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Hogfan · 07-09-2016, 06:33 PM

We currently have a 27'FB that we love, but we are just semi contemplating a 28' for the separate living & dinette.

We were surprised to learn that the hitch weight of the 28 is actually higher than the 30? Eek. Currently tow with a 2015 Yukon XL Denali & that could be a definite concern. We've contemplated switching to a truck but REALLY prefer a 1/2 ton bc we live in the city and had a lot of space constraints

FCStreamer · 07-09-2016, 06:48 PM

Depends on the configuration. It is possible. What is the payload of your Denali?

beachbouy · 07-09-2016, 06:50 PM

We pull a 30 international with our 2015 Yukon XL without a problem.

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Hogfan · 07-09-2016, 06:55 PM

I believe it's about 1600-1700? Looks like you are both towing 30' with similar vehicles. Does the 30' tow much differently than 28'?

FCStreamer · 07-09-2016, 07:01 PM

I haven't towed a 28 so I can't compare. But the 30' tows just fine. I also have a 1600 lb payload, but my 30' is the recliner model which has less "stuff" on the front. I am going to a scale next week to see where I'm at weight wise, but it's more for curiosity. I towed 1200 miles from NJ to FL and it went very well.

FCStreamer · 07-09-2016, 07:03 PM

Oh, and I just learned that even though mine is a 30, it's actually only 28' long. It's 30' 11" long from the hitch ball to the back bumper. I only have 28' of actual trailer. The front V to me shouldn't count.

Hogfan · 07-09-2016, 11:30 PM

Does anyone know WHY the 28' would have more weight up front than the 30' when the floorplan up front is so similar?

dkottum · 07-10-2016, 05:23 AM

Location of equipment and axles.

The FB models normally load heavier than the RB models because of storage location. For example put a bunch of stuff under the FB bed storage and bedroom cabinets, the hitch weight increases. Put a bunch of stuff under the RB bed storage and bedroom cabinets, the hitch weight decreases.

Ready for travel and weight distribution hitch set, it's most probably very close.

KJRitchie · 07-10-2016, 06:42 AM

Have the living area of your 27' renovated to more of your liking.

Our Classic 25fb has high hitch weight, 1100-1200lbs. Just the nature of the Airstream trailer.

Kelvin

franklyfrank · 07-10-2016, 11:17 AM

I just weighed the tongue of our 2013 30' International with my newly acquired Sherline scale. It came in at 975 lbs. I placed the scale under the hitch ball receiver. Our unit is a conventional rear bedroom, the LP tanks were full and all our normal travel gear loaded in the front storage areas.
And yes, I believe the 27 and 28 foot trailers are almost Identical in size. We had a 28' that we found a bit squeezed and traded for the 30' which is a full 3' longer than the 28' was.

silverlabs · 07-10-2016, 11:40 AM

It's my understanding (no specific proof whatsoever) that the tongue weight on the 28 is the heaviest of the Airstreams and apparently due to axle placement to account for the interior layout. Have not specifically weighed the tongue on mine to see exactly what the weight is. I do know people who tow one with a Yukon. Most tow with a 1/2 ton with proper w/d hitch set up. We love the setup on ours but do try to be conscientious when packing not to add more by putting heavy items under from couch storage. In fact, half of the time we don't have anything other than trash bags and misc paper product (paper towels, tp, etc) under there.

Chuck

jimfa440 · 07-10-2016, 01:44 PM

This is a pretty good source of Airstream information: https://www.airstream.com/service/manuals/

Jim Flower · 07-10-2016, 01:48 PM

We initially looked at the 28 to replace a 25 but after realizing that the hitch weight on the 28 and 30 were about the same, we chose the 30 because the wardrobe was larger. I did not worry about the tow vehicle (Jeep Diesel) since it worked just fine for over 300,000 k pulling the 25. The only towing difference that I have noticed between the 25 and 30 is that I run over curbs more often than previously. Getting better though. The bigger wardrobe is really worth the extra length. We have rarely been over 7400 lbs, even with all my wife's shoes and the little bit of "junk" I carry along. Also, I have never not been able to fit where ever I have wanted to go. Jim

gecko · 07-11-2016, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hogfan

We currently have a 27'FB that we love, but we are just semi contemplating a 28' for the separate living & dinette.

