19' international behind an LR3

[lexlaws]

Hi all, my wife and myself are looking to purchase an airstream international bambi 19 footer... well, we think 19'... We will also be looking at the Land Rover LR3 as a tow vehicle. I know there are numerous threads on the LR3's shortcomings when it comes to towing medium-large trailers, and that the LR3 will limit us to a smaller airstream. I only ask about this combo because we were originally looking at the 23' international... and the airstream dealer thought that the LR3 may fit the bill... but i am beginning to think that an LR3 will be better suited to a 19' International rather than the 23'. Is this correct? Will an LR3 even handle the 19' international? Thank you!

[lexlaws]

Sorry... I meant the International sig series 19 footer... my bad... i'm a noob

[kenjengrif]

I tow my 19' Bambi with an LR3. The LR3 tows just fine, plenty of power, very stable, no sway problems, and I get about 14 mpg when towing.

I had the LR3 first, so I didn't buy it as a tow vehicle. The LR3 fits my needs otherwise as a very versitile and capable vehicle- but there are several things you should know. One is that the max hitch weight for the LR3 is 550 pounds- even though the max trailer weight is 7700 pounds. The other is that Land Rover advises against the use of weight distributing hitches. If you think you may want a bigger trailer in the future, you should keep that in mind. The 19' Bambi is probably the biggest Airstream you could go with tho stay under the hitch weight maximum.

Overall, I'm very happy with the way the LR3 tows.

[lexlaws]

Excellent kenj! Thank you for the information! The dealer at the Airstream lot figured the LR3 would even tow the 23' International, but was wary of the air suspension system, thus limited us to the 19' International given the LR3's type of suspension and the 550lb. hitch weight. I suppose the LR's 113.6" wheel base also may play against towing a 23' trailer. Seems that the 700lb. hitch weight of the 23' is out of the LR3's handling range. We LOVE the 19' Bambi with paprika... And we loved our 2006 Rover Sport HSE that we just traded in for a BMW 335i... so, we figured an LR3 would be a nice tow vehicle since we are used to the Rover platform and miss the Sport. So... is the 23' out of the question with an LR3 because of the tongue weight and wheel base? Just ask about the 23' because we have two medium sized dogs who will prolly want in on the Airstream action Thanks again to kenj and anyone else who may chime in!

[Kay]

If you look on the receiver it is stamped 770 lb max. tounge weight. One tenth of the 7700 lb max. towing weight. LR is no help with this. Has anyone been successful towing an International 25 FB with an LR3 or RR Sport?

[Mikethefixit]

Just my opinion, But LR wheelbase and high center of gravity and gross vehicle wgt would turn me off for any thing greater than 19' . U would not attempt to pull are railcar with a tri-cycle.
Just an opinion TO EACH HIS OWN COMFORT LEVEL