Papa3 wrote:
If you Google back a ways in this same newsgroup, you'll see me quoted
as saying something like "there's no substitute for mass" in a tow
vehicle.

True, but a lot of the vehicles with high mass have undesirable traits
like a high center of gravity, a long rear overhang, and perhaps a soft
suspension. If you improve those other traits, you should be able to
reduce mass without reducing safety. Of course, at some point you
can't improve those other traits any more, so any further reductions in
mass will potentially reduce safety.

I think the ideal tow vehicle depends a lot upon the personality of the
driver. If you are the type who gets impatient if you aren't driving at
70 to 80 mph, you will need a heavy tow vehicle. If you are willing to
reduce your speed to whatever is safe for your tow vehicle, you can get
by with something that is smaller and lighter.


In those days, I had just switched from the Jetta (more or
less okay for "normal" situations, but definitely not what I'd want in
a downhill panic stop) to an Explorer. However, I think that if you
look at a car like the Passat (all wheel drive plus good ABS plus a
friendly geometry for towing), it's an acceptable alternative to heavy
metal. And again, if you're gonna have to take the wife and kids down
to the shore, it's a lot more friendly as a "regular" family vehicle.
I think the key is to understand the limits and also to make sure
that the trailer brakes are in perfect condition. I've had several
panic situations with the Passat, and thanks to good surge brakes and
intelligent driving, we're still here to talk about it.

WRT diesels, I'm a big fan. I actually started my gliding life towing
a 1-36 on a Gherlein trailer with a Diesel Rabbit. Now that was an
interesting setup. No problem getting going, but hard to get out of
second gear on an uphill. I desperately wanted the Passat 4motion
Wagon with the TDI, but unfortunately, they don't import it into the US
(yet).

P3