Before I talked myself into a 23', I posted on this forum, and was told to buy longer, not shorter. I did not listen, but I was not comfortable towing the 27' which was really 29' that we had at the time.
I read a post by BobFowler(?) today where he said they had left their Basecamp at Jackson Center and went to the local AS dealer, just to look. They traded! Put thoughts in my head, it was so simple!
Now, we have a 2007 23'AS that is a beautiful trailer and very very easy to tow. We traded our 1999 27'(29') AS for the 23' because it was 6 feet shorter and 6 inches narrower. I did not want to tow the 27', actually 29'.
Having driven many miles with the 23' and being very comfortable, even in heavy traffic, I wonder how it would differ from the 25' (26') AS.
There was another post a week or so ago that started the thoughts, but I was able to get by that time. This time it is serious!
MY question: can I be as comfortable driving and towing with the 25' as with the 23'? Does the 6 inches difference in width make a difference? My husband does most of the driving now, but I have to be able to take over full time if necessary, while on any trip.
Our tv will handle the 25' just fine and we have a Hensley hitch.
Truth to tell, you'll notice very little difference.
Roger
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AIR 2053 “A generation which ignores history has no past and no future.” Robert Heinlein 2006 Bigfoot 25B25RQ towed by a 2001 Born Free 23RK moho
Yes and no. Yes it's not hard to get use to, but there are very unique differences between the 25' and the 23'. Not sure if your last was a widebody, but the new 25s start the widebody. It can take some getting use to, but it's nothing too difficult.
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Computers manufactured by companies such as IBM, Compaq and millions of others are by far the most popular with about 70 million machines in use worldwide. Macintosh fans note that cockroaches are far more numerous than humans and that numbers alone do not denote a higher life form. -NY Times 1991
In July '06 we bought a 19 ft. in Aug. '06 we traded it in on a 25 ft FB.
The extra length was not a problem at all. Did not notice it while driving.
I did notice the extra width. This is easily solved however by extending the mirros a couple of inches if needed. Oddly I am more concious of the width on the freeway. On City, two laners, rural and dirt roads I don't notice the extra width.
Total time it took to get used to the longer and wider trailer was about 20 minutes.
In July '06 we bought a 19 ft. in Aug. '06 we traded it in on a 25 ft FB.
An all too common tale.....been there too.
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Computers manufactured by companies such as IBM, Compaq and millions of others are by far the most popular with about 70 million machines in use worldwide. Macintosh fans note that cockroaches are far more numerous than humans and that numbers alone do not denote a higher life form. -NY Times 1991
I feel I got it right. 2006 Ford F350 Diesel 4X4 Crew cab +2007 25' Classic Limited .Grey and Silver two of my favorite colors.Bought at about the same time , just took a little longer to get the Airstream because it was a special order.
We have pulled an '05 25FB about 20,000 mile in the last year with our 2500 Suburban. We have found it very manageable even in the central business district of several really big cities like Atlanta, Baltomore, Houston, and Dallas.
__________________ SuEllyn & Brian McCabe WBCCI #3628 --- AIR #14872 2005 25' Safari FB (Lucy) with HAHA 2005 Suburban 2500 Quadrasteer (Olivia) & 2004 Suburban 2500 Quadrasteer (Daisy)
I think the minority are the ones who bought the right size truck and trailer the first time out.
This is one situation where being a minority is a good thing.....of course listening to the forum and taking the time to really look at the endless options before jumping is the defining process.
Time
__________________ Travel is in my blood, adventure is my passport, aluminum is my favorite construction medium, and therefore, an Airstream was my destiny.
I agree with goin camping, the length you won't notice, the width will take about 15 minutes to get used to. I know you'll get used to the extra space in a hurry too. Enjoy, --Mark--
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--Mark and June-- "Every time I feel the urge to exercise, I go lay down until it passes." Mark Twain
I probably am a poor one to listen to, as I have towed almost everything imaginable. That said, I noticed the narrower body more after towing the wider body, than the other way around. I kept looking for the trailer in the mirror, and having momentary panic spikes, until I remembered it was narrower, and to look closer in.
Knowing where you live, I would try driving though the construction zones on I-75 near Englewood with the wider trailer, if they will allow you a test tow. See if you are comfortable there, if so, you should be fine.
Pat, "YOU CAN TOW IT!" - the now famous Rivette rally cry. (Summer Solstice Rally - women only). Actually, I'd been wanting to be able to tow our AS in the event it became a must for quite some time. A very good thing to know before such an event takes place. Remember the bicycle you couldn't ride at first? Just like the bike, all you need to do is practice and you'll be fine. No matter how long or wide your AS is, you will be OK with .... practice. You might even try cornering in the mall parking lot after the lots are empty to boost your comfort level.
Happy Towing!
sue
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sue and ike
'75 Tradewind - 25'
"Cupcake" air-912
2004 GMC Yukon XL 2500
Michigan - "middle of the mitt"
Went from a 68 19' GT to a 2005 Safari, not a problem. I did max out my TV. I picked up a used set of Mckesh mirrors and it I can see all around. I also mounted one of the cheap wireless cameras in the rear window and I can see better than ever. I had no problems towing I added a Hensley for safety as I may have to tow in high winds,I live in New Orleans and the AS is our escape pod also. Get the bigger trailer you will not love it.
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