05-04-2003, 03:13 PM
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#1
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New Member
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 4
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Confused by Conflicting Reports
My wife and I are looking for a new TT (we have a 24' SPLASH) and yesterday saw (for the first time) the AIRSTREAM -- we really liked the Classic 30' Our concern is the relatively low Highway Control rating in the RV Consumer Group's "Green Book." Safety and handling are a major concern for my wife, and for that reason the low numbers on the A/S are cause for concern, yet the salesman insisted that A/S tow better than most travel trailers. Any experience/comments regarding the newer A/S?
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05-04-2003, 03:22 PM
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#2
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Aluminut
2004 25' Safari
.
, Illinois
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,477
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I think most of the comments you might find on this forum might be a tad biased.
I think the A/S pulls equal or better than any other box on the road.
A big factor is what you tow it with too. Your "Splash" can be just as unsafe as the next RV if you tow with the wrong equipment.
Regards,
Eric
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05-04-2003, 05:28 PM
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#3
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New Member
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 4
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Thanks, Eric. I would expect folks to be a tad bit biased about their A/S -- seems almost like a "cult" ![Wink](https://www.airforums.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif) Then again, aren't we ALL inclined towards bias on the things we love?
For a tow vehicle we have a Yukon XL with the big engine and towing package--my wife shows horses and often pulls her horse trailer--so I'm confident as far as towing power goes.
Thanks,
Steve
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05-04-2003, 05:47 PM
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#4
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Cartoon Character
2004 34' Classic
On The Road
, U.S.A.
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 885
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Steve,
We are also looking at a 30 foot Classic. We think it fits our needs perfectly.
Also, we used to be members of the RV Consumer Group. While they do raise some valid issues that should always be considered, they tend to be a bit "goofy" when it comes to some of their ratings.
The Airstream has always held a fine reputation for ease of towing. I have talked to many owners who say they "tow like a dream".
For safety, we are also going with the Hensley Arrow hitch. We'll be towing with a Ford Excursion (Diesel).
Where did you see the Airstream ... Toscanos or Sky River?
__________________
Porky
TrailerGypsies.com
WBCCI #3405 — Escapees #80360
I live the life I love and I love the life I live.
-- Willie Dixon
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05-04-2003, 06:57 PM
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#5
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Moderator dude
![](/ugala/forums/images/icons/contributing_member.gif)
1966 26' Overlander
Phoenix
, Arizona
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,510
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Just an opinion
Steve,
Not sure what the rating in the RV Consumer Group is all about. And my experience is based on renting a 3 year old 19' box brand "X" versus my 37 year old 26' Overlander. They pull about the same in my opinion. And I too am biased!
So here is a story: A man bought a 34' Motorhome. And on the first trip out he was on a highway. He set the cruise control for speed, walked back and got a cup of coffee. The motorhome crashed! He sued and won a million dollar judgement cause the motorhome manufacure did not tell him he could not do that. Now there is a section in the owners manual warning against that type of action.
So my point is take some responsibility and buy what you like! Be prudent in your preperation of anything and everything. (Does not just apply to RVing) And then take responsibility for the out come and enjoy.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Action
__________________
1966 Mercury Park Lane 4 DR Breezeway 410 4V, C-6, 2.80 - Streamless.
1966 Lincoln 4 door Convertible 462 4V 1971 Ford LTD Convertible 429 4V Phoenix ~ Yeah it's hot however it's a dry heat!
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05-04-2003, 08:02 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master ![](/ugala/forums/images/5rivet.gif)
Austin
, Texas
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 949
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Re: Just an opinion
Quote:
Originally posted by Action
Steve,
So here is a story: A man bought a 34' Motorhome. And on the first trip out he was on a highway. He set the cruise control for speed, walked back and got a cup of coffee. The motorhome crashed! He sued and won a million dollar judgement cause the motorhome manufacure did not tell him he could not do that. Now there is a section in the owners manual warning against that type of action.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Action
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I thought we had debunked this one months ago!!
Another "urban legend", it never happened.
Chas
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05-04-2003, 09:20 PM
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#7
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Aluminut
2004 25' Safari
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, Illinois
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,477
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I hope it didn't. That guy, if real, would have had to have been the top Darwin Award winner of the century--hands down!
Eric
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05-05-2003, 12:04 AM
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#8
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Rivet Master ![](/ugala/forums/images/5rivet.gif)
![](/ugala/forums/images/icons/contributing_member.gif)
1956 22' Safari
2015 27' Flying Cloud
Vintage Kin Owner
Conifer/Evergreen
, Colorado
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 12,702
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Urban Legend
Check out this previous thread
Shari
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05-05-2003, 08:10 AM
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#9
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Moderator dude
![](/ugala/forums/images/icons/contributing_member.gif)
1966 26' Overlander
Phoenix
, Arizona
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,510
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Thank for the feedback guys.
So whether the story is true or not, the point I want to make is if one spends thousands of dollars on a SUV (or anything) that has thousands of parts, the safe operation and handling is the responsibility of the owner. Not your brother-in-law, the vehicle salesman, RV Consumer Group, or anyone else for that matter.
Look at things that you want. Check it out personally. And operate within it's intented design. If I had a 30' Classic, I would have you over. For that matter, you are welcome to check out my 37 year old Overlander. If you want to pull it with your truck to see how it tows.
