New Prospective Owner from Idaho

[jmcm58]

Hello Everyone...

Always been a fan/admirer of the Airstream but have not yet owned one. Looking at Flying Cloud 19CB (Dry Weight 3,852, GVWR 4,500). Currently have a Toyota FJ Cruiser (towing capacity of 4,700) and am guessing that an upgrade in towing vehicle is likely necessary.

Comments/guidance would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Jeff and Christy

[GCinSC2]

Jeff and Christie,

Welcome from SC.

Cinch up your seat belts, it's gonna be a bumpy ride. You just inquired about a very active, debated, opinionated and occasionally experienced or fact based topic.

The TV aka tow vehicle.

Enjoy and safe travels.

Gary

[GCinSC2]

Airforums,

Say hello and welcome these new owners and offer them your experience with their towing combination and questions.

[aftermath]

Welcome Jeff and Christy. You are going to get an ear full about tow vehicle choices. Suffice it to say, bigger is better. Yeah, really big some would say, like a 3/4 diesel!

I live in Spokane and picked up my trailer off of Craig's List in Boise. I recommend Nick at Spokane Airstream highly. They have been a wealth of information and support to me over the years. If you ever need any service this is the place to go.

Again, welcome to the forum.

Dick

[PKI]

Really like the looks of the FJ. Not so sure about it's viability as a tow vehicle. That does not preclude it's use. The key is not what I or anyone else may think, but rather what you know.

1) what makes a good tow vehicle? low cg, long wheelbase, good brakes
2) what use do you intend? short off road local or long interstate travel
3) how fast do you travel? <60mph or the speed limit

Do the research. Lots of info on the tow vehicle hitch threads. Do not believe anything anyone says until you validate it as true. Then decide what is best for your RV lifestyle. Pat

[jmcm58]

Thank you Gary. I probably should have searched the threads before posting my comments/concerns. As you say, I have found many many postings about my issue. It is indeed confusing. I think I'm right on the edge (probably not the best place to be) with an FJ Cruiser and a 19' Bambi.

Thanks again!

Jeff

[jmcm58]

Thank you Dick. My wife and I have been stopping by Airstream Spokane for years and have always found them to be cordial and professional. We were just out talking to Karen a couple of weeks ago as a matter of fact. They seem like great folks.

Thanks for your tips,

Jeff

[jmcm58]

Great advice Pat, thank you!

Jeff

[MrArrowhead]

Welcome from another Idahoan. Just getting going with figuring out what we want in an Airstream and TV ourselves. Good luck on your shopping.