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Topic: Towing stuff (Read 979 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Towing stuff

Reply #20 –
Rick, not to change the subject line, but was wondering which rig you towed the suburban with and how did the drive train handle it? Just trying to figure what I will be able to tow with whatever size engine/tranny we get.

Thanks in advance,
Larry

Re: Towing stuff

Reply #21 –
I think we only towed the Suburban with the U295 and the U320.  I'm sure the U280 would have towed it just fine as well. It was a 4 speed. Those other two gears are amazing along with the retarder on the newer coaches.  The ORED would probably have been fine but didn't have 4 wheel disk so not as much stopping power.

We hooked up one of our old volkswagens behind the U280 once and after we had gone a few blocks my daughter said "I bet I should have taken it out of gear." 

The fastest that old VW ever went n it's life was behind the U280 on a quick trip back from Louisiana. The speedometer was out and I drove by the tach. I didn't realize till I got the speedometer fixed that I misjudged and we drove 75 to 80 all the way home.  The trip was smooth and quiet.  I hadn't driven the 280 enough to know how fast we were going. You sat so high up in that one and it drove so well 70 seemed like 50.






Re: Towing stuff

Reply #22 –
I have Blue Ox motorhome 10,000# tow bar, and like that it stays on the coach.

On the Avalanche I have the Blue Ox receiver sockets and like the way all the towing stuff comes off so very easy and quickly. One captured pull spring loaded pin to release, a half turn and pull out the part.  Small, simple and quick to remove, both fit in one hand, go into a storage drawer.

I had separate wiring harness and light bulbs added to the Avalanche.  Not cutting into the Chevy system, way less chance of problems.  I had the M & G air brake system added to the coach and the Avalanche, with the breakaway, option as well.  Seamless braking, easy hook up, and works.

On the Saturn the PO installed the hidden Roadmaster receiver sockets.  But I do not like the larger hook up parts that are over a foot long, have square end plates and are heavy.  They are then a pain in the fingers to install the loose hitch pins back under the bumper.  Nor do I like the needed heavy car cross bar and two more loose pins.  Takes two trips from storage to the back of the coach, or let them rattle in the back of the Saturn.  So there are four loose pins to install or remove the tow parts, before the next two pins to hook the coach to the Saturn.  The thing rattles when you drive the Saturn, sticks out 6" from the front bumper and is a shin catcher.

I have a Brake Buddy brake petal system to drop into the Saturn, with the remote indicator lights to know when it is working.

Re: Towing stuff

Reply #23 –
Thanks Rick. Loved the VW story. Lots of memories in a couple of older ones.

Larry
 

Re: Towing stuff

Reply #24 –
Consider Tow Daddy for rear tow car lights. No drilling, no wire cutting. We just unplugged Jeep's rear tail light wiring and plugged Tow Daddy's male & female connectors. It also has a built-in brake relay if needed and comes with a long cable to front of car. Tow Daddy control box is small and contains all the necessary diodes.  We have been using it for two years on our new Jeep Grand. Love the idea that I can did not have to cut OEM wires. Our Jeep has a Chrysler Lifetime bumper to bumper warranty and if any issues with lights come up, we can instantly restore Jeep to original state.

Tow Daddy - The Best Designed RV Products on the Planet

Our Blue Ox tow bar is rated at 10,000 pounds.
http://www.blue-ox-towbars.com/tow-bars/motorhome-mounted/aventa-lx-tow-bar- with-2-shank