View Single Post
  #8  
Old October 30th 09, 06:32 AM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
JS
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 1,384
Default towing a sailplane trailer / vehicle

As Dave said, it depends on what you're towing.
For a start, whatever it is had better have trailer brakes.
I had a Nimbus 3 in a Pfeiffer trailer, and towed it with 3
vehicles:
00 Subaru Outback 2.5L manual.
96 Chevy Tahoe V8 auto. (purchased before the Nimbus trailer had
brakes)
97 Holden Commodore V6 auto.
Without a doubt, other than starting on a hill the Outback was the
best tow vehicle. High winds weren't much of a factor. The Tahoe by
comparison was awful in windy conditions, not that it handled well at
any time compared to the Subaru. The Tahoe V8 with automatic was nice
for stop and go traffic but big V8 engines and automatic transmissions
are a waste otherwise.
The Outback also towed LS-6, Libelle, AS-W20, AS-W27, AS-H26E. All
in Cobra Trailers, all felt great.
Outback fuel economy was 23MPG (US Gallon) towing at 65 to 70MPH
with the AC on. Without a trailer, it's a fun car to drive. Expect
26MPG at 80MPH with AC on. Excellent in snow. Not bad in the dirt, but
replace the factory "skid plate" with something real.
However, the Outback has a weakness other than the infamous head
gaskets. The viscous clutch in the transfer case gets too hot towing
heavy trailers. The AS-H26E and Mojave Desert combination did it in.
Had the Outback for 10 years. Was going to replace it with a 3.0L
Outback (unfortunately only available with automatic) but found out
the transfer case is the same. The replacement, an 08 RAV4 V6
automatic tows very well and isn't too thirsty, but I miss the
Outback's handling and manual gearbox.
Bottom line: If it's 15M span or new generation 18m pure glider in a
good trailer, you'll love the Subaru.
Jim

On Oct 29, 7:52*pm, Dave Nadler wrote:
On Oct 29, 9:38*pm, ryanglover1969 wrote:

Depends what you are towing !