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11-08-2006, 07:12 PM
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#1
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1 Rivet Member
1972 25' Tradewind
Cascade
, Maryland
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 6
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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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Paul Pinkerton
1972 Tradewind
Cascade, MD
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11-08-2006, 07:23 PM
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#2
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Moderator
2015 25' FB Flying Cloud
2012 23' FB Flying Cloud
2005 25' Safari
Santa Rosa Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,156
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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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SuEllyn & Brian McCabe
WBCCI #3628 -- AIR #14872 -- TAC #FL-7
2015 FC 25' FB (Lucy) with ProPride
2020 Silverado 2500 (Vivian)
2023 Rivian R1T (Opal)
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11-08-2006, 09:52 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
2005 28' Safari S/O
Paradise
, California
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,446
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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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Steve
"THE OLDER I GET, THE BETTER I WAS"
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11-09-2006, 10:04 AM
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#4
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Frank S
1973 27' Overlander
peoria
, Illinois
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 316
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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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11-09-2006, 05:41 PM
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#5
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1 Rivet Member
1972 25' Tradewind
Cascade
, Maryland
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 6
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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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Paul Pinkerton
1972 Tradewind
Cascade, MD
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11-09-2006, 06:46 PM
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#6
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2 Rivet Member
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 28
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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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04-26-2007, 03:41 PM
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#7
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New Member
1978 25' Tradewind
hot springs
, Arkansas
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 3
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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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04-26-2007, 04:55 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
1951 21' Flying Cloud
1960 24' Tradewind
West Coast
, BC
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,790
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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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04-26-2007, 07:51 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
1978 31' Excella 500
Venice
, California
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 1,067
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Based on the information you supplied and the question you posed: No, it would not be unsafe.
__________________
"Not all who are laundering are washed" say Bill & Heidi
'78 Excella 500,"The Silver Pullit". vacuum over hydraulic disc brakes, center bath, rear twin. '67 Travelall 1200 B 4X4 WBCCI 3737
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04-26-2007, 08:56 PM
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#10
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4 Rivet Member
1973 31' Sovereign
Bertram
, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 277
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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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Catmando
"There’s not much in life we can’t over-analyze”
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04-27-2007, 06:08 AM
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#11
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Aluminut
2004 25' Safari
.
, Illinois
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,477
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Looks like he made the right call....
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