Rear double/queen beds?

[bonnisd]

Hi! just beginning to look for a used AS TT

Is there a source that will list for us what models had the rear bedroom w/double or queen beds?

Thanks for any help.

[joel]

What year and size are you looking for.I have a friend that sells used A/S and he has some of the booklets on them . He will be back in town tomorrow and I can get to them to look for you. I am on my second A/S from him.Started with a 73 31' with center twins and now have a 86 31' with rear twins. I love having the beds in the back . One of our favorite places to go is on the white river in Arkansas and the view from the rear windows out to the river and hills is great when you wake up in the morning.

[bonnisd]

Currently, we would like to start small. But... do want a permanent bed (rather than a pull-out). We have a 2000 F-150 4x4 w/biggest engine that says on back bumper that tongue weight is 500 max & trailer weight of 5000 max. (Does this sound right?) So... unless we decide to get a different tow vehicle, it should be something light. Also, we've never trailered before, so are a bit apprehensive about getting something long.

[InsideOut]

Usually the "full-time, bed in back" layout is in the larger trailers. There are several older Flying Clouds that may fit the bill though...they are 22' long and relatively light compared to non-vintage units.

Shari

[thenewkid64]

The tow rating you see on the bumper is not what you want to go by. This is a standard parts bin, stamped part.

You will want to install a receiver type hitch on the truck. Even if it came with the factory tow package. Ford's from the early to mid 90's did not have a reciver. You cannot install a weight distrubiting hitch on a bumper mount.

I would dig out the owners manual and see what it says regarding towing as well as checking out the VIN and the options that were factory installed. You may be able to tow up to 7800 LBS per the factory tow rating. This would allow you to get into almost any trailer 27 ft and under. The older the trailer, generally the lighter it is. mid 70's models are my personal fave

[Impala SS Guy]

Why would the older ones be lighter than a newer one? What was sacrificed in order for them to be lighter?

[InsideOut]

It's not what was sacrificed...it's what's been added!

Over the years, generally the trailers have gotten heavier based on the materials used...ie Corian counter tops instead of plastic laminate, larger Black/Grey/Supply water tanks, etc.

Check out this weight chart

For example, a 1964 19' GlobeTrotter weighed in at 2890 lbs whereas a 2003 19' Bambi weighs 3770 lbs and a 1961 22' Safari weighed 2900 lbs and a 2003 22' Safari now weighs 4920 lbs.

We sure don't miss the extra weight!

Shari

[thenewkid64]

It was not necessary sacrifice. The newer ones got wider, taller, and the cabinets got heavier and the tanks got bigger.

Up until the gas crunch in the 70's most folks towed their trailer with the family car. Once the body on frame car died, most people started towing with trucks and suburban. Marketing showed folks wanted more room, more capacity, and more amenities so the factory built it. Since 90% of new owners were towing with a truck weight was not so much of an issue.

Fast forward to the present and the small to medium sport ute is now the most popular vehicle on the road. So now the factory has gone back to basics in some ways. There are now smaller trailers that have lighter materials, smaller tanks and are narrower.

Supply and demand at work.

We fulltimed in a 77 Sovereign 31 foot trailer. The dry weight was 5000 LBS. The same floor plan, 82 trailer with almost the same tank capacities was 6800. Five years and 1600 lbs!