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jeneric · 03-21-2010, 05:01 PM

On Friday, the hubby and I signed a contract on a 2009 19' Flying Cloud Bambi. We love to travel, and it would be the perfect "second home" for us. It has a GVWR of 4500 lbs.

What I didn't anticipate was that trying to decide on a tow vehicle would be so overwhelming. Our Airstream dealer keeps saying that "any V6 SUV with rear-wheel drive will work fine." Here on the forums, many seem to say not to tow ANY size Airstream with less than a 1/2 ton pickup.

Thing is, the tow vehicle will be my primary around-town car as well. And I hate big vehicles! I've been driving a Honda Civic for 8 years, and before that had a CRX. I can't imagine driving anything bigger than, say, a Ford Explorer or Toyota 4Runner. But after reading more on the forums this evening, I'm thinking it's not a good idea to tow with something that "small."

Am I over-thinking this? Being too paranoid? Do you have any specific mid-size truck or SUV suggestions for a 19' Bambi that would work?

I'm beginning to think we can't find anything to meet all of our needs. Would appreciate any help or advice (or psychiatric therapy or strong drink) you have to offer.

Jennifer

Mike Leary · 03-21-2010, 05:12 PM

A little guy like your's can be towed with any rig; it's the hitch that's important.

Chuck · 03-21-2010, 05:18 PM

Do a search on the forum for mentions of the gmc acadia/Buick Enclave/Chevy Traverse platform. WAY more than enough for a bambi; The "you need a Freightliner to tow anything bigger than a little-red-wagon" school of thought is a very popular one on the forums, but its not the only one.
If money is no object, there is a small but fanatic group of VW Toureg owners here that are quite happy towing larger trailers than a bambi.
Then there's our Canadian brethren to the north, towing with all sorts of..."less than intuitive" choices...none of them have turned into a pumpkin, yet. (not that I know of, anyway). Dodge Magnum is a pretty popular option, it seems...and that doesn't seem all that "out there", to me; it has an enormous engine, after all. same as their full-size pickups. I kind of like the idea of the wagon version...looks like it would be a great tow vehicle, as well as a practical family car during the other 355 days of the year.

on edit: the pic posted above is a Buick Enclave.

TBRich · 03-21-2010, 05:18 PM

We tow our 06 19' Safari SE (rebranded to the Flying Cloud in 2009, so it's basically just like yours) with an 07 Toyota Tacoma V6 Double Cab Automatic 2WD with a factory tow package (a must) with a tow capacity of #6500 and use an Equal-I-Zer Hitch...and we get along just fine with it... If we went with a larger AS we would probably want a larger truck. This is our every-day vehicle as well, and as a double cab it does everything we need it to do...including getting us out on the road regularly with the Bambi.

tkasten · 03-21-2010, 05:20 PM

During the early 80's I pulled a 1966 28' Overlander with a Chevy Impala with a 350 V8. It did a great job. Big cars were much heavier back in the day. Most V6 engines in todays mid-size SUV's would not have any problem with a 19' Airstream. You would need a good equalizing hitch and the vehicle would need to be rated for the weight. Check out the Ford Flex SUV I've heard others on this forum showing interest in it. Hope this is some help.....Tim

mike rogers · 03-21-2010, 05:22 PM

The longer the wheel base the better the tow vehicle. Tacomas with a double cab are excellent. With a long bed even better.

Mike Leary · 03-21-2010, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck

the pic posted above is a Buick Enclave.

Which has all-wheel drive, a big plus, I'm told, for towing.

2airishuman · 03-21-2010, 06:36 PM

hi jennifer...

v6 is basically USELESS info.

towing involves a LOT of factors besides # of cylinders.

then there are PERSONAL/specific RV related issues,

like how much STUFF u will carry in the tv or trailer, 4x4 NEEDed or not, suv/truck/van...

BIG is a relative term and YOU might need to get over the 'size issue' or keep an open mind.

not suggesting u need a GAINT vehicle, but whatever is selected will ALTER your spacial awareness briefly...

then you will adapt to the size/space/parking issues...
____________

trailer life annually publishes a towing guide which lists the towing SPECs for 100s of vehicles...

