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IDEAS
ON A TOW VEHICLE FOR
YOUR VINTAGE CAMPER page two As
stated on the previous page there are 'specific' reasons why some
vehicles are better tow vehicles than others. If, you are looking
for another tow vehicle, whether it is new or used, first check the
vehicle identification plate(unsually on the drivers door) and check
the vehicle weight ratings or if you have a manual it will likely give
you the vehicle towing information. This will give you an idea of how
large(weight/length) a trailer you can tow safely with this vehicle.
Normally as the length of a trailer increases, so does the
weight. To understand what these weight ratings mean: the
manufacture has determined that the size(vehicle weight) of the
vehicle, engine size, transmission, frame, gearing, tires will allow
this vehicle to safely carry this amount ot total weight. The
total weight is: The total allowable weight of a vehicle, including
passengers, cargo, fluids and hitch weight. (GVWR) The
manufacture has also determined the Tow rating: The manufacturer's
rating of the maximum weight limit that can safely be towed by a
particular vehicle. Tow ratings are related to overall trailer weight,
not trailer size, in most cases. However, some tow ratings impose
limits as to frontal area of the trailer and overall length. Tow
ratings are determined by the vehicle manufacturer according to several
criteria, including engine size, transmission, axle ratio, brakes,
chassis, cooling systems and other special equipment.
I found some towing terms on line at the RV Tech Glossary. These are listed in a towing info page. Refer to this table for all the terms relating to towing, vehicle ratings and hitches. The following are some things to consider for a tow vehicle: 1. The vehicles manufacture ratings for towing - this is the first thing you need to know because no matter how much you like a particular vehicle(for gas mileage reasons or looks or whatever) if it isn't capable of safely towing the camper, then you should not use it. 2. Vehicle size, by this I mean vehicle physical size. There are some things here to consider. First, small to mid-size vehicles should stay with small to mid-size campers. If you want a larger camper for the extra room, etc, then you should accordingly have a larger tow vehicle. When considering the size of your tow vehicle, you need to consider how many people you will normally carry, how much gear you will be carrying, the vehicle weight plus the camper will give you the GVWR. With a smaller tow vehicle you may exceed or be close to this GVWR which will cause added stress and load on your tow vehicle. This could off set the reason(s) for having a smaller tow vehicle? You may want to consider another tow vehicle in this case. 3. Brakes and Control - all vehicles are designed for the braking system to handle the maximum vehicle weight ratings to safely stop the vehicle. This would include a camper weight as well. Accordingly larger tow vehicles will have higher braking standards due to their weight and size. If you notice the tow ratings some are not only set by weight but also: some tow ratings impose limits as to frontal area of the trailer and overall length. The frontal area has to do with the amount of wind the camper will catch and will result in the added drag on the tow vehicle which will cause more stress and load on the tow vehicle. All campers will catch a certain amount of wind. Another reason for a larger tow vehicle if the camper is bigger. The length and weight has more to do with control of the vehicle and camper. Larger tow vehicle have more 'mass' to help control the added weight and length of the camper. Certain hitches can aid in this as well, like weight distributing and sway control and also camper brakes. The law of physics says: "a mass set in motion will continue in motion until acted on by some force." The mass being your tow vehicle and camper. The brakes being the force acting on this mass. So, brakes are very important; both the vehicle and camper. So, just use 'common sense' when selecting a tow vehicle. Not only does the tow vehicle need the power to pull the camper but also stop and control the vehicle. The bigger the camper(mass) the more load and stress it will place on the tow vehicle; in all categories, pulling, stopping and controlling the camper. Also, this is why brakes on the camper are important as they can help slow the camper(mass) and help the vehicle braking. And when going down the highway if the camper is swaying a little, a little touch of the camper brake can help stop the sway. Also, the camper brakes can help going downa hill abnd not require as much tow vehicle braking. 4. Cooling - this refers to the engine cooling and transmission cooling, especially automatics. Towing anything is going to put more load on the engine and transmission cooling. In the case of the engine, if it starts getting to hot, your gauges should let you know and you can stop and hopefully correct the problem, for now.(by letting the engine cool and/or adding more fluid) To correct this problem would require adding additional cooling capacity. Which could include a larger radiator and cooling fan and better flow(water pump) Newer vehicles offer increased cooling in a tow package. In the case of the automatic transmission heat, you may not even be aware of this until it breaks because most vehicles DON'T have a transmission heat gauge! You may notice some slipping or smell if it is getting hot or nothing until it quits. Tow packages can add additional transmission cooling or you can have it added on and is not a big expense, but well worth it. A lot of newer vehicles have overdrive automatic transmission. You should NOT use the overdrive when towing a camper. This can result in more shifting which can cause more heat and possible transmission over-heating and/or failure. Most vehicles have an overdrive selection or a switch to deactivate the overdrive. My personal opinion(s), unless you are pulling a smaller type camper I would stay away from the smaller to mid size vehicles. They are smaller in physical size(mass), brakes and engines. I think anyone who has done a lot of towing will tell you having enough power to pull something is not the biggest part. But, rather being able to stop and control the towed vehicle is most important. Large vehicles like campers can catch side wind and drafts from large trucks passing as well, this is when you need the mass of a larger vehicle to help control the camper. It's a personal choice when getting a tow vehicle, but knowing the capabilities of the vehicle, what size camper you have and what all you need to carry and along with some common sense, you'll be able to find the right tow vehicle for you. ( top of page
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Web page created by Larry Bush: Sept.17.2007 --- Edited: 5.28.2009 Serro Scotty ~ Vintage Campers © All Rights Reserved ________________________________________________ |