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Re: Towing - Regular Van vs. Extended Van

To: dave2020@mindspring.com, evolution-discussions@yahoogroups.com,
Subject: Re: Towing - Regular Van vs. Extended Van
From: pethier@isd.net
Date: Wed, 1 Dec 2004 12:34:46 -0600
>I am shopping for another van.  I loved my '94 E350 Clubwagon Chateau, but
somebody did a U turn in front of me and I T-Boned them, totalling both
cars in the process.  
>
>I am now shopping for a replacement.  I want another 92+ E350 Clubwagon,
but I'm wondering if I want to open up the possibilities to an extended
van.  I don't need the extra room, but it just gives me more options, since
it's a pretty rare combination to begin with (nice van, 1 ton chassis) and
a lot of the Club Wagons were built on the extended chassis (think church
bus).  My concern is how the extra length will effect towing.  I've towed
with a full size pickup and didn't really like the way it felt - sort of
like the trailer was steering the truck.  Now this was a 1/2 ton Chevy
fullsize longbed, so it isn't a direct comparison.  I just wonder if that
feeling was more due to the additional length between the rear axle and
hitch, or if it was just because it was a relatively light truck.  
>
>Boiled down, will the extra 12-18" of the extended van make it feel like
the trailer is pushing me around?

Let's be clear:  Is the extra 12-18" in the tail or in the wheelbase?

Wheelbase good.
Overhang bad.

The best would be a van with a looong wheelbase and a short tail.

Phil Ethier






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