We were surprised to learn that the hitch weight of the 28 is actually higher than the 30? Eek. Currently tow with a 2015 Yukon XL Denali & that could be a definite concern. We've contemplated switching to a truck but REALLY prefer a 1/2 ton bc we live in the city and had a lot of space constraints

You'll be fine towing a 28 with the Denali. If they had not made to rear opening smaller, we would be using that as our tow vehicle for our Intrrnational 28 as the 2013 replacement for our 2002 3/4 ton Suburban. We found that overly stiff and a bit underpowered, and were excited for the higher hp and torque and lighter suspension offered in the Denali. But the smaller opening in the rear killed it for us, as it was just enough of a reduction that we couldn't fit our windsurfing gear, already tight in the Suburban, through the opening and onto our interior rack.

After much conversation and crunching of numbers, we bought a Sprinter one ton, short wheelbase, low roof. Didn't want the one ton and it's accursed duallies (they now have a version with single large rear wheels), but Mercedes wouldn't warranty for towing 7500 without the one-ton.

Torque similar to Suburban, but hp seriously less, it is still adequate for towing the 28, which weighs in at 6980 loaded (we just go slower in headwinds and up steep hills.) But we are very concerned about the high tongue weight (even though we've upgraded the hitch receiver and the truck has a spare 3000 lbs of payload when fully loaded, trailer attached, and before WD) since we have four Lifeline AGM's forward (close to 300 lbs). Lewster will be switching these out for a smaller lithium bank that yields more usable storage later this summer, and we'll save 200 lbs forward right there. Plus, we too have shifted all forward storage rearwards, carrying only light items under the gaucho when we're on the road, and shifting some forward when camped for long periods of time (for more convenient access).

No problems with the Densli and a 28'!!!

dasams · 07-11-2016, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silverlabs

It's my understanding (no specific proof whatsoever) that the tongue weight on the 28 is the heaviest of the Airstreams and apparently due to axle placement to account for the interior layout.

Yep. My brochure lists the TW as 976 lbs for the 28' and it's the highest on the table (the 30' is 880 lbs).

Another example of TW variation is the 23 footers where the rear bed is 720 vs 467 for the FB. Dave

franklyfrank · 07-11-2016, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Flower

We initially looked at the 28 to replace a 25 but after realizing that the hitch weight on the 28 and 30 were about the same, we chose the 30 because the wardrobe was larger. I did not worry about the tow vehicle (Jeep Diesel) since it worked just fine for over 300,000 k pulling the 25. The only towing difference that I have noticed between the 25 and 30 is that I run over curbs more often than previously. Getting better though. The bigger wardrobe is really worth the extra length. We have rarely been over 7400 lbs, even with all my wife's shoes and the little bit of "junk" I carry along. Also, I have never not been able to fit where ever I have wanted to go. Jim

That is very interesting.
We also have a 30' International Signature a 2013, and the most the trailer axles ever weighed was 7,440 lbs. And that was with our normal travel loading. Mostly its a bit under 7,400.
My wife also likes the wardrobe and I appreciate the extra room in the lav.

Moflash · 07-11-2016, 09:15 PM

We started out pulling out 28 ft International with a new 2010 f150 Supercrew 5.4 4x4.It pulled it ok but I could tell the suspension and brakes were taxed.Traded after pulling 20k miles for a new 2012 F350 6.7 Turbo Diesel.The difference was night and day the F350 rides better when towing than the F150 and is much more stable.Traded in after 40k miles for a 2015 F350 6.7 Turbo diesel.Wont return to a F150 for towing our 28.For me it's too much trailer for a F150.

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Hogfan · 07-17-2016, 07:41 PM

Well, my husband is rediscovering a new interest in the GMC2500 diesel so should we go bigger on the Airstream at some point, we may go straight for the 30' and be done with it. Probably not right away, but maybe in the next few years.

**Rocinante** · 07-17-2016, 09:35 PM

FYI, the International 27FB is actually one inch longer than the 28RB. Check the spec sheets.

chuckwhanson · 12-04-2021, 10:17 AM

Payload on your TV is shown on a label on the driver's side door jamb. Total Payload = tongue weight (fully loaded) + passengers weight + all cargo loaded into the TV.

Towing an Airstream that's longer than 25 feet with a 1/2 ton can be done, but it is very hard on the vehicle and very unsafe. Wheelbase of the TV also needs to be at least 142" for a 28' trailer and 150" for a 30' trailer.

The RV Consumer Group has a great guide to safe towing and it alone is worth the modest membership fee.

Why risk hampering the longevity of your TV and, more importantly, your life and others on the road? I say error on the side of safety and get at least a 3/4 ton TV for these long trailers.