On the topic of tow vehicles for autotow; we operated an autotow only
operation for 10 years from 1970 - 80 just east of Dallas, TX. We used
approximately 6000ft of dirt road on the top of a low ridge (50ft
elevation). We had our best luck with 10 year old Plymouths ('63 -
'66) with the small V8. We got them used for $200 or so and used them
for a year to two. For us it did not make much sense to get anything
new since the rough road and 50mph speeds beat up suspensions in a
year or two, long before the engine was shot. I would be leery of a
pickup due to the low weight over the backend. At the top of a tow, it
was not unheard of to lift the rear end of our tow vehicle enough to
lose traction.

We used about 1600ft of polypropolyene rope and could get about 1400ft
on a CG hook, and about 800ft on a nose hook.

Good luck.

Bob



On 19 Aug 2005 03:57:04 -0700, "Rusty" wrote:

Mike:
We've been doing quite a lot of research on the subject as an
inexpensive alternative to aerotowing. Everything I have read
recommends using a pickup truck like a Ford F-150 or equivilent. One
of the best sites we've found to date is
http://www.danlj.org/~danlj/Soaring/GroundLaunch/ also get the book
"Ground Launches" by Derek Piggott. According to what I've read if all
goes right you can expect 70 to 80% of the tow rope length in altitude.
We will be using a 6000ft grass runway with a 2000ft rope. So we are
hoping to get at least a 1400' launch once we get it worked out. Where
are you located? If you would like to contact me direct I can be
reached at (remove both of the * to email) email
me for my phone number if you wish.

Larry Lively, Del Rio, Texas