Trailer Life Magazine: Follow the Road to Adventure

scan models, make notes, read the SMALL print...

then ask about a specific vehicle u might like.

folks will JUMP all over giving feedback on a specific model/brand after you narrow the field.

again u WILL need to adjust your pre conceived ideas about size, so explore with an OPEN mind...

heres a brief thread on suv'z that would all fit your towing needs...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f463...cle-39142.html

cheers
2air'

bredlo · 03-21-2010, 07:29 PM

Great response by 2air.

Yeah, I'd be cautious about believing opinions including phrases like any V6, or no V6 - it's just kind of irresponsible to paint a category that big with such a broad brush. Our choice boiled down to a balance of factors that works for us, and even that may change if we move to a more mountainous area, change trailers, etc.

The problem with putting too much stock in our opinions on a specific vehicle is that each of our definitions of an acceptable compromise will be different. Before I sound too new agey though, I'll definitely say there's a baseline of safety involved, and a degree of common sense that should factor in. So again, do some homework and the good people here will try and steer you in the right direction.

Jammer · 03-22-2010, 06:09 AM

Jennifer,

As others have noted opinions vary widely on what tow vehicle is "minimum acceptable" with many people advocating derating the manufacturers tow ratings by 10% or more and uprating the trailer weight to its GVWR.

You do want to consider the distances and terrain where you plan to tow. If you are going to drive 10,000 miles a year in the mountains there are some things that won't work that would be fine for 1,000 miles a year on flat ground.

The Trailer Life towing guide should help but in short there are plenty of SUVs and minivans that would be suitable.

The Dodge Magnum mentioned upthread (now discontinued) had a towing capacity of 3500 pounds however it was widely believed to have been conservatively rated by its manufacturer and capable of more with the proper hitch and possibly with the addition of an aftermarket transmission cooler. I have the Chrysler Pacifica which is the same except for minor body and trim differences. I've pulled a 3000 pound trailer with it and it did fine.

jeneric · 03-22-2010, 06:38 AM

Many thanks to everyone who replied! You gave us so many good things to think about. Even went and test drove a Toyota Tacoma last night, and did research on the Chevy Traverse, etc. After discussing it (ad nauseum!) with my husband, I think we've decided the best thing for us is to have 3 vehicles -- our Civic and Accord for around town, and something big for pulling the AS.

We're now leaning toward a Ford F-150. Since we're not doing a trade-in, and we'll now have the expense of another car insurance payment, we want to buy a used one without too many bells and whistles.

So, if I may shift the focus of this thread a bit...any thoughts on what to look for in a used F-150? Keep in mind it's for towing a 19' Bambi. Any advice is once again appreciated!

utee94 · 03-22-2010, 06:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeneric

Many thanks to everyone who replied! You gave us so many good things to think about. Even went and test drove a Toyota Tacoma last night, and did research on the Chevy Traverse, etc. After discussing it (ad nauseum!) with my husband, I think we've decided the best thing for us is to have 3 vehicles -- our Civic and Accord for around town, and something big for pulling the AS.

We're now leaning toward a Ford F-150. Since we're not doing a trade-in, and we'll now have the expense of another car insurance payment, we want to buy a used one without too many bells and whistles.

So, if I may shift the focus of this thread a bit...any thoughts on what to look for in a used F-150? Keep in mind it's for towing a 19' Bambi. Any advice is once again appreciated!

Here's a thread with some info about the F150. And I'm sure anyone with direct experience will also chime in.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f463...cle-47573.html

Good luck!

jeneric · 03-22-2010, 07:13 AM

Awesome - thanks, utee!

aftermath · 03-22-2010, 07:17 AM

Jeneric, I pulled my 21 ft. SOB with a V8 4Runner without incident. I know it would pull a 19 ft. Airstream equally well. The 4Runner is built on the Tacoma chasis and had a 7500 pound towing capacity. It was all wheel drive and probably the best "car" I ever owned.

There are always downsides for any vehicle so weighing a PU against an SUV will be your decision. Don't let anyone talk you away from the 4Runner, it is a very good option.

Of course, if you were trying to pull a 32 footer, well maybe not so good.

