I've had a few wagons over the years, starting with this 1995 BMW 525it. I converted it to a 5-speed manual, but other than that and various 17" wheels she was mostly stock and nearly dead-nuts reliable. I added a few 7 series mods like rear lights, a euro steering wheel, upgraded the steering wheel, but no major mods... I always wanted to lower it, but never had time. We sold it to buy this 200 BMW 540it. Much faster, much less reliable. But in it's defense it did have more miles. Unfortunately we sold it when we bought a 5500 lb vintage Streamline Trailer. We did tow our first vintage trailer with it, I imported and installed a euro-spec hitch (see photo below). I wish I had it back. I now know a bunch more about towing dynamics, and with a modified hitch think it would make an awesome tow rig. I would especially like to have one with a diesel, ala the 530it in Europe. I hope to sell the current Tahoe in the next year and get a Dodge Magnum, or possibly a Buick Roadmaster. The Magnum would probably make more sense being 10 years newer. I've lurked here for a few years, watching the build on a clamshell and others. I thought I'd finally throw my hat in the ring and join the discussion! Looking forward to interacting more! Ian
Thanks guys! Looking forward to checking out some projects. I think I've seen 1tireman's Roadmaster, I need to see more of the Schwag. Love the green on green, we sold a '73 Wagoneer last year that was green on green which really grew on me. Plus it hides the moss that grows on everything around here...
Welcome. Now, about that tow vehicle. The Magnum is rated for but 3,500 lbs, but ONLY if it has the factory tow package and they are as rare as hen's teeth! With the tow package, the Roadmaster is rated for 5,000, and the tow package is more common. Guess which I recommend! LOL Personally, my favorite for towing is the mid-80s full sized Country Squire and Colony Park, with the 351 and Trailer Tow III Package which gives a tow rating of 6,000 pounds. Fancy hitches do NOT change the tow rating of a car, by the way, and if you get into a crash, at fault or not, insurance can be a bugger if the trailer is heavier than the rating of the tow vehicle. It can, in fact, render your insurance null and void.
It seems that finding a hitch that fits the Roadmaster is becoming really difficult. I guess nobody makes them anymore. One thing I have figured out is that tow ratings are mostly marketing, liability and BS. Our old BMW 5 series wagon didn't have a tow rating in the US, but had a tow rating of 5000 lbs in Europe. Every minivan since the first 2.2L K car based Chrysler vans has had a 3500 lb rating. With a strong hitch, good sway control, a good trans cooler and proper trailer brakes most cars can tow just fine. I like the Magnum over the Roadmaster because the rear overhang to wheelbase ratio is better, which reduces sway. It also has independent rear suspension for better handling. I do believe in tire ratings, and axle ratings and make sure I stay within those. First step is finding a driving a few wagons before I decide on anything!
Tow ratings are based on several things, not all of which are obvious. The Magnum is based on a several generations old Mercedes uni-body, where the Roadmaster is based on a several decades old full frame, which is the first difference. The strength of the transmissions, and their ability to absorb heat is another big one. The new transmissions just don't have the clutch packs to handle the strains the way SOME of the old ones do. As wheels get bigger and tires get lower in aspect ration, the weight ratings are becoming scary, too. Whether the official tow rating is marketing bunkum or not, the insurance companies do take them into account when a claim is made, and claims can easily be denied if you are over weight for the vehicle, as it is deemed 'unsafe' by them. If you have a vehicle warranty, too, there is a big difference as a hitch on an unrated vehicle can cancel that, too. About that BMW, keep in mind the European car has very little in common with the American version. Many things, starting with the suspension, are different, and that makes a huge difference to the ratings.
