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BillTex · 10-12-2011, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alumaholic

This should not be a decision made by trial and error.
It's always better to have too much truck vs. too much trailer.
Read this thread carefully:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f238...tch-82925.html
Whereas the title is "check everything on your hitch," it could be entitled, "Check the Adequacy of the Tow Vehicle in Front of the Hitch."

P.S. I love the Ridgeline, but can't imagine pulling an Airstream with one.

Yikes...I had not seen that thread.

I refuse to put my Family in a TV that is not heavier than the trailer. This is one of the most basic safety choices one can make when setting up a combo (Read Wally's book...he knew this back in the day...).

I think you need to post some weights and capacities for what you are proposing...then we can make some more educated responses...

Good luck.
Bill

REDNAX · 10-12-2011, 01:09 PM

So my 7,400-lb diesel truck is inadequate to pull an 11,500-lb 34' Panamerica?

No question the 18,000-lb tractors I drove couldn't haul a 51,000-lb trailer.

It's about hitch rigging. Work the formulas. Analyze the combination.

Or just dump the Ridgeline and get a Mini Cooper to pull a 20' Argosy

Hot Rod

.

Chris C · 10-12-2011, 04:09 PM

Well, I figured the 23' Airstream was right on the edge of what the Ridgeline could pull..........and know very well that the Ridgeline isn't supposed to have a weight distributing hitch, but didn't realize the Airstream required one. Guess I'll just keep enjoying my Casita until I can afford a larger tow vehicle. Thanks for all the helpful comments.

mutcth · 10-12-2011, 04:22 PM

Chris, given the strength of the used car market (and the strong resale of the Ridgeline - not to mention the strong resale of Casitas!), you could probably sell the Ridgeline and be most of the way towards buying a Nissan Frontier or Toyota Tacoma, two smaller trucks that are rated to tow 6000 lbs. The Ridgeline does drive better, ride better, and is more comfortable though...

Tom

overlander63 · 10-12-2011, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris C

and know very well that the Ridgeline isn't supposed to have a weight distributing hitch, but didn't realize the Airstream required one.

We have a waiver for the customer to sign if they decline WD, and a second waiver to sign if they decline sway control.

Ahab · 10-12-2011, 07:35 PM

Been towing this for 4 years without any problems and intend to go for at least another 4 or more. Sorry but I think the 23' would be a bit much. I don't use a WD or SC. The Ridge is more than capable in its towing range.

Chris C · 10-13-2011, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ahab

Been towing this for 4 years without any problems and intend to go for at least another 4 or more. Sorry but I think the 23' would be a bit much. I don't use a WD or SC. The Ridge is more than capable in its towing range.

You've been towing "this" for 4 years................so which Airstream is it?

zigzagguzzi · 10-13-2011, 07:00 AM

On the left it says 22ft. jim

knunut · 10-13-2011, 08:45 AM

Alumaholic : Great review of TV performance. The last trip we did our trailer was @ 4660Lbs. TV 6425 Lbs. 5.3 ltr.Chev. Was marginal out west. Now watching Ford ECO Boost reviews. If not Eco Boost another Ford?

Alumaholic · 10-13-2011, 09:05 AM

Bill Fisher of Colleyville, TX. Towed his Airstream to the Balloon Fiesta with his new F-150 V-6 Eco Boost. The performance was astounding.

Ahab · 10-13-2011, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris C

You've been towing "this" for 4 years................so which Airstream is it?

2008 22' Safari Sport purchased new August 2007. Has been towed all over the southwest over 20k.

Chris C · 10-14-2011, 06:39 AM

Thanks, Ahab..............seems I missed that info under your avatar.

MStewart · 10-26-2011, 06:29 AM

What rear view mirrors are you using on the Ridge? When we picked up our 22' Sport, had dealer put on extended mirrors. However, they strap on the front doors. While they work, the canvas straps down the doors are not very attractive. We'd like to have more permanent extended mirrors put on. Honda dealer here says Honda doesn't have them for the Ridge. Anyone else found a source that might work? We have a great car body guy who could probably put them on.

Thanks much.

Ahab · 10-26-2011, 08:33 AM

I use the Tow-N-See mirrors from WalMart. Thankfully the Safari Sports are about a foot less in width than other models so it's a bit easier to see back there.