I'm a firm believer in a ratio theory over absolute lengths, as in the ratio of trailer length (actually trailer axle to towball) to tow vehicle wheelbase length (I suppose I should include a variable for rear axle overhang for the tow vehicle as well). I believe this(these) ratio(s) is/are more important than the individual vehicle lengths.
I have a 3/4 Ton (standard Wheel base) Chevy Van that I pull my 31' Excella with, and using the Ratio theory, I believe my tow vehicle would be very close to the bottom limit of acceptable wheelbase.
Now I haven't figured out yet what the optimum ratio is, but I'm sure someone will chime in on the subject.
Nice Vehicle you have there (I always thought Land Rovers were the way to go), too expensive for my tastes.
Now since you only like to work on vehicles with bonnets, does this preclude swapping motors and transmissions from those other nasty vehicles into a bonnet wearing version? :-)
bobb
"Christopher H. Dow" wrote:
I like your thinking, but the wheel base of my vehicle is already 1"
longer than that one!here's a link to some pics of it:
http://www.thelen.org/LandRover.html
http://www.thelen.org/airstream/astow.jpg (I just picked up a
lower-drop shank for the ball mount!).C
bob basques wrote:
>
> You could trade in the Land Rover that you have on a nice Long
> Wheelbase model, maybe something like this:
>
> http://www.olive-drab.com/idphoto/id_photos_land_rover.php3
>
> :-)
>
> bobb
>
>
>
> Randy Unter wrote:
>
> > I agree with Harvey; park the Land Rover, buy a good used full size
> > pickup ( or new if your budget allows), preferrably a 3/4 ton with
> > at least a 3.73 axle, and you will:
> > 1. have a safer vehicle that will handle the load with better
> > control on the highway, especially under the dreaded push-pull
> > scenarios when wressling with passing semis.
> > 2. Save on the wear and tear on your expensive L-R. Chevy-Ford-Dodge
> > P/U's are cheap to repair compared to L-R.
> > 3. Get better fuel economy with the biggest engine P/U. For example
> > I tow a 26' Overlander with either a 99 Dodge Durango with 5.9 ltr
> > V8, 3.92 axle ratio or a '97 Chevy 2500, 7.4 Ltr V8 with 3.73 axle
> > ratio. Both tow well, but the big Chevy does so with complete
> > control and the same fuel mileage.
> > I tow in Colorado's mountains with long, steep grades. Both handle
> > the load well, but on last Fall's trip to Olema, CA rally, I had to
> > cross So. Wyoming on I-80 with a 50 mph frontal cross wind and major
> > truck traffic. I was towing with the shorter Durango, but was
> > constantly push-pulled by trucks across the entire state. I wished I
> > had driven the Chevy, but made it with some effort when all the
> > other 'square sided' RV's were pulled over (Thanks to a/s' slippery
> > shape). My Durango's MPG dropped to 8 MPG, when 10-11 is normal
> > towing. The Chevy would have delivered probably 9-10 mpg, with 11
> > normal towing.
> > So, save your L-R, and go with an American Made P/Up. Just so you
> > don't think I'm anti import, my regular car is a Volvo, which I
> > love. But when I tow, I want reliable American steel and muscle
> > under my seat.
> > Randy Unter
> > '66 Overlander
> > Denver
> >
> >
> >
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