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10-18-2009, 08:51 PM
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#1
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2 Rivet Member
Ashland
, Kentucky
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 33
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Jeep Cherokee and 27-31 foot Airstreams
Can a Jeep Cherokee (4.0 liter, inline 6) be used to move one of the longer Airstreams (27 to 31 ft models) IF driven SLOWLY? If so, what would be the maximum speed?
I am not asking about using a Cherokee as a regular tow vehicle for a longer Airstream, but using a Cherokee just to move an Airstream to a relatively permanent location?
Thanks in advance for the help!
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10-18-2009, 09:30 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
Corona
, California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
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Quote:
Originally Posted by transy416
Can a Jeep Cherokee (4.0 liter, inline 6) be used to move one of the longer Airstreams (27 to 31 ft models) IF driven SLOWLY? If so, what would be the maximum speed?
I am not asking about using a Cherokee as a regular tow vehicle for a longer Airstream, but using a Cherokee just to move an Airstream to a relatively permanent location?
Thanks in advance for the help!
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Sure you can do that, but you must use a load equalizing hitch and stay below about 30 MPH.
The trailer must be properly wired to the tow vehicle, so that the lights and "BRAKES" function.
The wheel base is way to short to tow that size trailer, without considerable risks, no matter what you do.
BE SAFE. DON'T GO SLOW, GO REAL SLOW!!!!!!!
Andy 8k
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10-18-2009, 09:35 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
1965 17' Caravel
1983 27' Excella
Walnut Grove/Laguna Woods
, California
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,635
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In
The wheel base is way to short to tow that size trailer, without considerable risks, no matter what you do.
BE SAFE. DON'T GO SLOW, GO REAL SLOW!!!!!!!
Andy 8k
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Is there a chart somewhere that shows proper TV wheelbase vs trailer length?
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10-19-2009, 01:21 AM
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#4
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Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
Corona
, California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
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wheel base
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Foster
Is there a chart somewhere that shows proper TV wheelbase vs trailer length?
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Not that I know of.
But you never want the "tail to wag the dog", and that is exactly what transy416 wats to do, or at least had thoughts of doing.
Short wheel base tow vehicles and long Airstream's are a no no, for safe towing.
Andy
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10-19-2009, 04:54 AM
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#5
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Silver Mist
Currently Looking...
Riverhead
, New York
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,011
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I wouldn't do it with a 31
__________________
Bob
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10-19-2009, 05:14 AM
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#6
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2 Rivet Member
Ashland
, Kentucky
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 33
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In case it makes any difference, I am asking about older Airstreams--1970's models.
Would the 30 MPH limit apply to any trailer in the 27+ length? That is, including trailers that are not Airstreams?
What about the Hensley Arrow hitch, or something similar? Would that make any difference?
Thanks for all your help!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In
Sure you can do that, but you must use a load equalizing hitch and stay below about 30 MPH.
The trailer must be properly wired to the tow vehicle, so that the lights and "BRAKES" function.
The wheel base is way to short to tow that size trailer, without considerable risks, no matter what you do.
BE SAFE. DON'T GO SLOW, GO REAL SLOW!!!!!!!
Andy 8k
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10-19-2009, 05:26 AM
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#7
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Silver Mist
Currently Looking...
Riverhead
, New York
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,011
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yes any trailer that size, a Hensley is $3,000.
Hire a flat bed
__________________
Bob
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10-19-2009, 06:31 AM
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#8
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1 Rivet Short
1989 25' Excella
By The Bay
, Rhode Island
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,620
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This is the article that has been around for years. Bottom line; longer wheelbase is better. rv.org has the same info (but they charge you for it.)
David's RV Tips: How long?
You didn't say how far you were going, and if it is a one time tow...I would not invest $$$ in a Hensley to tow once.
Buy a buddy with a full size truck a rack of brews and have him/her tow it...
Bill
__________________
*Life is Good-Camping all around the Continent*
*Good people drink good beer-Hunter S Thompson*
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10-19-2009, 06:54 AM
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#9
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Rivet Master
Vintage Kin Owner
Vintage Kin Owner
Vintage Kin Owner
Currently Looking...
Greeeneville
, Tennessee
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,301
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I used to regularly tow a '69, 25 footer with a full size Ford Bronco. It was at the end of it's capacity even with the Reese, Dual Cam equalizing hitch. I towed my uncle's 28 ft square white box as a favor one day. I was reduced to under 30 MPH. That was not a safe combination.
__________________
Kevin with Baity the Lab/Pointer //------AIR # 7303------\\ WBCCI 17109 visit my restoration blog at:
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10-19-2009, 08:07 AM
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#10
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Rivet Master
Elkhart
, Indiana
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 633
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We have done it with an XJ.... WITH A BRAKE CONTROLER!!! AND THE REESE DUAL CAM hitch....BUT.... We were in a FLAT campground... running over to the dump station... NOT ON THE HIGHWAY.
this was a stable enough platform for running flat and slow... We never took it out of the park with the jeep (but I feel we could have if we went slowly and carefully, "Slowly" being the key) Don't find out what "too fast" is!
