watch THE LONG.LONG TRAILER .although it's a comedy,it was the dumb things they did that made the trip treacherous.i'm sure you did everything wisely including strapping the kids in.take a deep breath because invairiably you will feel your heart pounding in your chest.fear is good.it means you are in anticipation of the unknown.this is good! being fearless is not so good.
could be.that is a '71 UNGER .mattress giant is giving it the thumbs up.front drum brakes and either a 413 or 440 on dodge frame.one of the occational central florida jewels on the side of the road.
We have a '97 Sub K1500 that we added trailer and brake system to last year. We are looking at buying an AS and wonder what our choices are in terms of size of an AS and being able to tow it without problems with the Suburban we have.
Any thoughts on our vehicles ability or where to start in this haystack?
We have a '97 Sub K1500 that we added trailer and brake system to last year. We are looking at buying an AS and wonder what our choices are in terms of size of an AS and being able to tow it without problems with the Suburban we have.
Any thoughts on our vehicles ability or where to start in this haystack?
jwb
Lots of people tow Airstreams up to 25' with the 1/2 ton Suburbans, but it depends on how the truck is equipped....does it have the towing package? What rear end gear ratio does it have? What engine?
If it does not have the towing package, I would estimate something in the 23' would be the upper "comfortable" limit, but that's just my opinion. At a minimum, I would install a transmission cooler if there is not one already.
In reference to my towing questions is the following info...
The orignial sticker that was on this 1997 K1500 Suburban LT says the following in reference to towing, etc: "7,300 LB GVW Rating Factory Installed", HD Trailering which is factory installed as well as these options added- HD Auxiliary Transmission Cooler, 3.42 Rear Axle Ratio, 4spd Auto Trans with OD.
Last year I had Helwig Helper Leaf Springs installed/bolted to it to bring up the payload to 2500 lbs.
From what I have read I thought this Burb would only pull approx 5500 lbs max. I'm not sure what it had "7,300 GVW" listed on the invoice.
FYI- I am wanting an AS. However, I just looked at an Avion today that is FSBO (retired neighbors) which is 30', 1983 model and had a GVWR of approx 8500lbs on its ID tag. They are asking $6,500 for it (2nd ownders, Zip Dee's, just had new tires added to it, etc. tho needs batteries, coupling for heater?)
Hi, txbinks. With 3.42 gears, you are geared too high for most towing. Half tons with 3.73 gears are, for the most part, able to tow a 25'er. My 25'er has a GVWR of 6,300 lbs [some 25'ers are 7,300 lbs GVWR] and the new 23'ers only weigh 300 lbs less than mine on the GVWR. So 22' or smaller should work. As for the 30' Avion, plan on buying a more capeable tow vehicle. [3/4 ton]
In reference to my towing questions is the following info...
The orignial sticker that was on this 1997 K1500 Suburban LT says the following in reference to towing, etc: "7,300 LB GVW Rating Factory Installed", HD Trailering which is factory installed as well as these options added- HD Auxiliary Transmission Cooler, 3.42 Rear Axle Ratio, 4spd Auto Trans with OD.
Last year I had Helwig Helper Leaf Springs installed/bolted to it to bring up the payload to 2500 lbs.
From what I have read I thought this Burb would only pull approx 5500 lbs max. I'm not sure what it had "7,300 GVW" listed on the invoice.
FYI- I am wanting an AS. However, I just looked at an Avion today that is FSBO (retired neighbors) which is 30', 1983 model and had a GVWR of approx 8500lbs on its ID tag. They are asking $6,500 for it (2nd ownders, Zip Dee's, just had new tires added to it, etc. tho needs batteries, coupling for heater?)
I appreciate any thoughts.
jwb
Hi jwb, welcome.
A couple of comments; the 3:42 rear end does not make sense if you have the HD tow pkg (you have all the other components) that is most likely the standard rear end, is there another column on that sticker that shows "add ons"? You may see an upgrade to 3:73 or 4:10. Worst case, climb underneath and look for a tag on the rear end...this will remove any doubts. Again, it's possible, but I really don't think you would have 3:42's in that truck.
