending on how old it is, there still may be some info on line available for it.  Otherwise, you will need to check the vehicle specifications plate that is normally on the drivers door, which will give you these ratings.  The other info like engine size and installed extras, like added cooling capacity or tow package you may be able to get from the owners manual, if available.  You can look as well to see what engine a vehicle has or if a tow hitch is installed and what type and ask the previous owner these questions.  But, beware they may not know or just tell you anything.  This is like buying any used vehicle, you can only go on what you see, manuals available and driving the vehicle. 

There are some things that relate to all vehicles that will be used as a tow vehicle.  The next page I will try to list as much as I know, have been able to find and any suggestions from people.  The actual brand/type of vehicle you chose is entirely up to the individual.  I am trying to list as much info as I can that can help you make that decision for a tow vehicle.  Good luck and hope this can help.
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Web page created by Larry Bush:  Sept.17.2007 --- Edited:  5.28.2009
Serro Scotty ~ Vintage Campers ©
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