New guy totally frustrated picking the right TV

[polarlyse]

Since we're at the point of talking specifics we tow a 30' AS with an '06 Dodge Ram 3500 diesel. Single rear wheels and 4x4, 3.73 rears and automatic trans. With no tow on a good day of highway driving I've gotten as high as 22+ as recorded on the overhead. ( not known for it's reliability). Towing I get around 13.5 and better hand calculated. I'm happy with that.

[Air Apparent]

Airstream330:

You are getting a lot of advice from this thread. In the end you will need to decide what you are comfortable with. Also, is there a possibility that you may move up to a larger Airstream in the future? When we purchased our Classic 30 we thought that it would be our first and last Airstream. We started with the 30 rather than a 25 because we didn't want to do the 2 feet itus that we experience with our boats. Well, it wasn't our last Airstream as we moved up to a 34. Fortunately we didn't need to upgrade our truck because the truck's capacity still exceeded our new Airstream.

We didn't buy our truck expecting to go to a larger Airstream. I bought a 3/4 ton diesel because I wanted to be comfortable having excess capacity. I didn't want to be close to the edge.

The 3/4 and one ton trucks today are essentially the same truck. Same engine, brakes, etc. The primary difference is the payload capacity because the one ton will have heavier springs and may have a dually.

Absorb all the advice being given and decide what you will be comfortable with.

Good luck in your decision.

[Wingeezer]

I have towed our present trailer with both a half ton gas and a 3/4 ton diesel. I have found towing to be a more enjoyable and relaxing with the latter in our case and have no regrets whatsoever in moving up.

Is it worth the extra $$? Probably not, but what the heck we only go around once!

Nice not to really have to worry about load limits no matter what I throw in the truck and trailer - within reason of course!

You will hear some folk expressing the opinion that heavier trucks can beat up the trailer.

I can't say that isn't so, but after four years use and four cross country trips and many shorter ones I haven't seen any evidence of this as yet.

When we first got the 2500HD, I felt the difference in size for sure, and also a slightly stiffer ride when empty, but soon got used to it. We use the truck as a daily driver, it is a crew cab short box with cap. I would have liked a long box for added carrying space, but think that as a daily driver it would have been not the best for car parks.

The short box has worked for us. Previous truck has the club cab with the half doors at the back and I much prefer the crew cab setup.

Brian.

[lylesgl]

My details: 2007 27FB, stock 2012 F250 Diesel with 142" wheelbase 4X4, 400 horse power, 800ft lbs of torque. 16 MPGs towing, 21 MPGs solo. I won't go back to a gasser or 1/2 ton...

[Alumaholic]

I have towed various Airstreams with the following:
1995 Suburban 1500 (4X2) with a 5.7 gasoline engine and 3.73
1999 Suburban 1500 (4X4) with a 5.7 gasoline Vortec engine and 3.73
2003 Suburban 1500 (4X4) with 5.3 gasoline Vortec engine and 3.73
2005 Silverado Duramax Diesel 2500HD (4X4) 5 speed Allison
2007 Silverado Duramax Diesel 2500HD (4X4) 6 speed Allison

I did not expect nor was I prepared for how much less fatiguing it is to tow an Airstream with a 3/4 ton, diesel powered pickup. Though it was an unintended consequence of seeking the most capable tow vehicle I could find, it is now a very important criteria. I arrive at my destinations after a day of towing much less worn out, especially when running with the semi-tractor trailers on the interstates or up and down the 7% grades in the mountains of NM and AZ.
Only after I towed with the Duramax-Allison package did I realize how marginal my earlier vehicles were.

[mstephens]

Two weeks ago in Florida we spotted a 34' Excella triple axle Airstream. The TV was a new Ford Flex. Based on the license plates, they were about 1500 miles from home!

[Airstream330]

This is great input. Without an official count I think it's about evenly split between the half and three quarter. It appears I can do either safely but there is a trade involved .... With a 3/4 ton I get the comfort of excess capacity while towing but in a vehicle that I think may be a little too big as a daily driver. With the 1/2 ton I get an acceptable tow vehicle without any excess capacity which most of you seem to value highly but a more convenient daily driver. Im lucky enough that expense is not the big issue here ... It's more a matter of what is the best lifestyle fit so I guess the rest is up to me. What I have learned is that no matter which way I go it's important to outfit the hitch ,tires,sway ,transmission, engine selection, etc. thanks to all for some great input and anything else is greatly appreciated.

[dkottum]

Glad to help, that's why we're here to offer opinions based on actual experience.

doug k

[Alumaholic]

Never has a Forum Member asked a question, analyzed the responses, and captured their meaning so coherently in such a succinct summary!
You cannot image how good this makes me feel!

P.S. If you look at my earlier post, you will see that it took me 9 years and three marginal tow vehicles to figure out what you have learned in two days. I was always trying to balance my needs for a daily driver and my needs for a tow vehicle. I now have a truck that gets 19 mpg around town, 22 mpg on the interstate at 75 mph, and 15 mpg towing my Airstream at 65 mph.
Since it is a crew-cab with a short bed, I have the same seating as my Suburban (with the third seat folded up for dog crates), and the truck still fits in my garage.