Search around and get some info on that Avion (loaded tongue weights etc) sounds interesting!
Helper springs and misc bolt ons do not increase your vehicles capacities. They may help handle rated loads better, but do nothing to increase capacities.
Be careful, do it right, and keep an eye on that Avion!
Bill
__________________
Life is Good-Camping all around New England
Good people drink good beer-Hunter S Thompson
In reference to my towing questions is the following info...
The orignial sticker that was on this 1997 K1500 Suburban LT says the following in reference to towing, etc: "7,300 LB GVW Rating Factory Installed", HD Trailering which is factory installed as well as these options added- HD Auxiliary Transmission Cooler, 3.42 Rear Axle Ratio, 4spd Auto Trans with OD.
Last year I had Helwig Helper Leaf Springs installed/bolted to it to bring up the payload to 2500 lbs.
From what I have read I thought this Burb would only pull approx 5500 lbs max. I'm not sure what it had "7,300 GVW" listed on the invoice.
FYI- I am wanting an AS. However, I just looked at an Avion today that is FSBO (retired neighbors) which is 30', 1983 model and had a GVWR of approx 8500lbs on its ID tag. They are asking $6,500 for it (2nd ownders, Zip Dee's, just had new tires added to it, etc. tho needs batteries, coupling for heater?)
I appreciate any thoughts.
jwb
I agree with everyone...Your suburban is geared too high for towing anything bigger/heavier than a 23' Airstream, IMHO. About the Avion, I owned and pulled a 23' Avion, and while very nice trailers, and while built very well, they are also very heavy compared to an AS product, and not as aerodynamic as an AS product.
I went from a 24' Argosy to the 23' Avion, and was towing it with a 1/2 ton GMC suburban equipped with the factory towing package. The Sub pulled the Argosy with no problems encountered, but hooked to the Avion, it struggled a lot on the slightest hill. Having that experience, I would not consider pulling 30' Avion with anything less than a diesel equipped 3/4 ton truck. But, this is just my opinion.
FYI- I am wanting an AS. However, I just looked at an Avion today that is FSBO (retired neighbors) which is 30', 1983 model and had a GVWR of approx 8500lbs on its ID tag. They are asking $6,500 for it (2nd ownders, Zip Dee's, just had new tires added to it, etc. tho needs batteries, coupling for heater?)
I appreciate any thoughts.
AVION is built like a tank. Big frame, independent suspension and a floor that must be one-and-a-half inch thick. I think you need only compare prices to a comparable year A/S to see what a bargain it is. And, if in a few years, with some cosmetic updates, you could let it go at a nice profit if it really doesn't do it for you. Compared to an A/S there is almost no work to be done outside of some known areas.
I like them all. I'd never turn down a nice one. And you won't see yourself going the other way on the highway, an A/S is a bit generic. The woodwork and interior finish is really top-notch on the AVION.
My 2000 GMC 3/4 ton 5.0L van had 3.42 gears... Pulled fine on the level, couldn't go up hills to save it's life. My 1999 1/2 ton 5.7L Burb has 3.73 gears, much better!
__________________
Bob Fowler
Some people are like Slinkies. They're really good for nothing, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
I suspect you were traveling I-64 near Beckley, WV the mountain is a 7degree grade, you wouldn't be the first to be intimidated by it, you will notice there are three lanes, tractor rigs often climb at less than 20 mph, so if you got through that ok you have survived one of the steepest in the east ....and you survived....good experience for future safe travels!
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Hi, txbinks. With 3.42 gears, you are geared too high for most towing. Half tons with 3.73 gears are, for the most part, able to tow a 25'er. My 25'er has a GVWR of 6,300 lbs [some 25'ers are 7,300 lbs GVWR] and the new 23'ers only weigh 300 lbs less than mine on the GVWR. So 22' or smaller should work. As for the 30' Avion, plan on buying a more capeable tow vehicle. [3/4 ton]
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