We have been thinking that we would buy an Airstream trailer. We checked the RV ConsumerGroup ratings for 2006 - 2008 trailers. Only one or two out of ANY size/model was rated safe enough to tow. We were specifically thinking of a 25' Safari. I have not seen any posts that support this. Any input? This is really a disappontment.
Towing safety down the road? I strongly disagree -- especially considering SOBs on leaf spring axles have centers of gravity a foot or more higher than an Airstream. The systems for all RVs are pretty much identical. Safety systems like hitch, breakaway system, LP gas -- are fairly uniform across the industry. Workmanship is an issue separate from safety -- and I wouldn't put many manufacturers above low-to-middling.
RV Consumer Group has spouted this for years. Basically they condemn all towables (not just Airstreams) as death traps with their central premise being that sway is inevitable and its only a matter of time before something terrible happens.
They also do not like the carrying capacity of Airstreams (empty weight vs max weight) and Airstreams only suffer in this category because mosts SOBS are built out of old orange crates and weigh a lot less empty. It is a silly argument because most folks do not need huge capacity...
They reserve their highest ratings for 5th wheels and high end mohos
First off, welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.
I don't know what you are reading, but it sounds a little fishy to me. If an Airstream is not safe to tow, then none of the other brands are, with the possible exception of 10 foot teardrop camper.
I have towed a 2005 Airstream Safari 25FB over 50,000 miles in the last three years. I feel totally safe with this towing combination, even after having experienced three catastrophic tire failures.
Brian
__________________ SuEllyn & Brian McCabe WBCCI #3628 --- AIR #14872 2005 25' Safari FB (Lucy) with HAHA 2005 Suburban 2500 Quadrasteer (Olivia) & 2004 Suburban 2500 Quadrasteer (Daisy)
First off, welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.
I don't know what you are reading, but it sounds a little fishy to me. If an Airstream is not safe to tow, then none of the other brands are, with the possible exception of 10 foot teardrop camper.
I have towed a 2005 Airstream Safari 25FB over 50,000 miles in the last three years. I feel totally safe with this towing combination, even after having experienced three catastrophic tire failures.
Brian
I hoped you would post - I saw that your trailer is like what we're considering. We have owned a small Terry TT(SOB? don't know what that stands for), a Class b Airstream and a 30' 5thwheel. We've never felt unsafe towing(just cumbersome) and have always been careful about weight and how we load. We have a 2004 F-350 Power Stroke Diesel, 1 ton, 4wd, CC for towing. Thanks for your input.
..................... We have owned a small Terry TT(SOB? don't know what that stands for.
That Stumped me for quite a while. I finally figured out the most common definition is Some Other Brand. These forums need a acronym glossary.
Regards and Welcome,
Ken
I hoped you would post - I saw that your trailer is like what we're considering. We have owned a small Terry TT(SOB? don't know what that stands for), a Class b Airstream and a 30' 5thwheel. We've never felt unsafe towing(just cumbersome) and have always been careful about weight and how we load. We have a 2004 F-350 Power Stroke Diesel, 1 ton, 4wd, CC for towing. Thanks for your input.
In addition to the 50,000 miles logged on Lucy, we have spent a little over 500 nights in her during the same three year period. Lucy's cross country adventures usually last eight weeks at a clip. The 25 footer is a real good size to tow and maneuver, and the front bedroom (FB) floor plan is very comfortable for the long trips. We tow Lucy with 3/4 ton Suburbans.
Your 1 ton Ford PSD tow vehicle is ample for any size travel trailer (TT).
SOB stands for some other brand, not an Airstream.
Brian
__________________ 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 have towed Airstreams for almost 40 years and also have spent 11 years delivering SOB's to dealers.. In all that time I have never had a bad towing trailer, and everything we deliver is towed with out sway control since that is an aftermarket product.
A little common sense and a decent tow vehicle and there should be no problem.
__________________
Rick Davis 1602
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