Towing with my Mercury Mountaineer

[lindy46]

Thanks for all the input. We're going to look instead at a Gulfstream Vintage Cruiser which is about 500 pounds lighter. Probably makes more sense.

[flybouy]

Originally Posted by lindy46

Thanks for all the input. We're going to look instead at a Gulfstream Vintage Cruiser which is about 500 pounds lighter. Probably makes more sense.

That would only reduce the tongue weight by about 65 lbs and not have any effect on the other issues posed.

[Auto Parts Guy]

For what it's worth, i have a TT with similar specs, 3370 dry and 4400 GVRW. I tow it with my 2004 Avalanche 2500 with the 8.1L engine and 4.88 gears, 35" tires, but I've also towed it with my 95 Yukon with 3.73 and 33" tires (also pulled it with stock size tires with not much difference).

I also own and daily drive a 2006 BMW X5 with a 1312 lb. payload. I used to think of us pulling a small camper with the X5. But after real world towing, never ever. Even with the wife following me in another vehicle with the kids all the cargo, I would never consider it, even if the numbers work out. Way under powered and these mid size SUVs of this era just aren't meant for towing a camper like that. I would only tow it with my Yukon in emergency situations.

This isn't to say that the X5 or Mountaineer or any other similar SUV physical won't move it from point A to B, just to say, I guarantee you wont be happy with the overall experience. And depending where in TN, it definitely won't like going up rolling hills.

My recommendation, pop-up style camper or bigger tow vehicle and you'll be much happier with the overall towing experience in the end.

[hawghauler]

OP that little thing couldn't pull a wet fart out of my butt on free chilli night at the local Moose lodge

Lol just having some fun you have answers

[lindy46]

Update : we bought the Vintage Cruiser 19ERD. We towed it home about 25 miles through rolling hills and it did fine. It did downshift on upward grades but didn't overheat or strain (we live in the Smokies) and I hadn't had a chance to set up the WD hitch (which needs some adjusting). I was quite surprised how well it did after all the negative comments. The previous owner hauled it with a 6 cylinder Jeep Cherokee and he never had any problems. We'll see how it does with our personal stuff in it, which adds up to 151#, (yes, I weighed every item we put into it) not including food, clothing and water. We'll tow with just enough water to wash our hands and flush the toilet, no more than 10 gallons. I figure our load will be no more than 300 #.

[Auto Parts Guy]

Those are nice looking campers, there was one at the last campground we stayed. Good luck with it all and enjoy and be safe. Let us know your thoughts on the set up after you've had a chance to get all your gear in and go out on your first trip. I hope she does well!

[wiredgeorge]

Richard, Just a suggestion but on a single axle trailer, the tires are critical. Look at the brand and date code. I suggest you purchase some new Carlisle Radial Trail HD or Goodyear Endurance. Most of the time, the manufacturer will go with cheap tires on smaller trailers. If the camper isn't new, a check of the roof for proper sealing is also a must.

[lindy46]

Originally Posted by wiredgeorge

Richard, Just a suggestion but on a single axle trailer, the tires are critical. Look at the brand and date code. I suggest you purchase some new Carlisle Radial Trail HD or Goodyear Endurance. Most of the time, the manufacturer will go with cheap tires on smaller trailers. If the camper isn't new, a check of the roof for proper sealing is also a must.

Thanks, yes new tires are my first priority. The Chinese tires on it already show stress cracking and only 3 years old. I did check the roof, everything is cauked with no signs of cracking / shrinking. This camper has a fiberglass roof which is nice.

[wiredgeorge]

Sounds like you have things well in hand. Many new owners don't look at the tires or roof and their first post will be related to one or both of those things. Don't forget to purchase an Electrical Management System. Surge protectors don't protect against MOST of the faults you will find at RV parks with the campground's pedestal. Kind of overwhelming to buy a camper and find out about all the stuff needed to camp securely and safely. Good luck!

[lindy46]

We've been pulling campers for well over 30 years so I know most of the ins and outs. I got some Good Year Endurance tires so camper should be ready to go. Trying to figure out the EAZ-Lift R3 WD hitch. Not sure how to adjust tension on the spring bars. I'm used to the kind with chains. Something else to read up on.

[wiredgeorge]

Originally Posted by lindy46

We've been pulling campers for well over 30 years so I know most of the ins and outs. I got some Good Year Endurance tires so camper should be ready to go. Trying to figure out the EAZ-Lift R3 WD hitch. Not sure how to adjust tension on the spring bars. I'm used to the kind with chains. Something else to read up on.

I never read directions and go directly to youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...ft+R3+WD+hitch

[bsmith0404]

Originally Posted by lindy46

We'll tow with just enough water to wash our hands and flush the toilet, no more than 10 gallons.

Heck, it doesn’t hold much more than that, I doubt the other 15 gallons in the tank would make a huge difference.

They’re a nice little camper. The dealership I worked at sold them for 2 years, don’t know why they stopped, corporate decision. All the people I sold to really liked them.

[lindy46]

Update : we towed the Vintage Cruiser with the Mountaineer twice during the Fall season and had no problems on the trips, both less than 60 miles. We're now planning a trip to Florida and decided to upgrade the tow vehicle and purchased a 2014 Ford F-150 with a 5.0 liter V8. 400 pounds more payload. I feel much more comfortable now.