Bigger is Better!
Back in the day, I was making 200 mile trips with my Ranger 20's in tow -- both for our own sailing/cruising and for deliveries to new owners. Gross trailer weight was about 1900 to 2000 #. This was with a 1980 four cylinder Mazda long bed pick up, all two liters of mighty engine!
Only had two concerns: Pulling up out of a steep ramp was real hard on the clutch, and following too close on the freeway due to braking limitations.
Welcome Fellow 23'er/Joe,
Like Loren my early trailering adventures involved towing my '72-Cal 21- 2,000# on the trailer w/ a '71 1.9L Volvo Wagon, which was a very adequate tow vehicle. It had 4 wheel disc brakes, and a 4 speed w/ O/D(lower gearing for ramps), it averaged 15mpg while towing!
My '79-E23 is on the original, "very tired", trailer! It hasn't been on a major road trip in over 10 years(relegated to local launch & recovery, 2mi)I am planning a
complete rebuild in spring '08, after the boat is launched.
When it was "active" I used 2 vehicles, '79 Jeep Cherokee Chief & '79 Dodge Ramcharger. Both were "full" size vehicles w/ adequate
mass &
power for the job! Both were "full-time" 4 wheel drive which is beneficial when "retrieving" the boat. I would even use the "low" range when ramping, pulling the boat out @ "idle"! The not so fun part was that while towing "both" vehicles got 10 miles/gal(OUCH!)
I currently own a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited(4.7L V8) and routinely tow a 21' Arima fishing boat(4,150#) "back & forth" to Lake Michigan(11-14mpg). Considering the higher center of gravity & weight of the E23 (4,400#+ on the trailer)I'm "hesitant" to contemplate a major road trip w/ the JEEP(mid-size). I'm planning a sailing adventure from Bayfield, Wi. to Isle Royale & back, Fall of '08 and may "sign-on" my "good buddy" w/ a 2007 Chevy 3/4ton pickup w/ a Duramax Diesel(WHAT BOAT??)
Having done "many" roadtrips towing 2,500#-4,150# fishing boats from Madison, Wi. to Lake Erie and back(850mi. R/T), w/ my Jeep, I can emphatically say "it is not for the faint of heart". Road Rage is redefined when you're towing in freeway traffic! This route is an unusally bad corridor w/ no detours possible!
I'm sorry if I'm "rambling" but My safety & the safety of others on the road ARE very important to me! I've heard way too many bad stories & seen a few! By the way a recent "joiner" had a successful tow w/ a Chevy 1/2 ton, towing a E25 w/o brakes(not safe) 1,100m to it's new home.
IMHO the GMC Safari is "out" of the equation, except for local non-freeway stuff! What are your wishes "exactly"? Where are you and where do you want to go? DON'T go far from home w/o the brakes(illegal and dangerous)
:thinker:
There are a number of relatively inexpensive "tow vehicle" solutions I could recommend, IF you're looking! The ability to experience new cruising grounds w/ these very capable, rugged, and beautiful boats IS worth the effort!
Once again WELCOME! Perhaps we can have a "trailer rebuild" seminar in the spring!
Your "behavioral health" is important to us!

LOL