towing sunline w/Bronco II

tmar04 · 08-04-2010, 10:20 AM

Just picked up my 94 sunline saturn T1550. towed it 300 mi from NC to Ga w my 87 Bronco II. quite a strain on little 2.9 eng in Bronco. Sunline weighs 2330 lbs, empty tanks, AC and propane tank and battery in place. Bronco weighs 3900lb

s. so, I made it, but had some doubts on some of long grades in SC. Nice little trailer, well cared for by prev owner, and am anxious to gocamping. I will wait til cooler weather, tho. and limit my trips to straight and level highways, for the time being. will report more after first trip. Happy trails to all you guys.

kanyonkitty · 08-04-2010, 11:25 AM

Congrats on your Sunline purchase. My best friend towed his 1982 T-1550 with a '1994 Ford Explorer with the 6 cylinder motor. Towed well on I-81 from WV to Pigeon Forge, TN every year. That camper served him well for many years until he upgraded to a 1994 T-1950.

Kitty

Steve Collins · 08-04-2010, 11:36 AM

If your Bronco II has an automatic transmission, you can significantly help the engine and tranny by adding an aftermarket transmission cooler. They're relatively inexpensive and very, very easy to install.

Over in the towing section, Norm Millard has posted a number of times about his towing experiences with a T-1550 and a Honda CRV. I recommend you find and read over all those posts.

tmar04 · 08-04-2010, 11:37 AM

Hi Kitty, I wish I had an Explorer. they have quite a bit more towing power and torque than my little Bronco II. they both have v6 engines, but Bronco is 2.9 Liter and explorer is 4.0 Litre. just enough to make a difference. we'll see how it works out.

Terry

tmar04 · 08-04-2010, 11:39 AM

thanks, Steve. I have read some of Norms articles and will read more. Problem is , my Bronco II weight is 3900 lbs, probably more than his Honda. we'll see if I can pare down some lbs off the Bronco. that is the key. cheers.Terry

**Tweety** · 08-04-2010, 02:45 PM

We towed our 1660 with a 1986 Chevy Celebrity station wagon back in 1986 with no issues. I know it had a 6 cylinder engine but don't know what size. Steve has always added the transmission cooler to our tow vehicles. (current Beast excluded)

Honda03842 · 08-04-2010, 06:46 PM

A transmission cooler is a good idea for an automatic. JohnB also always mentions the importance of wheel base and the distance from the rear axle to the ball. If you read some of his excellent posts you'll get a bunch of good info. They often contain further refences.

tmar04 · 08-04-2010, 06:53 PM

have added tranny cooler and will add temp gauge to make sure I do not exceed proper temps. also, I just realized I changed tire size from 205 to 235! that is a lot of my problem , I suspect. I will probably go back to orig size tire. thaanks so much.

Hematite · 08-04-2010, 10:18 PM

Yes, you will see a significant improvement in towing ability by going back to the original size tire.

tmar04 · 08-05-2010, 05:27 AM

just looks so 'wimpy' with those little tires.Oh well, can;t have it all. thanks for input.

Terry

Honda03842 · 08-05-2010, 02:08 PM

205 to 235???

Isn't that just a change in width and not diameter?

tmar04 · 08-05-2010, 04:10 PM

it is change in diameter. I went back to 215x70x15. the 70 is a little wider, but much 'shorter' and lighter. big difference. looks like a 'go kart' now compared to the 235x75x15. got some much needed towing help. my truck has GCWR of 6800 lbs. my present GCW is 6200, with me onboard and 10 gal gas.