Can a 2013 Tundra tow a 34' Airstream Classic Limited? (specs for TV and AS included)

[slowmover]

That truck will easily tow that trailer.

One needs to be mindful of truck limits (don't exceed axle or tire ratings) and as with any vehicle combination one needs to set the hitch rigging carefully (weight scale number values). Plenty of threads on the last bit (read through older thread with "Cat Scale" in thread title beginning to end). Pubished figures are estimates compared to real values obtained by weighing. A good hitch set up is dialling it in down to the last bit.

A weight-distribution hitch with integrated antisway (Pro Pride or Hensley the top, Reese Dual Cam a step down, but decent enough), trailer brakes that have been gone through, and probably new tires plus inspection of TT axles for aging, are all part of setting up an older TT.

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[No. 13]

Hi Jeremy,

I have a 2008 Tundra...which is pretty much the same as a 2013...and I feel 25 feet is about the limit for me.

Gene

[TinShack]

Originally Posted by andreasduess

This isn't about making a leap of faith. I've run the numbers on my setup, a Honda Odyssey Touring towing a 1984 34' International - axle weight, total payload, hitch weight, the lot and nothing came even close to being a problem.

I am curious, Andy. What are the numbers on your setup?

[andreasduess]

Originally Posted by CA Streamer

I am curious, Andy. What are the numbers on your setup?

The 1984 34' International weighs in at 6200lbs (empty), about 7000lbs ready for travel. The tongue weight comes in at approx 700lbs when fully loaded, 625lbs empty. We don't carry heavy stuff like generators, extra gas, firewood, extra water or huge bbqs.

The total payload for the Odyssey is 1380lbs, distributed fairly evenly over both axles.

So even with a fully loaded trailer, I still have approx. 700lbs in payload left. To put this into perspective, the Toyota Tundra, heavily pushed as a TV by Toyota with a tow rating just under 10,000lbs, has less payload (crew cab) than the Odyssey.

The Odyssey is fitted with a custom strengthened hitch and a transmission cooler. I use a Hensley hitch.

[TinShack]

Thanks. What is the GVWR and the GCVWR of the Odyssey?

[TG Twinkie]

I agree with Gene. I pull a 26' Argosy with my '08 Tundra Double Cab, 2 wheel drive.
There is no way I would tow a larger trailer. While the truck has plenty of power, far exceeding the '98 Dodge 3/4 ton it replaced. It's also far superior in the handling arena.
If I had a coach that is 30' or longer. The minimum for me would be 3/4 ton and perhaps a 1 ton. Depending on the specs. The longest wheel base available.
The heavier and longer the TV, the better the stability in my opinion. Although it can be a challenge in the Wal-Mart parking lot.
It's not the pulling capacity that concerns me. It's the ability to make the trailer go where you want it to and stop it in a hurry when necessary.
If an 8,000+# trailer gets into an argument with a 5,500# truck. Which one will win? The heavier one every time.
It's too bad Toyota doesn't make a 3/4 ton truck. What a truck it would be.

[dkottum]

Originally Posted by CA Streamer

Thanks. What is the GVWR and the GCVWR of the Odyssey?

This thread is about Tundra/34" Airstream. Skewer the Odyssey on another thread.

doug k

[TinShack]

Originally Posted by dkottum

This thread is about Tundra/34" Airstream. Skewer the Odyssey on another thread.

doug k

Who said anything about skewering the Odyssey? I just want to know what the weight ratings are. Your accusations are uncalled for.

[Safari-Rick]

I don't know what all of your concerns are about...........Didn't it tow the space shuttle?

[andreasduess]

Originally Posted by CA Streamer

Thanks. What is the GVWR and the GCVWR of the Odyssey?

In the interest of not derailing this thread, may I please direct you here: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f463/gcwr-108704.html

That thread looks in detail at the relevance, such as it is, of GVWR.

[andreasduess]

Btw, whether you can tow a trailer or not is rarely a question of trailer length. With a Hensley Hitch, or similar, length becomes pretty much irrelevant.

