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Old 11-08-2006, 07:12 PM   #1
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1972 25' Tradewind
Cascade , Maryland
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Red face Towing My Airstream

I am a new owner of a 1972 Tradewind AS. My question is can I safely tow my new acquisition with a GMC sonoma (V-6, 4.3 L) rated to tow 5500 pounds. I've seen some references that the dry weight of this trailer is 4400 pounds, and am beginning to think it just might be possible. It really wasn't an issue previously, as I planned on restoring it before traveling with it, but if I can roll with it, I just might have to go on a few excursions.

I look forward to "meeting" you as I endeavor on this new adventure!

--Paul
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Old 11-08-2006, 07:23 PM   #2
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The combo you propose would be pushing the envelope. If you just tow around town, it might work. The highway would probably be a very scarry experience. As a general rule, the waight of the trailer that you're towing should not exceed 75 percent of the the tow capacity rating.
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Old 11-08-2006, 09:52 PM   #3
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It will tow it, but you won't be happy. Especially if you have hills or mountains.
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Old 11-09-2006, 10:04 AM   #4
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Hi Pinkerton--Your loaded, ready to roll weight will be about 5400 lbs. As "slowolf" says "It will tow it, but you won't be happy". Your Tradewind will push your Sonoma all over the road, and the Somoma will lug down every time you hit a slight grade.--Frank S
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Old 11-09-2006, 05:41 PM   #5
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1972 25' Tradewind
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Thanks for the advice

Sounds like I should return to my origianl plan, work on the restoration, and make sure I get a tow vehicle rated to pull this when I get my next vehicle in a few years

Thanks again.
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Old 11-09-2006, 06:46 PM   #6
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Suburban K2500 on ebay

If you want the best tow vehicle there is a super clean 3/4 ton 2001 Suburban on ebay set up for towing with top of the line BrakeSmart controller, DrawTite hitch with only 71K miles.
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Old 04-26-2007, 03:41 PM   #7
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i tow mine pretty comfortable with a tahoe with 5.3 vortec. my gvwr says about 6000 lbs. i don't think you'll be happy with less than above. my tow rating is 7200 lbs.
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Old 04-26-2007, 04:55 PM   #8
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Paul,

IMHO you are on the edge from one perspective but still within the legal limits and I do believe the manufacturers under rate their TV's so they aren't pushed to the ultimate and unsafe limit. You could give it a try - realizing that you have indicated this isn't a permanent situation but you would like to give it a few runs. Keep the distance within reason, you will get a feel for how they work together, and with that knowledge buying the right TV when you are ready will be much easier. This will also allow you to do a bit of offsite camping.

I towed a car (70 Chevelle convertible) on a trailer (2,400lb trailer) with the 4.3l rated at 6,000lbs, was pretty close to the limit there given the weight of the car and trailer it was on, plus the load in the TV and we did just fine. We stayed at 55mph, took our time on hills, and all vehicles pulling trailers were being inspected that day and we whizzed through with no issues from a safety or weight standpoint. Would I do this all the time - no, but for a few trips here and there it would not be an issue for me.

Barry
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Old 04-26-2007, 07:51 PM   #9
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Based on the information you supplied and the question you posed: No, it would not be unsafe.
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Old 04-26-2007, 08:56 PM   #10
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I admit, I had pulled my 73 31foot sov with my 2000 Blazer with a v6. On the flats with a good brake system and good wd hitch it will do it...but ad propane and water and gear and your off the mark. WOuld not be fun at all. I had towed a 23' alum. cabin cruiser with a poor little GMC S15 with a four burner coast to coast, but it was only 2800lbs. After diving into the post on this sight I saw the light. True, if you see my tow vehicle you would probably say I went overboard...but hey, these folks know what they are talking about and I camp for fun. Getting pushed all over the highway is not fun

TAke your time on the refab and get a tv you can count on...just maybe without the lights and sirien
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Old 04-27-2007, 06:08 AM   #11
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Looks like he made the right call....
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