Tow vehicle opinions?

[gwncanuck]

I'm looking at the skylark 21 RBV that comes in around 3000 lbs. I have a 2005 Ford Sport Trac with the 4.0 L v-6, 4.10 gears, and a tow rating of 5000 lbs. The GCWR is 9200 lbs. The tv has a class 3 frame-mounted hitch with a 500 lb tongue load rating. Using the 25% rule gives me 3750 lb max and the 20% rule gives me 4000 lb. Personally, I feel better with the 25% rule. The numbers seem to work for the sport trac and the v-nose of the skylark would certainly cut down the frontal area issue but I would appreciate hearing from more experienced RV'ers. Right now we have a Jayco 1007 popup which we don't even know is behind us when towing but I have no experience at towing a full-size trailer. Thanks for any suggestions!

[29BHS ECO]

gwncanuck--- Sounds like your all set & yes the "V" nose should really cut the drag. Just be sure all you fluids are new , including the coolent. Larry

[gwncanuck]

Thanks 19H F250! I feel better about giving this unit serious consideration now. I had all fluids changed last year, new brakes installed, and am thinking about putting in a larger tran cooler to handle the bigger load.

[KRV1115]

Gwncanuck… we purchased a ’11 skylark (21FBV) last July and tow it with a ’11 Jeep Liberty (3.7L V6, 3.73 gear ratio) rated at 5000lb with the towing package (which we also have). We have the Reese trunnion bar hitch w/sway control and for the most part are very pleased with the performance. I can’t make the statement that I don’t know the Skylark is behind the TV, but towing isn’t the issue. We do feel some sway with higher than normal crosswinds and to some degree when semi’s pass.

I’m thinking of looking at my options on “tweaking” my current set-up or evaluate other options, my wife gets nervous with the slightest abnormal movement from the TT.

Overall we love the camper and our Jeep. It’s primarily my wife, me and our ****er spaniel. From time to time our 21yr old will join us and we have plenty of room with her too.

Enjoy your Skylark!

Roger

[gwncanuck]

Thanks KRV1115! I had a local Ford dealer do a VIN search for me on the truck and they say that the truck is rated for a max of 5300 lbs. That makes me feel even more comfortable at considering the Skylark.

[rog4kneer]

Have no doubts that you can tow the skylark. Think you will find the power lacking. I pulled mine in the beginning with a Toyota 4 runner with v6. Handled the trailer well but hated all the shifting on hills etc. By the way the 4 runner was equipped with tow package.