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slowmover · 11-19-2012, 06:49 AM

Pretty much.

If the load is a construction trailer of cut logs being yanked down Forest Service roads, then obviously we are outside of what many vehicles could do in towing on improved surfaces. With some reasonable restrictions (climate, terrain, road, & load) there is no real reason to confine ourselves to tow vehicles that hurt the pocketbook in every mile of operation towing or solo.

It is the trailer (any type) where help is wanted in making life easier for the TV [tow vehicle] given that opportunity. Low center-of-gravity, torsion axles, disc brakes, virtual pivot point hitch, etc., all of these contribute to making life easier for the operator. That one is using a more economical TV (and likely "safer" vehicle in re road performance) rather well pays for any changes to trailers, for best hitch rigging, brakes, etc.

No trucking firm, for example, expects to use "generic" spec trucks to make a living. The margins are too thin. Very carefully specified components are tailored to carefully studied environment where the work is performed. I say we can do the same: Rural or urban; 24/7 operation or only when chosen; etc, etc, slice away what isn't needed. Most loads don't really change, IOW. We tend to do the same over and over. Under these same conditions keep slicing away the fat via analysis.

Expect that an ATF cooler (possibly also PSF) is required. A wiring kit for a 7-way harness. Best brake controller. Wider wheels and lower aspect tires dependent on vehicle & load. Aftermarket shock absorbers. The best TV's also feature short overhang (rear axle center distance to rear bumper); or why a Yukon is better than a Suburban despite a shorter wheelbase. Etc.

IOW, the vehicle which best suits the operators solo needs and can also tow a given trailer or load is the one to have. Define the towing needs. As Thomson says (roughly paraphrased) "I'd rather have a trailer 6' longer than 1' taller". Aero is crucial. Open versus closed trailers is first cut as the load on the former can have terrible aero.

FWIW, I'm impressed by the Honda Odyssey, solo & TT towing, in what I read. Were I to give up my pickup that van would be on my short list as TV for the TT seen in my signature. I'd start with an e-mail / phone call to Mr Thomson for my TT needs as he will consult.

IMO, use this minivan for your comparisons of all other vehicles as generic good choice in your initial survey.

.

11-19-2012, 06:49 AM	#34 (permalink)
slowmover Banned Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 2,442 2004 CTD - '04 DODGE RAM 2500 SLT Team Cummins 90 day: 19.36 mpg (US) Thanks: 1,422 Thanked 737 Times in 557 Posts	Pretty much. If the load is a construction trailer of cut logs being yanked down Forest Service roads, then obviously we are outside of what many vehicles could do in towing on improved surfaces. With some reasonable restrictions (climate, terrain, road, & load) there is no real reason to confine ourselves to tow vehicles that hurt the pocketbook in every mile of operation towing or solo. It is the trailer (any type) where help is wanted in making life easier for the TV [tow vehicle] given that opportunity. Low center-of-gravity, torsion axles, disc brakes, virtual pivot point hitch, etc., all of these contribute to making life easier for the operator. That one is using a more economical TV (and likely "safer" vehicle in re road performance) rather well pays for any changes to trailers, for best hitch rigging, brakes, etc. No trucking firm, for example, expects to use "generic" spec trucks to make a living. The margins are too thin. Very carefully specified components are tailored to carefully studied environment where the work is performed. I say we can do the same: Rural or urban; 24/7 operation or only when chosen; etc, etc, slice away what isn't needed. Most loads don't really change, IOW. We tend to do the same over and over. Under these same conditions keep slicing away the fat via analysis. Expect that an ATF cooler (possibly also PSF) is required. A wiring kit for a 7-way harness. Best brake controller. Wider wheels and lower aspect tires dependent on vehicle & load. Aftermarket shock absorbers. The best TV's also feature short overhang (rear axle center distance to rear bumper); or why a Yukon is better than a Suburban despite a shorter wheelbase. Etc. IOW, the vehicle which best suits the operators solo needs and can also tow a given trailer or load is the one to have. Define the towing needs. As Thomson says (roughly paraphrased) "I'd rather have a trailer 6' longer than 1' taller". Aero is crucial. Open versus closed trailers is first cut as the load on the former can have terrible aero. FWIW, I'm impressed by the Honda Odyssey, solo & TT towing, in what I read. Were I to give up my pickup that van would be on my short list as TV for the TT seen in my signature. I'd start with an e-mail / phone call to Mr Thomson for my TT needs as he will consult. IMO, use this minivan for your comparisons of all other vehicles as generic good choice in your initial survey. . Last edited by slowmover; 11-19-2012 at 07:09 AM..