2008 F250

[dpandorf]

I'm patting myself on the back along with a lot of help from my uncle, but we picked up the used 2000 34' Airstream limited yesterday with the new F250 SD that I took delivery on Thursday. The truck already had 400 miles on it as they didn't have what I wanted in stock and had someone drive it down from VA. So by the time I picked up the trailer I already had her broken in enough.

My uncle and I installed a Hensley hitch before leaving with the trailer. A nice feature on the F250 is the tow command option that includes a built-in electric brake controller.

My uncle did not have very much knowledge on the Hensley but has towed a travel trailer for many years and currently tows with a 2000 F250 diesel.

So as we were heading down the road, mind you I have never towed a trailer before, he was giving me pointers. As the first semi was about to pass he was explaining about the possible "push" that would occur. After the semi passed he asked if I had felt anything and I said no.

When the next one came by I actually took my hand off the wheel (just for a second or two) and the truck just tracked straight. The Hensely hitch is magic I told him.

But I was the most impressed by the pulling power of the truck. I couldn't believe I could accelerate uphill and maintain 65mph or faster if I wanted. BTW, I picked up the trailer north of Knoxville and drove home on E I-40 to south of Asheville, NC. So we did have a couple hills to cross .

All in all I'm very pleased with the setup and looking forward to bending alot of ears around here as we begin our travel adventures.

[TIMEMACHINE]

I am jealous......where are the pictures to finish off the torture.

Time

[dpandorf]

Originally Posted by TIMEMACHINE

I am jealous......where are the pictures to finish off the torture.

Time

I just got one up, thanks.

[2airishuman]

hi dpandorf and welcome to the forums...

superduty/haha/tri-axle...

i like your choice of tools!

that's a hat trick

nice pics too

thanks for sharing

2air'

[Jim Clark]

Welcome, nice trailer and truck, I want a 250 bad.

2air you have more in common than you think, you missed the hitch helper on the front of the trailer.

Thanks Jim

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by Jim Clark

2air you have more in common than you think, you missed the hitch helper on the front of the trailer.Thanks Jim

hi jim...

oh i saw the hitchin' rod up front...

but a hat trick is such a round number!

those dayglow babies are bright!

cheers
2air'

[ScottW]

Nice setup/rig. I need a 250 myself. Just a little envy here!

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, really nice set up. Where do you go from here, when you start at the top?

[moosetags]

Really nice truck and really nice Airstream. Best of luck with both.

[SilverRanger]

Great combination, and a fine looking truck. I just bought a 2007 F250 a few weeks ago. The 2008's were very tempting, but the dealer wouldn't budge on the price. They were really willing to deal on the 07's though. I too really like the tow command option with the tow/haul feature, built-in brake controller, the extendable mirrors, and the transmission temperature gauge.

[rseagle]

A nice combo and lot's of open space to park it! Maybe you'll pull your rig up to Galax in August for the Fiddler's Convention Rally.

[dpandorf]

Originally Posted by rseagle

A nice combo and lot's of open space to park it! Maybe you'll pull your rig up to Galax in August for the Fiddler's Convention Rally.

That looks like a lot of fun! I'm off work August 9th through the 15th so those dates work.

[dpandorf]

I've been lurking on this site for a while now gleaning all the info I can get. It's been great. My wife and I were looking at a smaller Airstream but we have 2 growing boys and a springer spaniel. Plus everything we've read having the 3 axle can make a difference in traveling too.

So my wife spotted this used 34 footer a month a go or so and couldn't resist.

Then of course was the problem of what to tow it with. We really weren't prepared yet for that.

So all the info I've read here on this forum topic along with other info helped us very much. It didn't hurt that my uncle also has a F250 diesel and pulls a 28' trailer. His experience only solidified our decision to just DO IT.

Now I have a Honda Ridgeline that being sold and the sooner the better!

One of the other things I haven't mentioned is that we live in a gated community which has RV parking for the community owners. Right now we're on a waiting list but they're expanding the larger parking area and adding additional electrical hookups. Right now the one photo shows us parked there in the guest spot. This is only a quarter mile from the house and its only $240 a yeaar.

Thanks again for this great message board.

[Van]

Originally Posted by dpandorf

I picked up the trailer north of Knoxville and drove home on E I-40 to south of Asheville, NC. So we did have a couple hills to cross .

All in all I'm very pleased with the setup and looking forward to bending alot of ears around here as we begin our travel adventures.

Grats on the great set up. Now, bring it out west if you really want to find out what hills are like.

[dpandorf]

Originally Posted by Van

Grats on the great set up. Now, bring it out west if you really want to find out what hills are like.

I hear you! I lived on the west coast for many years and am very fond of the west. Have a friend with a place off Flat Head Lake in Montana and are looking at a trip that way in September.

That will truly be the real test!

[Silvertwinkie]

Nice rig.

[safari57]

Beautiful set up you have. What a great way to kick start your Airstream adventures - beautiful trailer and brand spanking new deluxe TV. You are definitely destined for happy trails....(why, I can hear Roy and Dale now..)

Barry

[Goin camping]

Nice, Very nice. Can you post some more pics of your setup?

With your new setup you should have many happy miles and adventures.