The question is trailer weight. A 34' from the 80's weighs in at less than a modern 25'.

[LFC]

You work for them ?

[TG Twinkie]

What do you think would happen if you tried to come off of a mountain pass in Colorado towing the space shuttle?
Just because you have the capacity to tow it. But! Can any TV handle the trailer behind it? That's the question.

[RickDavis]

Just a personal opinion, but if a hitch like a Hensley is required to tow safely the tow vehicle is too small.
Admittedly my experience with a Hensley is limited to about 2000 miles when I delivered a 26 foot Overlander to Ca. It towed fine, after going through the setup procedure, but then that size trailer would tow fine with WD and no sway control.
The hassle of hooking up and the non adjustable bar alone would turn me of from these.
I have taken several 34's across the US using a Reese Dual Cam and they towed fine. Not sure of the year but they were obviously very heavy, but then they had all the owners belongings in them.
It should be kept in mind that all new larger trailers are delivered to dealers with only weight distributing hitches, no sway control devices and there are very few accidents. Not recommending anyone do away with there sway control but I think it is highly oversold. I had the "got to have it" mindset until I started delivering trailers commercially.
If I already owned the Tundra and it was borderline I would probably try it. If I was buying a new vehicle I would opt for something where I would not be near maximum capacity.


Even assuming the towing can be done safely I would have major concerns about braking ability and fading on long downgrades.

I'll put on my fire proof suit now

[ROBERT CROSS]

Please do not offend the tru believers.

Some folks can do no rong, I just wish I was one.

If it works for you...great.

Peace on 'ya.

Bob

[dkottum]

Originally Posted by RickDavis

Just a personal opinion, but if a hitch like a Hensley is required to tow safely the tow vehicle is too small. . . .

I'll put on my fire proof suit now

No need for the suit.

We bought the Hensley/ProPride style hitch because they eliminate the possibility of trailer sway causing a loss of control. That's safe towing for the o.p.'s Tundra, or anyone else.

I personally know only one fellow who wrecked his 28' Airstream from loss of control due to sway, and he had an F250 and Reese system. The Hensley style hitch would have prevented it.

These modern hitches, independent suspensions, electronic sway controls, better tires, disc brakes on truck and trailer all make the idea of bigger truck as the answer to safe towing a highly questionable theory. The resistance to these innovations is baffling.

doug k

[m.hony]

I have towed many miles and many places with my Tundra. See my avatar and my signature. Anyone who doubts the capability or safety of my rig is welcome to drive it and see for themselves that everything is ok.
I know a guy that pulls a 32' triple axle gooseneck utility trailer with a Tundra. GVW on that trailer is at least 21,000#.

[Road Ruler]

Originally Posted by dkottum

I personally know only one fellow who wrecked his 28' Airstream from loss of control due to sway, and he had an F250 and Reese system. The Hensley style hitch would have prevented it.

These modern hitches, independent suspensions, electronic sway controls, better tires, disc brakes on truck and trailer all make the idea of bigger truck as the answer to safe towing a highly questionable theory. The resistance to these innovations is baffling.

doug k

Here Here X2

[LFC]

Only person that would knock the Tundra is someone who's never owned one.

5.7 liter = 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque

[Andrew T]

Just a note here folks on braking. In the old days 1/2 tons had smaller brakes due to the smaller wheels but on todays 1/2 tons the brakes are much larger. The brakes on a Tundra are virtually the same size and capability as the brakes on a 3/4 ton. In a panic stop it will stop in less distance due to less weight to stop and much stickier tires, towing or solo.

The 5.7 Litre has an abundance of engine brakeing if you shift down going down hills. Braking with it is not an issue compared with a 3/4 ton. Handling is also better than any 4x4 3/4 ton with a straight front axle and comparable to the 3/4's with independent front suspension.

If you can't tow an Airstream with 400 horsepower hard to understand how they sold all those 34's in 1991 when the most power vehicle you could by had 250 HP but most towed with 210.

Andrew T