Hi! from Pennsylvania

[Argentum]

Hello to all! My name is Rudy, finally found some time to introduce myself. I got the A/S fever in the early 70s , we were camping in Corpus Christi Tx and this guy pulls in with a small Argosy, I told my wife (Cyndy) right then "this is the way to go" and later my sister in-law parents bought a 26' Argosy and I thought it was a palace...(all I had was a pup up), so ever since I've been wanting to get an A/S or Argosy. Finally I am about to retire in the spring and I am looking for one. The amount of information in this forums is fantastic and invaluable, I found terrific information that helped me know what to look for in a A/S. Now, a question : what size A/S above 20' could I safely pull with my 2002 F150 4x4. Thanks to all and Happy new year!

Rudy Colino

[thecatsandi]

Hi Rudy,
Welcome,
To answer your question it would depend on the year. The newer ones 25 would be about it. THe older they get the lighter they are and the more trailer you can pull.

[Argentum]

Thank you Michelle, dumb me I forgot to give the engine size, I have a 5.4 liter.
Thanks again Rudy

[moosetags]

Hi Rudy and welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

I agree on the limits of a half ton truck. A modern 25 footer (7000#) is about the comfort max that I would consider.

Good luck in your search for the perfect Airstream or Argosy.

[redeagle313]

Welcome to the forum.

Your question depends alot on how you are going to use your Airstream. Short local trips or long over-the-road adventures. On short hops you could probably go up to a 28 foot modern unit, but I would agree with others that 25 foot is probably more realistic. Older units, Argosy included, are lighter and you could more easily tow a 28 to 29 foot unit.

[Fyrzowt]

I agree with the posts above, I mainly wanted to welcome you!
Dave

[Argentum]

Thanks to all of you for the info, I'll be using it for long trips to the south in winter and I don't have any plans to go thru thr Rockies.-
Rudy

[greywolf]

Hello, wanted to welcome you as well. The official answer to your question would be to look up tow capacity of your truck and then check the gross vehicle weight of the trailer you have in mind. As stated above, the older Airstreams are lighter, especially those buitl in teh 60's and previous. I tow with a truck basically rated as a half ton truck with a 4.7L engine and feel confortable with our 24 footer. Some trucks will vary as to gear ratios and tire size and such. Check to see if your truck has a tow package, that's more than just having a bumber hitch (salesmen will tell you anything) Tow package will include a class 3 frame hitch, wiring harness, electric trailer brakes is very good to have operational, and preferably a transmission oil cooler and maybe even an engine oil cooler. These would be very good and just about neccessary to have if pulling in the summer heat and/ or up and down inclines. Remember, pulling power is only half the story, you also have to be able to stop what you're pulling.