Re: Tow Vehicle For Aliner Scout
rtan...@yahoo.com
> The Aliner tow vehicle will also be used
> for commuting so no need here for overkill with a big pickup and a
> V8.
How about a little pickup with 4 cylinder?
I've been using a Ford Ranger with a 4 cylinder to pull my heaver
Jayco for a few years now. I get 26-31 mpg commuting and 19-20
towing. I'm not planning on camping in the mountains, though.
-Brian
Andrew
Some things to note. The Scout is listed at 1300
pounds but may, in fact, weigh a few hundred
pounds more due to options (eg; spare tire,
propane tank, battery). If you have any gear at
all in the Scout you have to add that to the
weight. It's likely that on the morning you leave
to go camping the Scout will weigh 1500 to 1700
pounds or more.
Most vehicle manufacturers list a tow rating for
their vehicles. A small or fuel efficient car at
best will be rated to tow 1500 lbs. Most seasoned
towers follow the 75% rule. This means that they
never exceed towing more than 75% of the rated max
towing capacity.
It gets worse. You should also deduct the weight
off all the passengers, gear, and fuel in your car
from the maximum tow rating.
All this adds up to you overloading most small
vehicles.
Some things to consider. Being able to tow a
trailer does not require a lot of engine power.
However, to be safe, you need a vehicle with
suspension that can support the trailer, brakes
that are able to stop the car PLUS the trailer,
and a wheelbase that won't allow the trailer to
push the car around. Having brakes on the trailer
can negate some of the impact from these issues.
Prepare for the worst. You may be able to tow fine
in normal traffic but any quick maneuvers will
drastically change your ability to control the
vehicle while towing.
I can't make a specific recommendation but I would
be looking for a mid sized car, small SUV, light
duty pickup, or minivan to met the absolute
minimum towing requirements. If you live in a
hilly area you'll want to drive something even
more substantial.
So, to recap. The trailer is going to weigh more
than you think. Your vehicle tow rating is
effectively far less than what the manual says.
Towing requires a long wheelbase vehicle with
excellent brakes and suitable suspension.
Andrew
PS. It just popped into my head that Subaru makes
some fuel efficient cars with tow ratings up to
3500 lbs.
Gilbert wrote:
> My cousin and his wife just purchased a new large travel trailer (she
> never did like the Aliner Scout) and they sold us their nearly new
> Scout for only 5K (pretty cheap for our first RV).
>
> We've been tent campers for some time and thought this would be a good
> way to finally "get off the ground" so to speak.
>
> We've also been thinking about a new car to replace the old Taurus
> with 185,000 miles on it and are wondering what smaller, more fuel-
> efficient car we could buy that would pull that 1300 pound Aliner
> Scout with no difficulty.
>
> We've looked at Fords, Kias, Hyundais, Hondas and Toyotas and many of
> the salesman think a minimum of around 150 hp is necessary which
> covers all of the V6 motors but also some 4's in the 2.4 liter range
> and above also boast that horsepower.
>
> We're hoping to buy the new tow vehicle for under $20,000 and maybe
> wish for 15-18 mpg pulling the Scout.
>
> Has anyone had experience pulling one of these 1300 pounders with a
> subcompact or compact car? The Aliner tow vehicle will also be used
> for commuting so no need here for overkill with a big pickup and a
> V8. Something more along the lines of a Kia Optima, Suzuki Grand
> Vitara, etc. with a 2.0 - 2.7 4 cylinder and automatic transmission.
> BTW, the Scout also has electric brakes.
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Gil
Andrew
>
> Andrew, the Scout is the standard Aliner without a propane and water
> system so those weights aren't a factor. I think we may have decided
> on a new Ford Ranger with automatic transmission. It's a rear wheel
> drive pickup and Ford rates it to tow about 2300 pounds with the 4-
> cylinder and AT. Also, the Aliner has electric brakes so that should
> help the overall picture.
>
> -Gil
I am awaiting delivery of the exact same trailer.
I can't wait.
The Ford Ranger would be an excellent choice (I
tow with an F150). It has a long wheelbase and
suspension that can carry a decent load. The
suspension is also more upgradeable than that of a
car or minivan. Having electric brakes on the
trailer is a big plus.
One thing I will recommend to you no matter which
vehicle you choose is to have an auxiliary
transmission cooler installed. All vehicles with
an auto transmission have some sort of cooler or
another. What you want is an additional cooler
preferably with a thermostatic control. I believe
a transmission shop can install one for under
$150. Ford may also offer a tow package on the
Ranger which would include such a cooler, a
receiver hitch and possibly an upgraded battery,
charging system and suspension.
The cooler is very cheap insurance for your very
expensive transmission. It can help save wear on
your tranny even when you aren't towing.
Hope things work out great for you.
Andrew