Towing Questions About My 2013 International 19 Bambi

[interstateflyer]

We bought a 2013 International Bambi 19 yesterday.

Today we found a very nice 2007 GMC Sierra 1500 2WD Crew Cab SLE. It has the handling/trailer suspension package, 6,800 lbs gvwr, 4.8L V8, 17 inch load range E tires.

I'm wondering if I'll need a hitch stabilization system to comfortably tow the 4500 lb. Bambi.

[mefly2]

We used an weight distributing hitch on our FC20 and F150 ... thought that it was worth the expenditure and we could feel a large difference when we didn't hook up the EQ ...

[RUMSHIP]

The simple answer is yes. It adds stability and you will be better off with a sway control. Lots of hitch types to choose from. They all work pretty well.

[Bruce B]

We tow a 16' Bambi with a 2010 Ford F 150 and went as far as upgrading our hitch from the Equalizer the dealer sold us to a ProPride. Many here would claim that this was overkill but after just towing from RI to FL these past few weeks I wish we had done it when we bought the trailer. The difference between these two very good systems is simply unbelievable!

I have heard the argument here on these forums that you don't need a weight distribution hitch on a small Airstream. Some claim that 'the've towed this way for years'.
I always try to put this in perspective, man has sucessfully crossed the Atlantic Ocean in a small row boat, that doesn't mean it was necessarily a smart thing to do.....or at least I don't want to try!
Just my .02¢
Bruce

[hissilver]

Yes, invest now in a quality weight distribution system plus an anti-sway system...safety is A-1 concern and the AS will be well behaved in all situations...a second thought to consider that some day you might want to increase your AS length ..... Enjoy ...

[MrUKToad]

I say it every time; better the load distributed over two TV axles than one. Some sway control or elimination is good, cheap insurance, too.

[interstateflyer]

We had the AS dealer install the Husky weight distribution system and sway control. It looks very similar to the Draw-Tite system that I used with my race trailers.

It worked flawlessly. Passed the 20+mph winds and large truck passing tests.

[xo1rider]

Take the price of the hitch then divide that number by the price of the trailer. Multiply the result by 100 and that's the percentage of the cost of your brand new trailer.

I just did the math, on my trailer it's about 1%. Would you risk your brand new Airstream for 1%?

[interstateflyer]

Originally Posted by xo1rider

Take the price of the hitch then divide that number by the price of the trailer. Multiply the result by 100 and that's the percentage of the cost of your brand new trailer.

I just did the math, on my trailer it's about 1%. Would you risk your brand new Airstream for 1%?

It's risky NOT spending that 1%.

[interstateflyer]

UPDATE:

Well....we traded the 2007 GMC Sierra 4.7L for a 2013 Dodge RAM 1500 Hemi 5.7L. The significantly greater towing capacity and 100 more horsepower makes towing a breeze on the steepest hills and demanding freeway merges..

Our AS dealer had originally installed a Husky Weight Distribution System that utilized bars that were WAY over capacity for our 19 foot Bambi and TV. The ride was very stiff and it was difficult to get the trailer close to level and the TV sitting correctly.

I consulted with the service manager at another of the dealer's locations and after 3 visits got the hitch head angle adjusted correctly and swapped out the bars. They had originally installed bars intended for a tongue weight of 801-1200 pounds and max gross trailer weight of 12,000 pounds. The new ones are for tongue wt. 501-801 and max gross weight of 8,000. The setup now more closely matches the Bambi's max tongue wt. of 550 and max gross of 4800.

Bottom line......make sure you deal with someone who is committed to working with you on your setup until it is perfectly adjusted.

[Markj55]

Does anyone out there tow a 19ft Bambi w/a 2005 Tundra 4.7L v8 or similar? if so, how is it? thanks

[scamp]

I tow a 2012 19 foot flying cloud ,when I bought my trailer i picked it up and had no weight distribution hitch and no sway control it's my first airstream it towed like a dream ! I have installed a weight distribution hitch but no sway control ,it tows fantastic .my tow vehicle is a 2012 silverado 1/2 ton 4x4 with z71 suspension ,locking 3.42 rear end,with factory tow package, 5.3 liter engine. I have not experienced any sway it tows so straight, I have experienced bad sway on other manufacture trailers (16 foot scamp )but not even a hint of sway on my airstream.