Ask the dealership for referals of others that have bought a 30' Classic. If you are serious, put a deposit on one and make the sale contingent on a long test drive, under your conditions. And in the end safety is your responsibility.
>>>>>>>>>>>>Action
PS. As an ex-employee of an auto manufacture, there are many things put into owners (operation) manuals because of law suits. So the people that actually read the manual usually have to sift through 25% of the cautions and warnings to get to the how do I operate it properly.
__________________
1966 Mercury Park Lane 4 DR Breezeway 410 4V, C-6, 2.80 - Streamless.
1966 Lincoln 4 door Convertible 462 4V 1971 Ford LTD Convertible 429 4V Phoenix ~ Yeah it's hot however it's a dry heat!
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05-05-2003, 09:22 AM
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#10
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New Member
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 4
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Quote:
Originally posted by Danny
Steve,
Where did you see the Airstream ... Toscanos or Sky River?
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Sky River. We went there to look at a Companion (by Kit) and then were on our way to Fresno to look at a Splash (by National RV--we have a 24' Splash now). We saw the Safari with slide-out and were impressed, then we saw the Classic 30 and were in love! Spent over an hour looking at it and getting a feel for the quality and design. Never did make it to Fresno...
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05-05-2003, 09:29 AM
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#11
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New Member
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 4
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Phoenix ~ Yeah it's hot however it's a dry heat!
Seems like that's another Urban Legend <g>
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05-05-2003, 10:11 AM
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#12
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Moderator dude
![](/ugala/forums/images/icons/contributing_member.gif)
1966 26' Overlander
Phoenix
, Arizona
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,510
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Just a bit off topic
Steve,
The dry heat is not an urban legend. It is in the high 80's to low 90's for this month and we should hit triple didgets by next month.
Ave annual rain fall is .1" for May and June. This year we have had rainfall that is in excess of last years total. This is a blessing since we are in a 4 year old drought.
Humidity is in the lower 30% bracket and will go to the teens soon. Less than 10% relative humidity is not unheard of in May and June. Which makes evaporitive cooling work so well. I like it better than A/C at this time of year.
>>>>>>>Action
__________________
1966 Mercury Park Lane 4 DR Breezeway 410 4V, C-6, 2.80 - Streamless.
1966 Lincoln 4 door Convertible 462 4V 1971 Ford LTD Convertible 429 4V Phoenix ~ Yeah it's hot however it's a dry heat!
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05-05-2003, 11:16 AM
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#13
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4 Rivet Member ![](/ugala/forums/images/4rivet.gif)
2001 30' Excella
Bedford
, New Hampshire
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 347
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30 classic
We have a 2001 widebody 30' Classic and have towed it over 16,000 in the past two years. We tow with a 1500 GMC yukon xl and a hensley hitch. I wouldn't be without the hitch. If you purchase the hensley be sure to get the Jordan brake controller. Just changed the rear end to a 4:10 and should have purchased the vehicle that way. The trailer's great a couple of minor issues needed repair. If you purchase one, be sure to fasten the pocket doors before you tow. Also make sure all the windows are closed a latched. That way you can learn from another's stupid mistake$.
If you follow my adice above, you can save yourself a lot of money in trial and error and mistakes.
Good luck in your decisions.
__________________
-Life is a journey, not a destination.
Aerosmith
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05-05-2003, 01:26 PM
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#14
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Rivet Master ![](/ugala/forums/images/5rivet.gif)
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,486
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SteveB2, I can only speak for myself. I have towed a lot of different kind of trailers - utility, box, boat, flatbed, and so forth, and nothing has ever towed as smoothly as my 25' Sovereign. I too have wondered about the RV Consumer Group's rating on the Airstream and a couple of other brands that seems out of line with the experience of people I know.
Mark
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05-05-2003, 04:03 PM
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#15
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1 Rivet Member ![](/ugala/forums/images/1rivet.gif)
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 10
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I recently switched from a 25' "ultra-light" 5th wheel to a new 25' Airstream. I tow with a 2002 Tundra. I've been towing the Airstream with a common variety weight distributing hitch with a single friction type anti-sway bar. I've never had a "white knuckle" experience with the Airstream and I've towed in some very heavy crosswinds.
Without a doubt, the Airstream is easier to tow than the 5th wheel was. The 5th wheel was always a huge "presence" behind me. I felt I was dragging a very large barn around. I sometimes forget the Airstream is back there. My gas mileage went from 8 mpg with the 5th wheel to 10 mpg with the Airstream.
By the way. I just purchased a Hensley Arrow hitch. I want every advantage I can get when I expose a sizable monetary investment containing precious cargo to the wackos that populate our highways. (Of course I'm not referring to fellow Airstreamers.)
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05-05-2003, 04:13 PM
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#16
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Aluminut
2004 25' Safari
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, Illinois
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,477
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mnikisher,
Your Tundra have the 4.7+/-L V8 w/ the tow package?
The tow package included 3.91 gearsets on that beast. If so, it has to tow very nicely.
Regards,
Eric
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05-05-2003, 04:28 PM
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#17
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1 Rivet Member ![](/ugala/forums/images/1rivet.gif)
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 10
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It does. And it does.
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