[HeadWest]

This has been a great topic for me since I'm in the same situation. Pretty close to pulling the trigger on an International Signature 28. After lots of thoughts on the truck, I'm probably going to go with an F150 crew short box with the Ecoboost. The tow capacity is well within the range of the 28, payload for the truck is 1900 pounds with the max tow package. The truck will become a daily driver for us and just don't want to go to the additional size and the ride of a 3/4 ton. Tough decisions but I think this is appropriate for my situation. I'm still deciding on the hitch. My dealer feels a Reese Dual Cam is very appropriate with this setup but I'm also seriously considering a Propride instead.

[Alumaholic]

The Ecoboost drivers are saying great things about its towing capabilities up to and including the Airstream 28'.
Your dealer is correct and now you know he is also honest.
The Reese Dual-Cam Sway Control is a delightful hitch. I have enjoyed them on my Airstream Safari 27' and my Airstream Sovereign 31'.
An unscrupulous dealer might have tapped into your insecurities as a driver new to towing and sold you a much more expensive hitch that you really don't need.
There's a lot of that going around.

[Wazbro]

Originally Posted by HeadWest

This has been a great topic for me since I'm in the same situation. Pretty close to pulling the trigger on an International Signature 28. After lots of thoughts on the truck, I'm probably going to go with an F150 crew short box with the Ecoboost. The tow capacity is well within the range of the 28, payload for the truck is 1900 pounds with the max tow package. The truck will become a daily driver for us and just don't want to go to the additional size and the ride of a 3/4 ton. Tough decisions but I think this is appropriate for my situation. I'm still deciding on the hitch. My dealer feels a Reese Dual Cam is very appropriate with this setup but I'm also seriously considering a Propride instead.

You might want to think about adding the max payload package to.

I would also give the ProPride serious consideration.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Naw....them 3p's and haha's are only preferred by unscrupulas dealers and dissed by folks who have never toed with 'em.

Bob

[Ag&Au]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Naw....them 3p's and haha's are only preferred by unscrupulas dealers and dissed by folks who have never toed with 'em.

Bob

Bob,

What did you just say?
The two halves of the sentence don't see to me to go together.
Is that a pro or con PPP hitch statement?

Ken

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by Ag&Au

Bob,

What did you just say?
The two halves of the sentence don't see to me to go together.
Is that a pro or con PPP hitch statement?

Ken

Ken,

Carefully consider.....

What I if told you...
I can explain it, but I can't understand for you.
What I if told you...
you can't read.

Bob

[Alumaholic]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Ken,

Carefully consider.....

What I if told you...
I can explain it, but I can't understand for you.
What I if told you...
you can't read.

Bob

It's a bit like understanding the salesman explain why you need a PP or a HA HA

[Wazbro]

Originally Posted by Ag&Au

Bob,

What did you just say?
The two halves of the sentence don't see to me to go together.
Is that a pro or con PPP hitch statement?

Ken

sarcasm.

[TWA640316]

So, what make a 1/2 ton a 3/4 ton???? My present truck is a 1997 F150 and when we bought it we could not get it in 3/4 with the crew cab and 8' bed. So, we had a extra leaf spring put in since we were hauling a pop up camper in the bed and pulling a horse trailer with 2 horses plus tack. I have no idea what my weights were, but it seemed to work.
Still have the truck and looking at a 25' AS and a different TV this spring or summer.

Just came back from the Kansas City RV show. Bill Thomas RV in Wentzville, MO has a used 2011 25'FB for 55k. Based on the 12% depreciation per year, I'm thinking a 51,500 price may be in the ballpark. Thats based on a 2013 25' they have on their website.

Stan

[Alumaholic]

This time of year, I suspect you can do a tad better than $51,500; but in the spring they will have folks standing in line to buy it.
Make sure to take a checklist and test all the components.
Make 'em put new tires on it, or use the fact that it has original tires to help get you to a lower purchase price. No matter how good the tread looks, those tires need replacing.
Same with batteries, they only last 3 years unless carefully maintained. If it's been sitting on a sales lot, they likely haven't been maintained. So, even if they have 'em charged up, they will likely need replacing later this year.
Offer $49,000
As for what makes a 1/2 a 3/4; you will be "okay" pulling a 25' as long as you are careful not to fill up that 8' foot bed with tool boxes, your wife's sewing machine, and all her back issues of Horse and Rider. You will be able to maintain 60 mph on the interstate, and you will be in the right hand lane with the truckers going up the 7% grades in the mountains; but you will do okay. And you won't have to buy a new truck!

[Wazbro]

Originally Posted by TWA640316

So, what make a 1/2 ton a 3/4 ton???? My present truck is a 1997 F150 and when we bought it we could not get it in 3/4 with the crew cab and 8' bed. So, we had a extra leaf spring put in since we were hauling a pop up camper in the bed and pulling a horse trailer with 2 horses plus tack. I have no idea what my weights were, but it seemed to work.
Still have the truck and looking at a 25' AS and a different TV this spring or summer.

Just came back from the Kansas City RV show. Bill Thomas RV in Wentzville, MO has a used 2011 25'FB for 55k. Based on the 12% depreciation per year, I'm thinking a 51,500 price may be in the ballpark. Thats based on a 2013 25' they have on their website.

Stan

I would start by offering $40,000 (you can go up not down), you can get a new 2012 25' for $56,560-$64,000 depending on trim level. So if it's the flying cloud trim level start with $56,560 subtract $6,560 for not being new, then your 12% and get $44,000 for a good price. If it is a higher trim level $50,000 might not be bad.

Colonial currently has the price of $56,560 listed for this 25FB flying cloud.
Colonial Airstream NJ - 2012 Airstream Flying Cloud 25FB