Camper/Airstream Combo Towing ?

[BeBop]

Does any forum member have experience or recommendations regarding the towing of an Airstream with a Pickup that is equipped with a camper?

I intend to purchase an Alaskan 8' Cabover camper to go on my current tow vehicle, which is a '03 Ford F-250 Crew Cab Long Bed Turbo Diesel 4x2. The camper is approximately1,740# wet, and the rated payload is 2810# for the truck.

I am contemplating a 22' CCD or Safari. As I look at the numbers, it seems like the combo might be doable, but it seems pretty close to maximum. I know there are a number of factors involved, so I need some assistance in the analysis.

What proportion of the tongue weight is transfered to the front/rear axles with a WD hitch? Likewise how is the weight of the camper transfered to these axles? The questions seem numerous, so any insights would be greatly appreciated!

[sander17]

I am not familiar with the Cabover, but if the camper extends past the end of the bed, you will need a hitch extension. That reduces the tow rating of the hitch considerably. The WD hitch will be trying to bend this extension. Be careful.

[BeBop]

Thanks for the response.

The camper will not overhang the truck end or impede access to the hitch receiver. In fact, with the camper installed, you can close the bed gate.

I think it is more an issue of capacity and how the loads distribute over the tow vehicle. That is, I think...

[Steve Heywood]

Originally Posted by BeBop

I intend to purchase an Alaskan 8' Cabover camper to go on my current tow vehicle, which is a '03 Ford F-250 Crew Cab Long Bed Turbo Diesel 4x2. The camper is approximately1,740# wet, and the rated payload is 2810# for the truck.

I hate to rain on your parade but your 03 F250 does not have a 2810 lb. payload! Your truck weighs about 7,000 lbs and has an 8,800 lb GVWR.

That said you'll have no problems towing with the Alaskan in the bed.

[47WeeWind]

Originally Posted by BeBop

Does any forum member have experience or recommendations regarding the towing of an Airstream with a Pickup that is equipped with a camper? I intend to purchase an Alaskan 8' Cabover camper to go on my current tow vehicle, which is a '03 Ford F-250 Crew Cab Long Bed Turbo Diesel 4x2. The camper is approximately1,740# wet, and the rated payload is 2810# for the truck.

Hi BeBop: I've towed a small empty 1951 Airstream 19' Clipper behind my 1968 Dodge W300 1 ton 4X4 that has a 10' Alaskan camper (~1650 lbs. dry) in its 9' utility bed. I extended the rear receiver hitch another 14 inches to the rear for clearance, but the light weight of the trailer didn't adversely affect the handling of my W300, which is nice and stable with its 10,000 lb. GVW.

[rseagle]

BeBop,

I have a 22' CCD and the tongue weight is about 600#. Add that to the 1740# for the Alaskan and you're at about 2340#. Then add passenger weight, gas, camping stuff and you're rapidly approaching your GVW limit. I'd suggest going with a 16' CCD with the Alaskan. Even with that, make sure that you're 20% under your GCVWR to allow for mountain travel.

[BeBop]

Thanks for the info, Steve.

When I looked at Ford's info on my truck, it indicated a GVWR of 8,800# and a maximum payload capacity of 2,810#. By Ford's definition of payload, that would indicate a Base Curb weight of 5,990#.

I guess I have to learn to "read between the lines" on the truck specs. I just don't know where those "lines" are, unfortunately.

Probably the first order of business should be a trip to a CAT scale.