Full time living/driving helpful advice please

[tjean45]

So I just bought a used 19' Airstream Bambi. I am young and no one else in my family has ever owned a travel trailer so I can't rely on them for experienced advice. This is the first time I've ever owned an travel trailer. I just decided to up and relocate from Las Vegas to FL. I was wondering if anyone has any helpful insights and suggestions or things I should be aware of to me as a new owner and the first time traveling across country. First question being is, my towing car is an 05 Liberty. My owners manuel says the jeep has the towing capacity and I've gotton all the brake stuff/equalizers that are required. Anyone ever have any trouble with a jeep liberty towing. All suggestions welcomed. Thanks,

[SilverRanger]

Hi, congratulations on your Bambi, and welcome to the forums. Other than some experience, I claim no expertise in towing, but I do have an 05 Bambi. My first tow vehicle was a 1/2 ton truck with an extended cab and a 5.0L engine. It towed the trailer very nicely, especially while driving on relatively flat terrain. But when towing through mountainous terrain with the Bambi and truck loaded up to near capacity, I considered it to be only marginally adequate. You may want to get some towing experience on some shorter trips in hilly terrain, just to see how that package handles under all conditons, before making that cross country trip. Best of luck, and I'm sure you'll enjoy the Bambi.

[Foiled Again]

The 19 Bambi is small, but it's heavier than you might think. Do remember that you have to STOP your trailer as well as tow it. Your Jeep might be okay, but it's definitely not the most robust tow vehicle out there.

I'd advise you use the "Search" function and read some of the threads where towing capacity has been discussed extensively.

At any rate, enjoy your Bambi and stay in touch with the forums, you'll learn a lot here.

Paula

[mandolindave]

I don't think you will find many people with experience towing with a Jeep Liberty. An V8 tow vehicle with a long wheel base is preferable, not to mention safer. My friends small SUV has a tow capacity of 5000 lbs,
while the new Chevy half ton pick up has a tow capacity of only 4800 lbs.
My point is that towing capacity seems to me to be some what of a guesstimate.
Also, I would suggest that you read up on transmission coolers. I have numerous friends that have blown up their trans on a hot day , going too fast, up a hill. I tow my 20 footer with a V8 chevy van. I have to replace my rotors every other year. My advice is.....take it real easy.

[tjean45]

Thanks so much, I really appreciate this info. It's really helpful. I plan on making this a slow and long trek. I've got a few small trips planned before I make the big one.

[TBRich]

Hey tjean45...You're gonna love your 19' Bambi...read through those threads about towing....and definitely get some practice. I would be hesitant with the Liberty, but run the numbers on the towing rates, etc. We tow our 19' Bambi (2006) with a 2007 Tacoma with factory tow package which rates it at 6500 lbs, plus an anti-sway/load distribution hitch set up (a must for anybody's situation) ... It's fine for our needs, but any bigger Airstream and we'd likely be pushing it... You don't say what year your Bambi is...be aware that the later-year models are heavier than the older ones...

Good luck with the adventure and use the forum to get all your questions answered.

TB

[jdalrymple]

Like everyone has suggested, slow and steady. Enjoy your new lifestyle.