New Airstream fan

[Airfan1]

Hi, We are in the process of figuring out which SUV might be good to pull a 28-30' International or Classic Airstream. If you have any knowledge of this, we would appreciate your input. The Chevrolet Tahoe is our favorite at present, but we're not sure it can do the job safely. Also, any tips on a 28 twin, around 2014-2016? We're located in Ohio so proximity is important too. Thanks in advance for any help.

[moosetags]

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us. The one piece of advice that I have to impart is that it is always preferable to buy a tow vehicle to fit your Airstream as opposed to buying an Airstream to fit your tow vehicle.

Brian

[cabinetmaker]

No current SUV is capable of the tongue weight of a 28-30' Airstream. The Ford Expedition EL comes close.

The receiver hitch of the vehicle is the problem. Not rated high enough. Also the rear axle and tires.

Not trying to scare you away...I'm sure you could probably build one that would work but you can't buy one that will.

[Airfan1]

Originally Posted by moosetags

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us. The one piece of advice that I have to impart is that it is always preferable to buy a tow vehicle to fit your Airstream as opposed to buying an Airstream to fit your tow vehicle.

Brian

Thanks for the advice. We are actually trying to avoid buying a pick up vehicle, with all the beautiful SUVs out there, but it looks like it might not be possible.

[Airfan1]

Originally Posted by cabinetmaker

No current SUV is capable of the tongue weight of a 28-30' Airstream. The Ford Expedition EL comes close.

The receiver hitch of the vehicle is the problem. Not rated high enough. Also the rear axle and tires.

Not trying to scare you away...I'm sure you could probably build one that would work but you can't buy one that will.

Thanks for your advice. So the vehicle receiver, hitch and tires would be the problem. We really like the looks of the Chevy Tahoe LZ. We've got the summer to figure this out. Thanks again.

[FCStreamer]

That's just not true. A Tahoe/Yukon/Escalade can safely pull 30' Airstream. Period.

Now, if you want to carry a family of four and all your stuff also, then you might have a problem.

[SCOTTinNJ]

Nissan NV 2500/3500.

[Rg416]

Hi, I'm not trying to disagree with anyone, just throwing this out there. Airstream 2Go is a company that rents (expensively) Airstream trailers WITH toe vehicles and sets up whole package trips including campsites, bike tours, kayak rentals, hot air balloons, etc. It is run by the previous CEO of Airstream. They rent 28' and 23' Airstreams and the toe vehicle they use is a Tahoe. I think it's rated for 8600 lbs.
Rich

[Caffeinated]

Get a 3/4 ton crew cab pick up. Put a shell on the bed. Oh look, no towing worries.

Mike

[Airfan1]

Originally Posted by Rg416

Hi, I'm not trying to disagree with anyone, just throwing this out there. Airstream 2Go is a company that rents (expensively) Airstream trailers WITH toe vehicles and sets up whole package trips including campsites, bike tours, kayak rentals, hot air balloons, etc. It is run by the previous CEO of Airstream. They rent 28' and 23' Airstreams and the toe vehicle they use is a Tahoe. I think it's rated for 8600 lbs.
Rich

Hey thanks, I looked up the company and they do indeed use Tahoe LTZS. We'll continue to work on it. Your lead was valuable. Thanks again.

[Airfan1]

Originally Posted by FCStreamer

That's just not true. A Tahoe/Yukon/Escalade can safely pull 30' Airstream. Period.

Now, if you want to carry a family of four and all your stuff also, then you might have a problem.

Thanks for the heads up on the issue. We will continue to look into it thanks to your advice.

[Airfan1]

Originally Posted by Caffeinated

Get a 3/4 ton crew cab pick up. Put a shell on the bed. Oh look, no towing worries.

Mike

Get your message, but we'd sure like to get an SUV to do the job, if possible. Thanks.

[Foiled Again]

Originally Posted by Airfan1

Hey thanks, I looked up the company and they do indeed use Tahoe LTZS. We'll continue to work on it. Your lead was valuable. Thanks again.

And they've had two rollover accidents that i have heard about. Mught be inexperienced drivers And inadequate brakes/tires/suspensions but it's always ugly wheb the tail wags the dog.

[FreshAirStmr]

It's one thing to take a single vacation with an inadequate tow vehicle especially if your route is an easy one. It's another thing to own an Airstream with the expectation to take it long distances over mountains and other challenging terrain. Also how loaded will your tow vehicle be with people, toys, and stuff.

Joanne

[Airfan1]

Originally Posted by Foiled Again

And they've had two rollover accidents that i have heard about. Mught be inexperienced drivers And inadequate brakes/tires/suspensions but it's always ugly wheb the tail wags the dog.

Thanks. Got the message. Good point.

[Airfan1]

Originally Posted by FreshAirStmr

It's one thing to take a single vacation with an inadequate tow vehicle especially if your route is an easy one. It's another thing to own an Airstream with the expectation to take it long distances over mountains and other challenging terrain. Also how loaded will your tow vehicle be with people, toys, and stuff.

Joanne

Another good point. Thanks for making it. So it looks like the idea is to pull it with a much powerful vehicle. We'll be doing mountains and long trips. We've owned a couple American coaches, 40' and 42' diesel pushers, and the idea is to pull a lighter tow vehicle. This is a whole new ballgame... Thanks.

[Airfan1]

Originally Posted by FreshAirStmr

It's one thing to take a single vacation with an inadequate tow vehicle especially if your route is an easy one. It's another thing to own an Airstream with the expectation to take it long distances over mountains and other challenging terrain. Also how loaded will your tow vehicle be with people, toys, and stuff.

Joanne

Good point. We're just trying to figure all this out. Thanks.

[RandyNH]

Originally Posted by Airfan1

Hey thanks, I looked up the company and they do indeed use Tahoe LTZS. We'll continue to work on it. Your lead was valuable. Thanks again.

So a classic is 10k an international 8.8k GVWR, my guess with them using a Tahoe is that they can control what the actual weight is and most people showing up are flying in and can only carry so much.

People doing up their own, in their driveway, will tend to stuff every inch of space and carry all their favorite cast iron pots and pans and have a greater ability and propensity to max out the weight.

So I would not think using a fairly controlled environment as an indicator would be a good way to plan.

The maxed out Expedition with 9200lbs and a class IV hitch seems the most capable.

Good luck.