Need opinions on tow vehicle

[Jaxon]

Originally Posted by wingfoot321

Brian,
Would I buy the same rig again. No!!!!!!! I would opt for the gm 8.1, duramax, or ford v-10.

We used to have a 2002 F250 V-10 (crew, short bed) for towing our "Little stream" - 22' International. Towed real well and gave us maybe 7 to 8MPG (nice truck, too!). When we got the "Bigstream", 30' Classic, we definitly knew the Classic was behind us, so we went with a F250 Diesel 6.0 crew, short bed. Mileage now (with around 12.5K miles), is 13.5 MPG towing. As engine breaks in, we expect that to rise... how much, is a wish and speculation. Absolutely love this truck, too!

[Minnie's Mate]

FWIW, I think a 25' Safari is probably the borderline for the 1/2 ton vs. 3/4 ton need. I have a 30' Safari and feel that a 1/2 ton would have been too light of duty of truck for it. You'll be happy with the 3.73 rear gears and the 8.1L engine. Congratulations on the new tow!

[RIstream'n]

Thanks Tom. Once I get the AS I'll post pics of both

[steelbird312]

Originally Posted by steelbird312

Rstreamn,
Listen, the Avalanche will do fine, we went several thousand miles with a couple this year pulling a 34 foot w/slide-they had absolutely no problems.
Now, a question for you. The big block is sweet, no doubt, and the trans is too, however, a 27 foot behind a big block with a 4.10 rear? My gosh, your fuel mileage will be close to 6-7 MPG!
Do you need the Avalanche w/ the big block, no, but it is nice and what you want. Anything above the first mentioned 350 gasser is 'icing on the cake'

Congrats on your new TV, and since it has the 3.73 gears, what more could you ask?
What wingfoot said about the rough suspension- I have an Airsafe itch, on which I changed the convoluted air bag to a rolling sleeve airbag-man, I love it and it makes things so smooth. There is a tread going right now on that hitch. Enjoy your driving!

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by Minnie's Mate

FWIW, I think a 25' Safari is probably the borderline for the 1/2 ton vs. 3/4 ton need. I have a 30' Safari and feel that a 1/2 ton would have been too light of duty of truck for it. You'll be happy with the 3.73 rear gears and the 8.1L engine. Congratulations on the new tow!

Think that TV will work just fine!!

That 27'er will follow you anywhere.

Now lets get Stream'n!!!!

[RIstream'n]

I agree Let's get stream'n!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[CanoeStream]

Originally Posted by wingfoot321

Actually, I don't think the 3.73 will be an issue.

You've got the torque of my Duramax and my truck only has a 3.73. The 4.10 is more necessary for the midsize 8-cylinders. Actually, the mileage wouldn't have been so much worse with a 4.10. Congrats!

Get thee to a rally and show those babies off!

[RIstream'n]

Bob, We'll show these babies off as soon as we can!! All we need now is the AS. We'll get some pics up for all of you asap

[SilverToy]

Remember, NO! TV looks as good, as it does with an AirStream on the back!!!!

Post those photos when you get 'em.

CONGRATS on the TV and the AirStream!!!

Does life get any better???

Enjoy.

Axel
SilverToy

[KeithC]

Well, your question leads to the Chev. Vs. Ford never ending debate.

Rather than promote one brand over another let me give you my real life operating results.

I have a 2006 Ford, F-250, extended cab, long bed, tow package, 6.0 diesel turbo. I tow a 1968 24' Airstream Tradewind, duel axel, TT.

I travel travel all terrains, from mountians and coastal flatlands, without any power issue complaints.

I get 18 mpg without towing.

I get 15.6 mpg towing my TT.

I have a Ford F-150, V8, that I tried to tow the same 24' TT with. I got 10 mpg, I had no reserve power, and it sucked at going up Interstate grades. I droped to 52 mph in the mountians floorboarded.

That is why I bought a Ford 3/4 ton turbo Diesel.

[SilverToy]

Keith -

I agree with your choice in the 'up-grade' TV stuggle we all contend with - but not for the motor (gas or oil).

The real "KEY" that you got when you went to the 3/4 ton, was the suspension and the attendant BRAKES that you with that heavier chassis. The motor (gas or oil) just comes with that package. The motor is good to have no doubt, but the suspension and brakes are CRITICAL!!!!

Can't be over stated enough. Buy your TV according to the suspension & brakes that you need for you trailer NOW (remember the 80/20 rule), and then make allowances for any possible upgrades using the brakes and suspension as the guide - the motor choice that will present itself will fill any bill for tow needs once the br/susp. issue is handled.

Hope this helps someone out there!

Axel
SilverToy

[RIstream'n]

CONGRATS on the TV and the AirStream!!!

Does life get any better???

Enjoy.

Axel

Can't get any better than this!!!