__________________
Mike
Have a great day!
TAC # IN 1 Air#27922
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10-19-2009, 08:15 AM
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#11
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Rivet Master
1977 27' Overlander
Trotwood
, Ohio
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,153
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Just my opinion. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES use that jeep to pull a 31 ft trailer of any brand with any hitch. THAT is if ya wanna get there without killin someone or yourself or destroying the trailer. The jeep is to HIGH in Ground clearance and to short in Wheelbase.
Look around , id bet you have a friend wiff a 4 wheel drive Chev or Ford thats already got a receiver from the factory and a lite plug wire the right way and may even have a brake controller already.
Please dont take a chance on destroying that trailer. Its not worth it
__________________
Roger & MaryLou
___________________
F350 CREWCAB SW LONG BED
7.3 liter Power Stroke Diesel
1977 27ft OVERLANDER
KA8LMQ
AIR # 22336 TAC- OH-7
May your roads be straight and smooth and may you always have a tailwind!
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10-19-2009, 10:34 AM
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#12
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Moderator
Vintage Kin Owner
...
, ...
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 11,696
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Sure you can...
But you will not be safe IMHO.
There is no way I would consider this combination safe even with a HA HA, or Propride.
Two issues concern me:
- TV Wheelbase - Too short - Longer is better
- TV Drive Train - Not enough mule (2air-ism)
You may be sucessful but it is very risky, and after seeing what my friends recently went through I am looking in to a better hitch and TV combinations.
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f161...ngs-56634.html
Regards,
Kevin
__________________
"One of the best lessons I've learned is that you don't worry about criticism from people you wouldn't seek advice from."
William C. Swinney
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10-19-2009, 10:56 AM
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#13
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Always Airstreaming!
2005 22' Safari
1960 24' Tradewind
Anytown
, Connecticut
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,115
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Quote:
Originally Posted by transy416
Can a Jeep Cherokee (4.0 liter, inline 6) be used to move one of the longer Airstreams (27 to 31 ft models) IF driven SLOWLY? If so, what would be the maximum speed?
I am not asking about using a Cherokee as a regular tow vehicle for a longer Airstream, but using a Cherokee just to move an Airstream to a relatively permanent location?
Thanks in advance for the help!
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The real answer is.........
NO, it can not be done.
__________________
J. Rick Cipot
Sandi Gould
NEU New England Unit
Airstream Life Magazine
Proud Member of WBCCI
WBCCI #3411
AIR #17099
2009 Silverado 2500HD
2004 22' Safari
1960 24' Tradewind
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10-19-2009, 11:08 AM
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#14
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Moderator
2015 25' FB Flying Cloud
2012 23' FB Flying Cloud
2005 25' Safari
Santa Rosa Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,159
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First off, welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.
The answer to your question is NOT REALLY. If you go out on the highway with a unit like that, you will be asking for trouble. You would be just as good towing a 31' Airstream with a lawn tractor.
I think that Andy is being generous with his max speed estimate. I wouldn't go over 15 mph with that rig.
If, by a short distance, you mean 150 feet, it might be OK. Otherwise. you need to find a friend with at least a half ton truck to help you move it.
In addition to the safety considerations, you are risking substantial damage to the transmission of the Cherokee.
Brian
__________________
SuEllyn & Brian McCabe
WBCCI #3628 -- AIR #14872 -- TAC #FL-7
2015 FC 25' FB (Lucy) with ProPride
2020 Silverado 2500 (Vivian)
2023 Rivian R1T (Opal)
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10-19-2009, 06:30 PM
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#15
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2 Rivet Member
Ashland
, Kentucky
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 33
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I'd like to thank everyone for their feedback and for being so honest.
Given that this Airstream would be kept almost permanently at a campground, I hate to invest in a TV that gets terrible mpg. With the use of a hitch like the Hensley Arrow, what would be the smallest (and most fuel efficient) TV that could safely move a 31 foot Airstream at say 55mph speeds from time to time? Would a F150 be too small? Any SUVs recommended?
Thanks again for all the feedback!
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10-19-2009, 07:38 PM
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#16
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3 Rivet Member
1971 25' Caravanner
scappoose
, Oregon
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 206
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Call Andy, at CanAm RV, London, Ontario, Canada. If anyone can help you, he is the one.
What ever you/him come up with, be carefull out there. The cumulative advice you have received, on this thread, is worth a lot.
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10-26-2009, 09:08 AM
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#17
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2 Rivet Member
Valrico
, Florida
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 38
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A few years ago my wife drove a then new 04' Grand Cherokee Limited with the factory Trailer Tow Pkg. The Jeep was uncomfortable towing our 21' Bowrider on a tandem trailer w/disc brakes. The boat outweighed the Jeep and that really upset the stability. Personally, I would not recommend the Grand for that large of a trailer.
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