Eric Swanger wrote:
> Vaughn,
> Interesting, your experiences with the Astro. What year was it? How much
> did your trailer weigh, and how much tongue weight did you have? I'm just
> curious to make sure I'm avoiding any potential problems. I've had no
> problems at all out of mine, or my S10 blazer, which has the exact same
> engine/trans as the Astro. To be honest, I was somewhat concerned when I
> first looked up under the Astro and saw the single spring, but after a
> couple trips had built up my confidence in the van.
>
> Eric
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vaughn Rockney <vintagegarage@erols.com>
> To: Eric Swanger <ericsmgs@prodigy.net>; Malaboge@aol.com
> <Malaboge@aol.com>; geodav-lou@worldnet.att.net
> <geodav-lou@worldnet.att.net>; vintage-race@autox.team.net
> <vintage-race@autox.team.net>
> Date: Tuesday, May 16, 2000 5:02 AM
> Subject: Re: towing question time again
>
> >Eric,
> > After towing all over the East for two seasons with an Astro Van, my
> >experiences were exactly the opposite. I broke one of the fiberglass rear
> >leaf springs about every other trip for $350 a pop just for the spring, and
> >blew up the automatic transmission every fourth tow for $1800 a pop. The
> >rig was dangerous in a cross-wind, and every time an eighteen wheeler
> passed
> >me and I was still alive, I breathed a sigh of relief. There can't be a
> >worse tow vehicle than a Astro van, IMHO. If GM made them with a manual
> >transmission, metal leaf springs, and a longer wheelbase, they might be on
> >the right track.
> >
> >Vaughn
> >----- Original Message -----
> >From: Eric Swanger <ericsmgs@prodigy.net>
> >To: <Malaboge@aol.com>; <geodav-lou@worldnet.att.net>;
> ><vintage-race@autox.team.net>
> >Sent: Monday, May 15, 2000 6:14 PM
> >Subject: Re: towing question time again
> >
> >
> >> I just got back from VIR this weekend with the wife, 3 kids, a double
> axle
> >> trailer hauling the RX7, tools, etc. All this done with a Chevy Astro
> >> sporting the 4.3 V-6. The trailer with car comes in at about 3500 lbs.
> >> The van does this and still gets about 18 mpg, can maintain 60 -65 with
> no
> >> problems at all. Try it, you'll like it!
> >>
> >> Eric Swanger
> >> ----Original Message----
> >> From: Malaboge@aol.com <Malaboge@aol.com>
> >> To: geodav-lou@worldnet.att.net <geodav-lou@worldnet.att.net>;
> >> vintage-race@autox.team.net <vintage-race@autox.team.net>
> >> Date: Monday, May 15, 2000 10:41 PM
> >> Subject: Re: towing question time again
> >>
> >>
> >> >In a message dated 05/15/2000 11:52:39 AM !!!First Boot!!!,
> >> >geodav-lou@worldnet.att.net writes:
> >> >
> >> ><<
> >> > Does anybody tow with a 6-cyl. Jeep? How does it do? >>
> >> >
> >> >
> >> >The Duke gets towed by a Cherokee with the inline 6. Everywhere we go
> >from
> >> >home base its over some serious hills and the jeep loaded with too much
> >> stuff
> >> >in the back (mostly heavy iron stuff) and a heavy trailer (about 3500
> >> pounds
> >> >with car), does tend to get a little winded on the upside of the long
> >> hills.
> >> >Other than that it seems pretty good as it settles down to an even
> >> >temperament on the freeway but I did put air shocks on the back as it
> >> >definitely was down at the rear haunches and my driveway is a rather
> >> serious
> >> >uphill transition.
> >> >
> >> >The tow rig looks like Xmas coming down the road...bright green Jeep,
> >> >brighter red Triumph.
> >> >
> >> >
> >>
> >
I've had quite different results towing with an Astro van. I bought mine four
years ago with 70,000 miles on it. I added a transmission cooler. I tow a TR4 on
an open trailer to about six events per year, mostly but not all in the Midwest.
We really fill it up, usually with three people and lots of bear.
The van now has 140,000 miles on it with no drivetrain or suspension problems. I
get about 13 mpg towing at 65 - 70 mph.
I change the engine oil twice a year and change the trans oil twice a year.
--
TR6 -- 29 and still running
TR4 -- 39 and still racing
uncle jack -- yeeehaaa
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