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Old 09-08-2013, 11:30 PM   #1
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Triple axle vs ?

I am looking for a airstream that ca be pulled safely by a 2011 ecoboost tow rating 9,600 pds.

I heard somewhere that a triple axle airstream weighs more than others!!!
And I have noticed the Excellas (the ones I like so far) have triple axles

Any one heard or know about this? Than I heard the triple axles tow like a dream CONFUSING
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Old 09-09-2013, 12:28 AM   #2
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Hi, triple axle Airstream trailers are 34'ers; I personally think this would be to large and too heavy for an F-150. [my opinion]
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Old 09-09-2013, 04:43 AM   #3
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I have a 34, 1999 Excella. I use a 2500 Duramax 4x4 to move it.

My thoughts? Awesomely adequate.

If you already own the Ekoboot, do yourself a favor. Go RENT a "40' towable, self propelled boom lift". It is not as long as the 34' AS, but will give you practical experience towing a similar load.

Be careful, humble pie may be served.
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Old 09-09-2013, 05:50 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cwf View Post

If you already own the Ekoboot,
Is that the same as saying "I use a 2500 Dorkamax "??
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Old 09-09-2013, 06:07 AM   #5
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I think the 34' is more stable than the longer two axle trailers (31' and 32' come to mind) I am very comfortable towing ours with a 5.4L F150. That said, due to the gearing on our truck my tow capacity is 11,300. I am guessing your Ecoboost (great engine by the way) has a 2.73 or so rear end. A gear swap should bring you to where you want to be.
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Old 09-09-2013, 06:08 AM   #6
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Is that the same as saying "I use a 2500 Dorkamax "??
Yup! . Sorry fir tupo.
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Old 09-09-2013, 06:26 AM   #7
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Not all 34' are created equal. Our 1984 model is very light, at 6250lbs.

We tow it with a Honda Odyssey, which is pretty much the equivalent to a F150 Ecoboost with the 126 wheelbase, capability and payload wise. No problems to report, but we're not full-timers.
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Old 09-09-2013, 06:41 AM   #8
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Happy Days,

Most all the trim levels, i.e....Exella, Classic etc., are available in several lengths.

As a general rule, only the 34 foot trailers have three axles.

The Excella was made in several lengths, down to like 25 feet, I believe.

Certainly, trailers equipped differently and built across the years will have different weights.

I too like the larger trailers.

Questions about tow vehicles stir up much as debate as politics.

Some say the factory suggested tow ratings mean nothing and any vehicle is capable of towing any trailer, if it is setup with the correct hitch, tires and wheel stance.

Others prefer 3/4 ton diesels.

Simple fact is you will have to look at several trailers and try your truck with them to find out how the setup suits you.

Good Luck,


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Old 09-09-2013, 07:02 AM   #9
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2011 4WD 150 EB?

Still under factory warranty...frt & rear diff change...not too praktikel.

Find something you like...get it hitched safely and go Streaming.

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Old 09-09-2013, 07:02 AM   #10
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Guys n gala,

The original post asks a question which in the end is his/her decision. Their decision will affect not only themselves but everyone they encounter on the road.

How many "situations" has the poster have experience with?

Since I don't know, I suggested towing a heavy load with their TV. Nothing like experience to define a persons comfort zone.

Many laughed at my wearing a full coverage helmet and "full gear" like proper boots, jacket, full gloves, etc when riding motorcycles. Seemed reasonable to me.

What I told them.. "It is not important what you ride..but that you do ride..."

So, similar with AS... No need to argue.

When you have a critical situation like I did yesterday you will be glad you were prepared.
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Old 09-09-2013, 08:34 AM   #11
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I think the 34' is more stable than the longer two axle trailers (31' and 32' come to mind) I am very comfortable towing ours with a 5.4L F150. That said, due to the gearing on our truck my tow capacity is 11,300. I am guessing your Ecoboost (great engine by the way) has a 2.73 or so rear end. A gear swap should bring you to where you want to be.
The worst (for utility) diff ratio for the Ecoboost is 3.15, but tow ratings for those are all under 9k lb. There are configurations rated for 9600 lb towing with each of the 3.31, 3.55 and 3.73 diffs, it depends on the other configuration of the truck. The only ones rated above 10k are the 3.73 diffs and the 4.10 that's only available with 4WD configs.
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Old 09-09-2013, 04:38 PM   #12
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Hello

Are you saying with a gear above, 2.72 is it that its able to tow a more?

I'm thinking a 3.73 gear how does it work. Would we have to order this from a dealer as a bonus? Thx hope that makes SENCE
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Old 09-09-2013, 04:52 PM   #13
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Old 09-09-2013, 07:57 PM   #14
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Hello

Are you saying with a gear above, 2.72 is it that its able to tow a more?

I'm thinking a 3.73 gear how does it work. Would we have to order this from a dealer as a bonus? Thx hope that makes SENCE
The 3.73 electronic-lock differential is readily available in dealer stock, any truck with the "max tow" option already has it.

The 3.73 Limited-Slip diff is a rare creature you probably have to order, it comes only with the HD Cargo packages.

