Would like to have the opinion from the pros here as to whether or not you think that a 2006 Toyota Tundra with 4.7L V8 (rated to tow 7000+ pounds) would pull an Airstream 19' Bambi International CCD (rated with a GVWR of 4500 pounds) if fully loaded with all fluids and personal items?
I may not be 100% exact on my calculations, but I have figured the weight of all fluids (with all reservoirs fully topped-off) at around 500 pounds.
Since this trailer is pretty small inside, I can't imagine that my wife and I could get more than maybe an additional 1500 pounds of personal items inside (even including such heavy items as tools, books, and kitchen ware).
Completing the math equation using my data above, I arrive at a fully loaded weight of approximately 6500 pounds.
Would this be pushing the towing limit of that vehicle?
And just as importantly, what might I be missing in my figures and calculations above that you can see?
Any feedback from you pros will be greatly appreciated.
We have friends who pull a 1967 2 axle 24ft Tradewind and have no trouble at all in the Colorado Rockies. Last week caravanning in a group of 3, the Tundra would easily run up close behind our leader, who was driving an '80's 1/2t Suburban(350 V-8) towing a Caravel 17 ft.
Thanks Brad, I appreciate the info and the link.I'm pretty much convinced that a new Tundra will be my tow vehicle. My main goal is to be as safe as possible and if the 2007 Tundra really will have a 10,000 pound towing capacity as I have seen on a few websites, then I think that the bases will be adequately covered.Best,Curt,Seattle, WA
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kintscher
We have a 2005 Tundra and a 2005 19' CCD. The Tundra tows the trailer with full tanks just great. I couldn't be happier with this combo.
You might want to check the weight specs on the trailer here:
Hey There,
I have a 2006 Toyota Trundra SR5 V8 with the tow package and pull my 1966 26" Overlander with no problems. I came over Wolf Creek Pass with her and passed everyone I came to like they were standing still. I would suggest for safety that you use an equalizer hitch and trailer brakes.
Robin out
__________________
"Courage is the hallmark of the warrior"
I pull a 78, 24ft Argosy with my new Tundra V8. It has the towing package and is the stepside which has a larger towing capability. The Argosy dry weighs 3800 lbs. (I weighed it on the scales), it has about 150 lbs of "stuff" in it, two pasengers and three dogs in the Tundra, equalizer hitch with sway bar and full gas bottles. It tows like it isn't back there, BUT this is Oklahoma, and we have very few hills. It does pull down a little on the mountains with a steep grade, but generally I am very happy with it. New Bambi's do weigh more, but I think you would be happy with the Toyota. Personally, if you can do it, I'd wait for that new 07 Tundra. Nice truck!
Toyota Tundra and 19’ Bambi
Curt – I am not a "pro" here, but I have done research on this topic for the past 6 months as I also try to decide on the right Airstream and Toyota tow vehicle for me. The right Airstream for me is no smaller than the 19’ Bambi. But I am currently leaning toward the 23’ Safari SE with L-sofa.
To help you in your calculations on safe towing weight I would suggest that you follow the extensive message threads under Towing in the Airstream Forums.
Please note that in your calculations the 19’ Bambi GVWR of 4500 lbs. is the maximum safe weight of your Bambi after EVERYTHING is loaded in (its UBI – unit base weight is 3680 lbs.) Which means you can add a maximum of 820 lbs. in the form of a hitch, fluids and supplies.
The "pros" here recommend that you build in a safety factor in your calculations: The total weight to be towed should not be more than 75 – 80% of your tow vehicle’s tow rating. This becomes important when going up and over mountains and helps to ensure the life of your tow vehicle.
Other considerations: 1. Many Airstreamers find out that they need a larger Airstream than the first one that they bought. 2. Some "pros" say that there is no such thing as a too large of a tow vehicle. 3. The 2007 Toyota Tundra will be larger and stronger than the previous models but undoubtedly more expensive. 4. Many Airstreamers who have (or who know others who have) a Tundra and a 19’ Bambi say that this is a very good match.
The bottom line: If you are absolutely sure that you will not tow any Airstream larger than the 19’ Bambi, the current Tundra will be a good match. But if you, like so many others, decide to get a larger Airstream, you should wait for the 2007 Tundra to come out at the end of the year. This is my current strategy giving me a built-in buffer period to monitor and evaluate the price of gas, cost of living, and world situation before this recent retiree makes two major purchases of a trailer and tow vehicle.
Good Luck and Keep Us Posted!
Bill
Last edited by SilverGate; 06-08-2006 at 11:30 PM.
I noticed you are in Seattle. Be sure to keep an eye out for North West Forum Rallies. There is a great group of streamers and we alwyas have a good time.
Thanks for your detailed reply, Bill. You helped to clarify several things for me.
I am not planning to purchase my trailer and tow vehicle until later in 2007, so chances are excellent that I will indeed buy the 2007 Tundra (which my initial research shows to be quite a formidable tow vehicle, and one that would even allow me to upgrade to a slightly larger AS later on down the road).
Happy Airstreaming and thanks again,
Curt
Quote:
Originally Posted by SilverGate
Toyota Tundra and 19’ Bambi
The bottom line: If you are absolutely sure that you will not tow any Airstream larger than the 19’ Bambi, the current Tundra will be a good match. But if you, like so many others, decide to get a larger Airstream, you should wait for the 2007 Tundra to come out at the end of the year. This is my current strategy giving me a built-in buffer period to monitor and evaluate the price of gas, cost of living, and world situation before this recent retiree makes two major purchases of a trailer and tow vehicle.
Good Luck and Keep Us Posted!
Bill
Thanks for the tip and the link. Sounds like it would be right up my alley (and right up the road!).
Curt
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kintscher
Curt-
I noticed you are in Seattle. Be sure to keep an eye out for North West Forum Rallies. There is a great group of streamers and we alwyas have a good time.
I am planning on giving serious consideration to the '07 Tundra, depending on how much more the cost is above the 2006 V8 model. Thanks for the info (and for the great photo of your rig!).
Curt,
Seattle, WA
Quote:
Originally Posted by juel
I pull a 78, 24ft Argosy with my new Tundra V8. It has the towing package and is the stepside which has a larger towing capability. The Argosy dry weighs 3800 lbs. (I weighed it on the scales), it has about 150 lbs of "stuff" in it, two pasengers and three dogs in the Tundra, equalizer hitch with sway bar and full gas bottles. It tows like it isn't back there, BUT this is Oklahoma, and we have very few hills. It does pull down a little on the mountains with a steep grade, but generally I am very happy with it. New Bambi's do weigh more, but I think you would be happy with the Toyota. Personally, if you can do it, I'd wait for that new 07 Tundra. Nice truck!
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