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Old 09-13-2006, 08:02 AM   #1
Debian Dog
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Default New best towing rig = Freestar

I have been saying this on RV.net. The minivans of today have more and safer towing power than trucks did from a decade ago.
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Ford Freestar by Andy Thomson RV Lifestyles Magazine

Ford’s new Freestar might just be one of the company’s best tow vehicles.
Since 1998 we have put hitch packages on more than 400 Ford Windstar vans, making it one of the most popular tow vehicles at our store in 35 years. As a tow vehicle they were a great value, with a low purchase price, good fuel economy and plenty of towing capability. Minivans really point out the inconsistencies in manufacturers’ towing recommendations. When Lee Iacocca introduced the first Chrysler minivan 20 years ago it had a 130 horsepower 3.0 Liter V6 with a 3.02:1 axle ratio, a three-speed transmission and a 3,500 pound rating. It is curious that almost every minivan built by every manufacturer since then has shared that same 3,500 pound recommendation even though some have twice the horsepower, not to mention five speed transmissions with better gear ratios. In fact it is hard to call many of them minivans any more, as there is not much that is mini about them.

Ford’s new Freestar (replacing the Windstar) is a good example. From a towing stability and handling point of view, it is an almost ideal tow vehicle. The wheelbase is 120 inches long, but the rear overhang is only 42 inches, giving it an excellent 35 percent of rear-overhang-to-wheelbase ratio compared with 45 to 55 percent on most SUVs. Though the van is as tall as an SUV or pickup, it carries its weight much lower so the center of gravity is not much higher than that of a car. Rack and pinion steering communicates good steering feel with very little play. The low profile tires combined with 16x7 inch wheels have less side sway than the taller tires used on many other vehicles. The twist beam rear axle has virtually no sway, and is superior to a live axle on leaf springs, though the twist beam does give up a little in the way of ride comfort compared to independent suspension. But when everything is said and done, despite the fact there are plenty of vehicles with higher tow ratings, very few can approach the Freestar for stability and safety.
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