Either one will be fine for towing an Airstream with 420 lb-ft of torque, but only with the HD Cargo option can you tell the "gotta getta diesel" crowd to pound sand.
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Old 09-09-2013, 08:17 PM   #15
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I just posted in another thread Tow Vehicles at the Ontario Fall Rally a list of the Airstreams and tow vehicles at the rally. 16 of the Airstreams were 34's. 8 were towed by 2500 series trucks and 6 by various 1/2 tons and 2 by Mercedes R Class Diesels. There was over 50 years of combined towing with the 1/2 tons present not including the previous ones. Yes you can tow a 34 with an F150, Personally I would rather tow a 34 any day the 6 soft suspensions ride very smoothly yet handle better than a tandem. As well you get 6 brakes.

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Old 12-05-2013, 10:55 PM   #16
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Heavy but smooth

The 34' is long and heavy relative to other airstreams, but when people say they tow better they mean as Andy described above. The 2 axle trailers went up to 31' commonly, and moving to the 3 axle gains you 50% more contact with the ground, 50% more breaking ability, and additional interior storage for just 3 extra feet.

I have a 1985 34' sovereign and the wife had a 78 31' when we met. Hers is enough lighter to be physically pulled up a hill by a 1/2 ton with ease, but man that tail will try to wag the dog when you have to maneuver or when you get passed by a truck (which happens towing with a 1/2 ton).

By contrast my 34' max gross is 8900lbs which is a lot to ask of a 1/2 ton, and at 8900lbs it hits ~1200lb tongue weight which may be too much for your 1/2 tons rated specs? But then pulling its a dream... Total stability and surefootedness. I picked it up and towed it home with a military surplus 1986 M1008 CUCV with a tekonsha brake controller wired in and tranny cooler added. That truck has 1 ton running gear with hydro boosted brakes but only cranks a whopping 165hp and 320lb-ft, and I found myself bouncing between first and second at about 27mph by the time I topped the first hill. It was steady as can be though with only a 130" wheelbase and 5600lb of truck in front.

My solution was a new 2500 duramax extended cab 8' bed. The suspension settles to a near perfect level ride with the loaded 34' behind it, and the spring rates on truck and trailer seem to be perfectly matched. The handling stability, power, and braking are unreal. In my experience it was worth the diesel just for the torque to never downshift on uphills and the exhaust brake to keep it steady downhill. I actually was breaking in the diesel by beating it mercilessly and I hit the programmed speed limiter going up a long 7% grade.

People are on both sides of the fence on any argument, but I'd say that the facts are that the 34' triple axles are incredibly stable and the 3/4 ton diesels are a near perfect match for that size trailer. All the modern diesels are pretty stellar, just pick the one you like, get a 100k mile warranty if you can, and hitch up.
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Old 12-05-2013, 11:11 PM   #17
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The ecoboost may pull it just fine, it's for sure more truck in every way than my old CUCV. I'm just saying 420lb-ft isn't a whole lot against 13,000+ lbs total weight so don't be surprised when you're screaming in a low gear to pull the hills.
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Old 12-06-2013, 04:25 AM   #18
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I always thought the old 34' models to be relatively light, especially compared to newer models. Sure, you can load any Airstream to the gills and it will be heavy but our 1984 Interbational weighs just over 6200lbs empty, about 7500lbs ready to camp. The tongue weight is also low, just over 850 fully loaded. Those are considerably lower numbers than most modern models can boast.

They are incredibly easy to tow and will track straight and true. I have never experienced any tail wagging, but then we do tow with a Hensley. The brakes on these older models are also 2" larger than their modern counterparts, which adds to their shurefootedness. Backing up is a dream, they are so well behaved.

Any properly set up rig should come to a stop marginally faster than just the tow vehicle breaking alone. One of the benefits of towing with a car rather than a truck is that you get to keep your shorter stopping distance and faster lane changing ability, even with a long trailer like this.
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Old 12-06-2013, 05:46 AM   #19
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Question Blanket statements......

.......should not apply.

with a car,
"you get to keep your shorter stopping distance"

Really?
Possible but not certain by any means.


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Old 12-06-2013, 07:45 AM   #20
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We recently bought an '08 34' Classic S/O and towed it back from California. On the way I ran it across the scales because I knew I would need that data to register the trailer in Texas. It weighs 8850 on the axles very lightly loaded. Our previous trailer was a 31' Classic, 7280 pounds weighed similarly.

I can say the 34' tows slightly more stable in most conditions, but is slightly more effected by the bow wind wave of a passing truck on the interstate than the 31' was. Not a major difference to any of it, but slightly. The weighed tongue weight on the 34 S/O is 1150 pounds up from about 850 on the 31.

I did also very slightly notice the added weight, but certainly no big deal. However, I am towing with an 850 lb ft torque Cummins Diesel, 3/4 ton 4 X 4.

Having said all of this, and this is just my opinion based on this experience and experience towing travel trailers for 40 years, I would not attempt to tow a trailer of this size and weight with any 1/2 ton truck for any length of time. Can it be done? Obviously yes. Will you enjoy it? My opinion again, but I don't think so. Will it be safe? I think that is mostly the responsibility of the driver.

Not trying to start any arguments, but these are my opinions. Good luck with whatever you decide.
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