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Old 10-30-2014, 04:10 PM   #1
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Officially in the market

Well after some research and trying to figure this out I've realized I can start 'small' and be just fine.

My plan is to go for the 16' Sport (or something with equivalent weight ratings) as my first Airstream. It will be paired with my 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T with tow package (bigger brakes, upgraded rear shocks etc.). I'll probably buy a used trailer.

It's just me--one thin photographer in his 30ies who sleeps on the sofa instead of the Queen sized bed in the bedroom; both sleeping options in the trailer are bigger than where I sleep now! LOL. I thought I would start with a larger trailer and grow into it, but that also meant a new TV and I want to start in a more simple fashion and see what exactly my needs will be.

Will probably camp mostly in designated places with hookups but maybe a little boondocking too. Whatever interests me.

I'm open to thoughts and suggestions.

Cheers!
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Old 10-30-2014, 04:16 PM   #2
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Don't be too fast to settle for a 16 footer. Your Caravan can be outfitted to tow something larger. There are a number of folks here on the Forums who successfully tow 25 footers with minivans.

CanAm up in Ontario specializes in outfitting smaller vehicles to tow Airstreams. Give them a call and see what they think about your situation.

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Old 10-30-2014, 05:03 PM   #3
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You can certainly tow a 19, probably a 23 with your GC. The hitch will need an upgrade but you have a vehicle with plenty of power, a low center of gravity, decent payload and fine brakes.

Don't pass up a good deal and a slightly larger unit. As noted above, Can-Am can set you up to tow serious iron...


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Old 10-30-2014, 05:11 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wild Robot View Post
Well after some research and trying to figure this out I've realized I can start 'small' and be just fine.

My plan is to go for the 16' Sport (or something with equivalent weight ratings) as my first Airstream. It will be paired with my 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T with tow package (bigger brakes, upgraded rear shocks etc.). I'll probably buy a used trailer.
Google "Casita" or "Scamp".... or real temptation "Oliver".

If it's a first trailer, and you're considering buying used to save a few bucks - I hate to say it but those "scrambled eggs" all have some good points.

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Old 10-30-2014, 05:24 PM   #5
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How about the Shasta reissued airflyte!


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Old 10-30-2014, 10:18 PM   #6
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Thanks for the feedback so far folks...I did some CanAm research a year ago but it's certainly worth another look if I find a great deal on something larger--I actually hadn't considered that. <chuckle>
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Old 10-30-2014, 11:05 PM   #7
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We're towing our FC20 with our Lexus RX350 setup by CanAm. Works brilliantly!


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Old 10-31-2014, 05:31 AM   #8
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A 16 Bambi is a good idea. They work wonderfully well, have everything you need as long as the bathroom will work. If not, go to the 19 or my favorite, the 20. I have the 16 and love it. Don't know about towing with the small vehicle, I'll let them convince you. I prefer larger.
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Old 10-31-2014, 08:56 AM   #9
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Well I've run into a snag...

GCWR of my van is 7000lbs

Curb Weight of van is 4510 + Base weight of Bambi 2810 =7310

There's nothing left for payload.

I get a reinforced hitch but how does that overcome the GCWR ratings of these 'smaller' vehicles? I've been looking into what people are towing with and the numbers don't add up.

Guess it's time to dive into the the Towing forum...Oy.
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Old 10-31-2014, 09:15 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wild Robot View Post
Well I've run into a snag...

GCWR of my van is 7000lbs

Curb Weight of van is 4510 + Base weight of Bambi 2810 =7310

There's nothing left for payload.

I get a reinforced hitch but how does that overcome the GCWR ratings of these 'smaller' vehicles? I've been looking into what people are towing with and the numbers don't add up.

Guess it's time to dive into the the Towing forum...Oy.
You should definitely talk to Andy at CanAm.

But let me remind you that the cost of upgrading the tow vehicle so you can pull the trailer you really want is generally small compared to the investment in the trailer itself (certainly if you buy new, but also quite true if you buy used.) So don't let your current tow vehicle constrain you into getting a trailer that won't meet your needs.

Lot's of people like and are happy with the smaller trailers (i.e., the 16's and 19's) but most people who trade, end up trading UP in size, not down. Evaluate your needs carefully, decide what you really want, then pick the proper tow vehicle.

You should read through the towing sections of this forum. You will get a good sense of what works and what doesn't.

But most importantly, don't get frustrated and have fun. The looking (and wanting) is almost as much fun as the having.

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Old 10-31-2014, 09:32 AM   #11
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Where is the guy with a red Toyota Sienna and a 34" Airstream?
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Old 10-31-2014, 09:32 AM   #12
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Old 10-31-2014, 12:42 PM   #13
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Trailer size.

I have a 1965 Caravel 17ft. and a 1964 Tradewind 24 ft. I have had the Caravel for about 20 years and it would take a lot of money to get it our of my back yard. There is just me and my wife and the 17 ft. is very adequate. I pull either one with a 2004 Dodge Dakota with a V6 and get along fine.
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Old 10-31-2014, 01:16 PM   #14
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truck capacity

I think you still might be ok towing the AS. GCWR is the weight of the truck plus how much weight you put "on" it, such as people gear and the "tongue, or hitch weight" of the trailer. Which in your case may only be 500 to 800 lbs for the AS.
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Old 10-31-2014, 10:17 PM   #15
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I think you still might be ok towing the AS. GCWR is the weight of the truck plus how much weight you put "on" it, such as people gear and the "tongue, or hitch weight" of the trailer. Which in your case may only be 500 to 800 lbs for the AS.
You're talking about the Gross VEHICLE Weight Rating

I'm talking about the Gross COMBINED Weight Rating: the maximum allowable combined mass of a tow vehicle, passengers and cargo in the tow vehicle, plus the mass of the trailer and cargo in the trailer.

I'm a kayaker too!

The 16 + my van fit my needs just right but I don't think it's gonna work--those ratings are there for a reason. HHmmnnn...I really like my van but maybe I can find a capable SUV that's not too big.
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