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Old 03-09-2016, 05:02 AM   #21
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Originally Posted by andreasduess View Post
The 34' models have the lowest tongue weight of all Airstreams, hovering just around 10%.

By design.

Airstreams aren't "a challenge" to tow. A one ton truck isn't necessary for any of them (save for those who want to carry 3k worth of gear).

A big car, a minivan, SUV, or a half ton will work.
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Old 03-09-2016, 05:33 AM   #22
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Referring to a three quarter ton vs a half ton. If the drivetrain is the same there is no advantage in towing. Only the payload will be greater. The same engine in a heavier truck?
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Old 03-09-2016, 12:02 PM   #23
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More payload is the advantage.


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Old 03-09-2016, 08:54 PM   #24
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Expedition as tow vehicle?

Quote:
Originally Posted by slowmover View Post
By design.

Airstreams aren't "a challenge" to tow. A one ton truck isn't necessary for any of them (save for those who want to carry 3k worth of gear).

A big car, a minivan, SUV, or a half ton will work.

It depends upon the individuals idea of adventure.For instance we have a 28ft International with a tongue weight of approx 1100lbs.We enjoy Atv adventures such as Moab,Jackson Hole,Taylor Park Co and many more.So we have a Can Am Outlander 2 up Atv that fits only in a 8ft pickup box sorry minivans,Tundras And F150's won't work.
Loaded with gear and fuel it weighs approx 800lbs.The 11 ft aluminum ramps to load it weigh 80 lbs.Add two 6 gal. fuel tanks 38lbs,gold sluice and equipment 30 lbs.Fishing equipment30lbs toolbox,two Honda 2000 generators 90lbs,Volcano grill 30lbs,Bag of charcoal 20lbs.
This year we will be adding a Bed mounted Stainless steel Kayak rack 65 lbs to carry our new 12ft Hobie Kayaks 160 lbs.This total 2443lbs
This does not take into account the driver,passengers or gear put in the truck.
When you hear a one ton truck is not ever needed or is a dumb idea or a big truck fetish keep this in mind.Not everyone's idea of adventure is the same.Some roast marsh mellows in a RV park and call it a adventure and that's all good.But others follow a path less traveled and are not like you,we are all different and tow vehicles are made for different applications thankfully.
I could have bought a 3/4 ton but for $600 dollars more and the same ride it would have foolish for me.




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Old 03-09-2016, 09:05 PM   #25
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Minivans/Sedans only work if you travel infrequently, locally (say max 2-3 hours away from home), in a relatively flat area, where it that does not get too hot in the summer. Even then, they are temporary solutions (and IMO not safe). These restrictions are too much for most people, hence people use properly rated TVs.

Where I live, a minivan cannot go up some local roads pulling a 8000# load. It will even struggle with a 3500# load its rated for. Its wishful thinking to assume tow ratings are meaningless.
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Old 03-09-2016, 09:45 PM   #26
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Tow ratings are a starting point. Trailer selection, loading, and hitch setup will determine success. Study and learn the complete picture. Big cars, minivans, SUVs and 1/2 tons work well for many, many Airstreamers when set up properly.

As stated above, if you need heavy gear for an adventure you need a heavy truck. If your adventure is backpacking you don't.
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Old 03-09-2016, 10:43 PM   #27
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Expedition as tow vehicle?

We have a 2003 Expedition Eddie Bauer, 5.4L with tow package, and a 1996 Airstream Excella 25'.

According to the attachment I found on line, the hitch weight is 730 lbs and the GVWR is 7300 lbs.

We seem to have adequate power, even on hills, but the hitch weight for the trailer initially caused an approximate 6" drop in tailgate height. I replaced the rear spring/strut assembly with a Rancho XL heavy duty replacement and the drop reduced to about 3 1/2".

My assessment is that the Expedition is adequate, but a bit more power would be preferable.
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Old 03-10-2016, 06:48 AM   #28
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Tow ratings are a starting point. Trailer selection, loading, and hitch setup will determine success. Study and learn the complete picture. Big cars, minivans, SUVs and 1/2 tons work well for many, many Airstreamers when set up properly.

As stated above, if you need heavy gear for an adventure you need a heavy truck. If your adventure is backpacking you don't.
Please help me understand how "trailer selection, loading, and hitch setup" will enable a minivan to tow a 34 ft 10,000# trailer up a grade.
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Old 03-10-2016, 03:36 PM   #29
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Same way we used cars to pull 8k trailers fifty years ago. Cars less capable than the selections of today.

Plenty of reading. Start with Andrew Thomsons posts. And ignore those who've no relevant experience.
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Old 03-10-2016, 04:26 PM   #30
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Well your basic minivan is designed to tote 7 or 8 people and luggage so pretty good payload. Independent suspension, power antilock disk brakes all around, traction control, much better tire technology, low slung center of mass.

Much better than any Detroit iron of the 20th Century. Doesn't fit my needs but I would be comfortable towing with one if the hitch was reinforced and the hitch set up properly.

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Old 03-10-2016, 06:12 PM   #31
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Hitch reinforced or not, a minivan does not have the torque to tow a 10,000# widebody 34'er up a grade, and it certainly does not have the brakes to safely bring it down grade.
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Old 03-10-2016, 06:32 PM   #32
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Well an Expedition does and that's the topic of this thread.
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Old 03-11-2016, 06:14 AM   #33
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Well an Expedition does and that's the topic of this thread.
It will on flatland and at sea level , and at 55 mph, so it will work?
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Old 03-14-2016, 06:13 PM   #34
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Hitch reinforced or not, a minivan does not have the torque to tow a 10,000# widebody 34'er up a grade, and it certainly does not have the brakes to safely bring it down grade.

You've the experience to back this? Or refute those who have?

And the trailer stops the trailer, not the tow vehicle. A fact you conveniently ignore. Why believe what else you've written, then?
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Old 03-14-2016, 06:54 PM   #35
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You've the experience to back this? Or refute those who have?

And the trailer stops the trailer, not the tow vehicle. A fact you conveniently ignore. Why believe what else you've written, then?
Yes, I can give you an example. While the interstates in PA are fine, the local/state roads are very challenging. When I get off the interstate, I have to stop at the end of a long ramp (full stop, as there is a stop sign), and then make a right to merge onto a local road. The local road has a VERY steep incline (8% grade?). I need to pull a 5500# trailer up a very steep road from a standstill. My TV is a light duty diesel and produces 400 ft-lb of torque at very low RPM. I can't see a minivan with half that torque towing a 10,000# trailer up that road. NO WAY.

I hear this often, that the trailer stops the trailer. If so, the 60-0 stopping distance of the combo should match the stopping distance of the TV solo. If you know of such a vehicle, please share that information (I don't).
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Old 03-16-2016, 06:38 PM   #36
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If the rig is set up correctly it will stop faster than the TV solo. Especially, a pickup. Not news. What was done forty and more years ago.

Trailer antilock disc brakes for those who take braking concerns seriously.
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