Dick

**moosetags** · 03-22-2010, 08:31 AM

Jennifer, you do not mention what your travel plan is for your new Airstream. This can be a significant factor when it comes to selection of a tow vehicle. If you plan to do all of your camping in the Orlando area or Florida generally, a V-6 SUV or pick-up will probably pretty much fill the bill. The longer the wheelbase of the the tow vehicle, the better.

Keep in mind that when your Airstream is set up ready to go camping, it is going to weigh 4000+#. Also, as 2air has stated, you must consider the weight of the cargo and passengers in the tow vehicle.

If, on the other hand, your Airstream travel plans call for extensive trips in the Rockies of Wyoming or the White Mountains of Vermont and new Hampshire, you might want to consider a little bit heftier tow vehicle. I am not recommending an F-350 Dually, but a V-8 power plant may be in order.

Do your research thoroughly, as an insufficient tow vehicle is the single largest cause of a perfectly good Airstream becoming a very expensive piece of yard art.

Brian

overlander63 · 03-22-2010, 08:47 AM

Here are a few trucks to consider that should be up to the task of towing your trailer, while not breaking the bank, in no particular order:

Ford F150, extended cab, short bed, 4.6 liter
Chevrolet (and the GMC clone, Sierra) 1500, 5.3 liter, extended cab, short bed
Dodge Ram 1500, configured as above, 4.7 liter
Ford Expedition, 2wd, 4.6 liter
Chevy Tahoe/Suburban (Tahoe is slightly shorter wheelbase) 5.3 liter
Nissan Frontier, 2wd
Toyota Tacoma V6, 2wd
Chevy Astro, standard body (not ext)

There are, as pointed out above, many others, but the ones I listed above will allow you to look over tow vehicles with similar capabilities without filling a dictionary.

Mikethefixit · 03-22-2010, 08:50 AM

Jennifer
I think the F150 would do a good job for you,of course Im a Ford person. I would consult 3 or 4 dealers in your area. I see you are kinda leanin toward USED.ASK if they might be getting a OFF LEASE F150 in.These will be 2 yrs old,at least most of them. They have first dibbs on each vehicle they lease,and if they dont want it,it goes on to auction.These are usually well taken care of and because they are leased usually are updated on recalls and service by the leasing dealer.I would go with a crewcab and an 8 ft bed,room for more stuff, don't ya know.
GOOD LUCK on your search, keep in mind all the things mentioned by 2air he's had lots of experience.

AUstreamer · 03-22-2010, 09:11 AM

If you go by your local Ford dealer, ask for a towing guide, and it will have the specs for the current year trucks. The smaller V8 will get better mileage, and with the proper rear end gear, will tow more than a 5.4. You can search google for 4.6 vs 5.4 ford f150 and get plenty of info on them..

2airishuman · 03-22-2010, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeneric

...We're now leaning toward a Ford F-150. Since we're not doing a trade-in, and we'll now have the expense of another car insurance payment, we want to buy a used one without too many bells and whistles...

another member went through this process of looking for a used SMALLER 1/2 truck for her SMALL trailers.

her story is here...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f463...cle-26058.html

i met her towing with the newly acquired f150 just a few weeks after the purchase,

and she was already ADAPTED to the space (supercab with tiny back doors) ...

the 150 from 97-04 is called the "10th generation" and was WILDLY UNpopular with enthusiasts...

because of the 'soft' aerodynamic styling...

"don't look like a REAL truck" many guys groaned...

"yep, it looks like a CITY truck" others replied...

however THAT LOOK is exactly why you might like it...

they LOOK smaller, are more rounded (car like) and will still handle bambi fine...

Click image for larger version

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and because they are NOT popular with truck guys, the prices are VERY LOW...

i sorta like the look in a NON truck, truck sorta way...

and these are cheaper to insure, and there's a zillion of them to choose from...

with parts widely available too...

cheers
2air'

mutcth · 03-22-2010, 11:04 AM

One thing bugs me about that generation: the IIHS offset crash test of the Supercab was really bad. (I would think/hope that the true four door cab would be safer, structure-wise, but it wasn't tested.)

But to be fair, there are safety quibbles with other trucks in that time frame: GM had standard ABS but so-so frontal crash test results, Dodge had good frontal crash test results but optional ABS, Toyota had good frontal crash test results but hard to find ABS for a while...

Tom