Visit our Popular Forums

stowaways · 05-22-2007, 08:49 PM

We're 100% new to the concept of towing a trailer rather than a 5th wheel and would like to lob a general question into the air. Although we know we have much research to do in learning about hitches, ball height, etc., if you were buying a sparkly new International 27' and wanted to buy something gently used (95-2000) what might you consider? A truck? SUV? 3/4 ton? 1 ton? Is the question too general?

(GVWR rating is 7,600 lbs.
hitch weight is 790lbs
hitch ball height is 17.75)

Goin camping · 05-22-2007, 08:54 PM

I'd look for a 3/4 truck or SUV.

cosmotini · 05-22-2007, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goin camping

I'd look for a 3/4 truck or SUV.

Ditto that!

LI Pets · 05-23-2007, 04:57 AM

A 3/4 just does it so easy, you can drive and relax.

henw · 05-23-2007, 05:56 AM

I have similar size unit. Originally I pulled it with a 5.4L Expedition. Realized quickly this vehicle would not cut the mustard. No reserve for heavier loads or steep hills. Plus, a shorter wheel base.
Now pull with 3/4 ton Super Duty and am very pleased.

Silvertwinkie · 05-23-2007, 06:37 AM

Great choice.

Once you reach 25 feet, you really are in the 3/4 ton sandbox. I agree with what everyone has said to date, 3/4 ton is your vehicle!

If I also were going to buy a brand spanking new Airstream, I'd read the QC threads as well.

This particular link has several links on the first post to several other model years and other threads that may be useful in identifying issues when you find one you interested in purchasing:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f142...ity-31210.html

Minnie's Mate · 05-23-2007, 07:11 AM

We have a 30' Safari. It is probably in the same weight category or maybe even a little lighter weight than a 27' International would be. I have a 3/4 ton crew cab with a diesel engine and wouldn't want anything else. I have set the cruise on 75 MPH and cruised all day long on the flats and on the interstate through the mountains in Kentucky and Tennessee without ever loosing a beat. At that speed and in the mountains I get 12.6 MPG's. Without the trailer at that speed I get 22 MPG's. I have cruised at 65 MPH with the trailer and got 13.6 MPG's. Plus the extra torque of the diesel (dead still accelerating power) can out tow a gasser in a heart-beat. This is my first diesel and I love it. If you are looking at late '90's I would go with a Chevy or Dodge (I can't believe I said that) because there were issues with some of the Ford diesels during some of those years. Others can chime in and tell you the years and engines, I can't remember. Supposedly, Ford corrected them before I bought mine.

ZoominC6 · 05-23-2007, 07:28 AM

Hey there STOWAWAY. Welcome to The Forums.
Who's your Airstream dealer there in Cowtown?

**moosetags** · 05-23-2007, 07:29 AM

Absolutely 3/4 ton for a 27 footer; they have the components you need for safe and enjoyable towing. In the SUV realm, the Suburban/Yukon XL 2500 and the Excursion are the only games in town. Solid 3/4 ton pick-ups are out there by GM, Ford, and Dodge. You also need to seriously consider which weight distribution/sway control system you want. One of these systems is an absolute necessity.

Remeber that an insufficient tow vehicle is the a mojor cause of a perfectly good Airdtream becoming a very expensive piece of yard art.

stowaways · 05-23-2007, 09:44 AM

Zoomin, HappyCamperRVs. Still very much in early process of purchase...but so far, so good.

cardogdave · 05-26-2007, 05:36 PM

I'm considering a 25 foot Airstream and I currently drive a 2003 Chevy Tahoe 4x4. Will this be enough or should I buy a Silverado?

cosmotini · 05-26-2007, 09:30 PM

If you are looking at the 25' Classic as listed in your profile, it's the heaviest trailer of it's size in the Airstream line.

Does the Tahoe have the tow capacity? What's its wheelbase? A Silverado properly configured would be a good choice.

TIMETOGO · 05-26-2007, 10:19 PM

I was in the same spot as you last year. With a 29 foot excella and going fulltime, finding the right tv was a month or so of looking. I went with the ford E-350 PSD. I like the van for keeping things out of the rain and snow (and safe). I went from L.I. to AZ with lots of long hills and the PSD did a good job. The MPG was around 13 or 14 and thats with 400 lbs. of tools in the van. Look into ford, I know the PSD was up for a change in 07. Better to be a little bigger then a little smaller. A 3/4 or 1 ton will do job. ask a round, this place is the best for that. Lots of folks who know the truth on what tows the best. Then go to the dealer. Good luck and see you on the road .

ibgl6 · 05-27-2007, 07:43 AM

I dont recommend a silverado in the 1/2 ton range to tow a 27ft I have that setup and I think it is a little on the weak side according to the tow cap. I should be ok but about 60 mph is all she wants without a strain I am seriously concidering a 3/4 ton as soon as I can get out of the upside down in the truck (bought truck prior to a/s ) got a good deal on a/s

altamont · 05-27-2007, 07:56 AM

I too was looking at a new adequate TV for my 27 FB and settled (very easily) on the new F250 Super Duty. The new diesel is a great motor with more than adequate power for your needs. The interior is very car like (wifey likes that) and quiet. I got a bed locker which covers the bed with a metal, weather resistant electrically retractable top. Very cool and secure. This leaves me with a huge trunk to store things. They can be expensive but with some trimming of unneeded options can be had for under $40k.

Don Cook · 05-27-2007, 10:08 AM

I have a 16 Babmbi soon to hav a 25FB and I have a 2004 Chevy 3/4 ton diesel. It doesn't even know there's a trailer behind and the peace of mind and stability is worth every penny. Not to mention the cheaper diesel and better mileage.
DC

Sean Michael · 06-04-2007, 08:15 AM

I just returned from a 2500-mile trip, towing my 25-foot Classic with an '07 F250 diesel (nicknamed Seymour ... as in SEE MORE

)....

This is my first diesel (heck, it's my first truck!) and I love it also. The diesel is a little noisier than a gas engine, but the fuel is cheaper, and most importantly the torque and power are amazing. I really think these trucks may handle better when towing; they're built for that purpose.

tphan · 06-04-2007, 09:47 AM

I'm also looking for something to pull my 27-footer, and am intending on getting a late 90's or early 2000's Suburban 2500 with the 5.7 or 6.0 liter engine, and 4.10 rear end. This is the best compromise I can come up with for gas mileage/power/stability/interior cargo room/and cost. They can be had for approx. $10k, depending on year and mileage. For some, a truck is more useful to them. But from what I've seen and read, a 1/2 ton is not really up to the job, except I guess for in really flat states. My friend with a 26' Avion got away with, for a year, towing with a GMC Suburban 1500, which had a diesel but only the 3.55 rear-end and light duty transmission. This spring, towing it from Phoenix to the Colorado mountains, the transmission gears MELTED! The 1/2 tons are just not engineered for that kind of abuse, I am now convinced. Just my 2 cents worth.

jdalrymple · 06-04-2007, 10:13 AM

We LOVE our 2003 Chevy Duramax! Great power and handles our 31' with ease. Standard Reese hitch, and away we go.

outthere · 10-07-2007, 07:53 PM

Any opinions on the strong / weak points of a F250 diesel verses a Dodge 2500 diesel? I am looking at buying a new TV to go with a 25 Safari. Not experienced in pickups let alone diesels. Are they both equally good and does it come down to looks or is there any advantages of one over the other??