Greetings baldeagle6!
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Originally Posted by baldeagle6 I am looking for a new/used 19-25' Airstream. Any suggestions/comments on tow vehicles/brakes.
Comments on single or dual axles. Comments about suspension problems with the Airstream units. Comments about Toyota Sequoia as towing vehicles.
Do Airstreams include the "breakaway brakes" as a std feature or an option? |
1.) All recent Airstream trailers have electric trailer brakes, and some from the mid-to-late-1970s even have Excella HydraVac Disc Brakes. You will need an electric brake controller for your tow vehicle. There are a number of quality electric brake controllers available, but you will find that the three preferred by many Forum members include:
Tekonshao Prodigy Brake Controller,
Jordan Brake Controller, or
MasterBrake brake controller. I have been towing for a number of years, and prefer a controller with a cable-mounted remote control so I have utilized the
Hayes-Lemmerz Energize XPC Brake Controller for a number of years, and have been quite satisfied with its performance.
2.) The Henschen DuraTorque axles used on Airstream products, are quite durable but do wear out. You can learn more about checking out the condition of DuraTorque axles on a coach at the
Inland RV DuraTorque Axle information page. Inactivity can contribute to axle "failure" as well as use - - a trailer that has sat for years with its entire weight resting on the axles can have bad axles just as a coach that has been towed tens of thousands of miles - - it is one of those areas that MUST be checked-out on a used or Vintage coach.
3.) The question of tandem (dual) or single axles is more one of personal preference. Airstreams tend to be very well-balanced coaches regardless of size, so the question becomes one of personal preference. The single axle coaches do tend to be a bit more prone to sway, but not to a large degree in my experience - - the key in towing stability is to have an adequate tow vehicle with a properly adjusted weight distributing hitch with sway control of your preference. After owning Brand X RVs for a number of years, I felt that a tandem axle coach was necessary for an enjoyable trailering experience; my Minuet has convinced me that a well-balanced coach makes all of the difference - - it tows with greater stability than some of the Brand X tandem axle coaches that I have towed.
4.) In regard to the Toyota Sequoia as a tow vehicle, you will need to ascertain precisely what the factory trailer tow rating is for your vehicle. Your dealer and/or owners' manual should be able to assist you in this regard. The typical consensus of Forum members is that loading a tow vehicle to no more than 80% of its factory trailer tow rating will result in a more satisfactory trailer towing experience. You can find the factory empty weights for most Airstreams at
Airstream Weights and Measures. The thing to remember about the Empty Weights listed is that they reflect a base coach with no optional equipment or accessories - - to get an idea of the actual towing weight you will need to add between 1,500 and 2,000 pounds to the Empty Weight - - for those coaches where a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is listed, this reflects that maximum weight to which the trailer may be loaded.
5.) Airstream have had breakaway brake activators since sometime in the 1960s. It is one of the features that does require some maintenance and may need to be replaced on ocassion.
Good luck with your research!
Kevin