what to tow with?

[kansasmoose]

looking to purchase a 19' airstream travel trailer. not sure what to tow it with. have a 2001 ford ranger xlt 6 cylinder, any suggestions? thaks moose

[overlander63]

Welcome to the forums. I don't think your Ranger will make it, tow-vehicle-wise. We had a 20' Argosy (painted Airstream), and a Ranger with the 4.0 V6. It was pretty dismal as a tow vehicle.

[SteveH]

Originally Posted by kansasmoose

looking to purchase a 19' airstream travel trailer. not sure what to tow it with. have a 2001 ford ranger xlt 6 cylinder, any suggestions? thaks moose

Moose,

Welcome to the forum, and yes I have a suggestion....get a larger, more powerful tow vehicle. I had a Ranger, V6 equipped, as a company truck a while back and I wouldn't have pulled even a small utility trailer with that thing.

Almost any full size vehicle with a V8 engine would do you fine with the 19', however I would look for one with a towing package. Good luck with your search.

[willyd]

I would vote for a newer model (size change, I think in 2007) Toyota Tundra - 5.7 equipped with a tow package.

[moosetags]

First off, welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

The Ranger will probably not cut it, even with 16 footer. You are still looking at 3500+ pounds in a late model Airstream.

Remember that an insufficient tow vehicle is the primary cause of a perfectly good Airstream becoming a very expensive piece of yard art.

Brian

[Ahab]

We tow with a '06 Honda Rigeline. Live at 4600' and routinely tow over 9000' with no problems.

[sailon]

Hello Kansasmoose,
I am also a new member to this forum & full of questions.
I hope you and the others don't mind if I hitchhike on your thread with another question along the same line.
I have a '68' Tradewind that I have been wondering if I could pull in the mountains with a 5.0 V8 Mercury Mountaineer. As I understand it, this motor is rated at 215HP about the same as the Ford 4.0 V6 that you have discussed above.
Thx

[purman]

There is a lot to read on this subject but your current tv will be pushing it. You might be able to get a cheap American built truck but you may have no service any time soon :}

[speedoe]

You need to look at the GVWR just because you think your vehicle can handle it, that doesn't wash if you get in an accident. Towing over 9000 with a Honda Ridgeline with no problems? I would not take that chance if the vehicle's manufactorer does not rate it as such, because an outcome could be an accident causing people to get seriously injured or killed. Guess what if you are pulling more than your vehicle is rated for your insurance will not cover you and you could end up in court shucking out some big bucks or worse. Buy a tow vehicle that has some guts, don't try pulling sizeable trailers with vehicles that are not made for it. If it doesn't seem right it probably isn't. Check your vehicles stickers the info is there it's easy math no guessing is required. I just purchased a 1984 31' excella and pull it with a 2003 Dodge 3500 dually rated to 13,500. Overkill yes. Worry no.