6 seater vehicle to tow travel trailer. Ideas. (conversion, road trip, package)

[Jan Alaska]

I have just returned from vacation in the UK and I have a question about US travel trailers, the dimensions seem to be around the same as UK 'caravans' but over here (in the US) it seems you have to have a 3/4 ton to haul a TT whereas in the UK normal family sedans are frequently used. For example we rented a Ford Mondeo which in the US is a Fusion, it was a 2.0l diesel which according to this webiste Towing Capacity Ford, Mondeo Estate is capable of towing up to a 21ft twin axle 'caravan' with all the amenities of most US travel trailers.
So my question is why in the US do we need a 3/4 ton truck to haul a trailer when in other countries family sedans (capable of 45-50 US mpg/gal) do the same job ?

[phone man]

The size of your vehicle depends on the size of your trailer. My family started off with a minivan and a popup, moved to a Suburban with a 27ft trailer with no slide outs to an Excursion with a 35 foot trailer with a slideout.

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by Jan Alaska

I have just returned from vacation in the UK and I have a question about US travel trailers, the dimensions seem to be around the same as UK 'caravans' but over here (in the US) it seems you have ...

Get specific... then do the comparisons.
Overall weight, Length x Width, tongue weight all vary a lot.

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by MrRational

What do you base this on?
The OP doesn't describe anything more than occasional vacation use for a trailer..

We do not want a truck, and need the vehicle for daily use, driving the kids about etc when not towing, so the more economical to run the better.

One of my Renters got a heck of a deal (<$6k) on a 3/4T Diesel Suburban at commercial auction (in AK). He brought a 32' OLD (Heavy) Airstream down from AK with it 2 days after purchase. It got 16 mpg loaded ~ 18-22 empty)


and yes...Euro camper trailers are MUCH lighter that US, AND Euro cars are OFTEN diesel (think torque)

[Jan Alaska]

So I would recommend a Ford Windstar 2.3 auto (called the Galaxy in the UK) which is rated to tow 3968lbs. It will easily seat 6 and you should be able to find a 6 berth travel trailer within that range.

This page shows a range of what the Windstar can tow, Caravans: below 1800kg in weight

[snofarmer]

The big difference is the diesel engine it weights much more than a gas engine and it produces much more torque than the gas counter part.
Thus it is rated to tow more.

The next thing it U.S.A. TT's do weight more as we like more amenities.
And remember it will have to sleep 6.
And the kids only get bigger.

The EPA in the USA has limited the choice of a diesel engine to a few.

Originally Posted by Jan Alaska

I have just returned from vacation in the UK and I have a question about US travel trailers, the dimensions seem to be around the same as UK 'caravans' but over here (in the US) it seems you have to have a 3/4 ton to haul a TT whereas in the UK normal family sedans are frequently used. For example we rented a Ford Mondeo which in the US is a Fusion, it was a 2.0l diesel which according to this webiste Towing Capacity Ford, Mondeo Estate is capable of towing up to a 21ft twin axle 'caravan' with all the amenities of most US travel trailers.
So my question is why in the US do we need a 3/4 ton truck to haul a trailer when in other countries family sedans (capable of 45-50 US mpg/gal) do the same job ?

[jukes]

Well, we have seen another Excursion V10 gas, 2000, 96K, one dent on bodywork (nothing too major) asking price $6,500. Considering this as we have learnt from the forums how good these are for towing, husband figuring out if he can work out if it! Also, it is not 4x4 would that matter?

[WyoNewk]

The V10 is a good workhorse. Sounds like a great choice. (I have no idea of its book value, however.)

For me a 4x4 would be a requirement, but that's because I like to putter along on 4x4 trails in the mountains and "need" a 4x4 for winter driving. It's certainly not a requirement for towing. In fact, 4x4s usually have a little less towing/hauling capacity due to the extra weight.

Some folks say the main difference between a 4x2 and a 4x4 is that the 4x4 gets you stuck deeper.

I have a 2000 Ford F250 with one minor dent, 94K miles (Same chassis.) It's just getting broken in. Mine is a diesel, but they do cost a lot more, and gas engines have their advantages too. As gas burners go, they don't get any better than the V10 for towing. It should easily handle about any kind of travel trailer you decide on.

[phone man]

V10 is great, but if you can find one that has a 4.30 rear end then jump on it. Most come with a 3.73 rear end and while they can a little better mileage empty the 4.30 is like a match made in heaven if you plan to tow heavy with a V10.

[jukes]

Just an update, we finally bought a diesel 7.3l Excursion! Now we are on the look out for a TT with quad bunks, under $10k!