new owner of excella 34', what tow vehicle should I buy?

[123f5]

My wife and I came across a deal too good to pass up and now are the proud new owners of a 1995 34' excella. My only problem is I have nothing to tow it with. I know my 02 dakota will not get the job done. I am not sure if a 3/4 ton truck will do it or if I need a one ton. Can someone recommend a good earlier model tow vehicle that will get the job done?
Thanks

[DEITZ645]

123f5,
Congratulations on your new Airstream. As for tow vehicle, any of the big three 3/4 ton diesel or large V8 / V10 will do the job nicely. I don't thing you need to go to a one ton or anytrhing with dual wheels. We tow our '87 34' Excella 1000 with an '06 GMC diesel and it pulls it just fine with plenty of horses to spare.

[moosetags]

First off, welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

You're going to want a substantial tow vehicle for a 34 footer. A 3/4 ton tow vehicle is probably a given. Many prefer a diesel for the pulling torque at lower rpm. There are a couple of gasoline engines that may fit the bill. One is the 8.1 liter GM V-8 and the other is the Ford V-10. Both were offer in 3/4 ton SUV's (Suburban 2500 and Excursion). Both are still available on the used market.

You will also need to start researching the various weight distribution/sway control hitch systems. You are going to want a quality unit for a trailer that large and heavy.

Brian

[SSChanger]

Welcome! You've already tapped into one of the very best resources on the web for all things Airstream!

This time last year I was in the same boat, almost anyway, with a 30' '94 Excella and no tow vehicle (TV). My brother in law wisely said "Dennis, your life is about to get miserable if you don't pick the right pickup." He went on to suggest a 3/4 ton Chevy with the Duramax diesel. Found a beauty on the internet for under $20K, fully-loaded. "Oh, yeah," said brother in law "get four wheel drive. You'll thank me for that one later." I have.

The Chevy gets an incredible 22 mpg around town and 14-15 mpg towing an 8500 lb. trailer. Andy R. of Inland RV will give you suggestions on an appropriate weight-distributing hitch system once you've found your TV.

Best to you--You'll love your Airstream, and this community!

[Jammer]

Not sure how far back you're looking but the 3/4 ton pickups and suburbans from Chevvy with the 7.4 liter (454) gas engine were highly regarded in their day. The 8.1 was only a slight improvement.

The 1 ton pickups generally don't have improved towing performance. In fact, sometimes it's worse reflecting the higher empty weight of the truck. They are great for large truck campers, where there is an enormous load on the rear axle, but they have the same engine and transmission as a 3/4 ton.

[87MH]

123f5:

I grew up across the river from you in Washington.

Regarding the Excursion - make sure you weigh the tongue load and weigh the excursion prior to purchase - the max rear axle load and max vehicle weight are posted on the driver's door area. I am towing a '78 Sovereign 31'er and almost have the Excusion maxed out weight-wise with only a minimum amount of gear and only 2 people in the Ex - I am sure I would bust the manufacturers limit should I try to tow a 34'er.

Many people recommend a 20% tow load safety factor for any given TV (Tow Vehicle). Actually, on most vehicles, the max GVWR is about to be exceeded if you adhere to the 20% tow weight theory. 3/4 or 1 ton - don't be afraid to loose a couple of rear spring leaves to soften the ride on the AS - in other words, don't make the ride any harsher than necessary for your particular weight requirement.

LOTS to learn about axles, floor rot, Weight Distributing Hitches, and the difference between camping and Airstreaming here in the Forums...

The "search" function will soon become your best friend.

[Bluto]

The one ton dually is a great tow vehicle. I've owned 2, a Ford and now a Chevy.
Do you need one to tow your new trailer? I doubt it, but they are nice and worth considering. Lots of people with 34's use 3/4 ton pickups as tow vehicles.

[ts8501]

I tow with no issues using an '06 3/4 Ton Chevy Silverado Duramax Diesel. I cannot recommend this engine with the Allison Tranny highly enough. I will never tow without Diesel power again. Yesterday I towed in 20-40 MPH head winds. You should have seen the non-Airstream non-Diesels.

[Mikethefixit]

Personal Opinionn Only
I think you would be perfectly happy with anything in a 3/4 ton,single wheel,Long bed Crewcab. Desiel. Should cover all the bases. I know thats alot of truck but then thats alot of trailer.
CONGRATS on your new purchase and Well To AIRFORUMS.
Roger

[Happycampers]

Hello ... You may want to check into an Airsafe Hitch... have one and love it and this is coming from the dw... Annie

[slowmover]

With a 3/4T there were occasions I ran myself up against payload (RAWR) due to heavy trailer tongue and what junk I carried in the back of my longbed Dodge diesel. I specifically chose 2WD for fuel economy (and the IFS/R&P steering). Had I to do it over again, I might have gone for 1T. If you contemplate heavy tools/supplies and a really big auxiliary fuel tank, then, yes, you want 1T as the tongue weight of a big trailer is no small consideration.

Start your reading now about hitch rigging. The very day you buy the truck take it to a certified scale and weigh it with only you on board (plus full fuel) in order to get started properly on using a set of scales for your WDH.

Good luck

.

[HiHoAgRV]

We are happy with our choice...3/4T, 2wd, diesel '06 dodge quad cab...drags the '91 34' around quite well...even with almost 1000 lbs tongue weight and a bed full-o-crap...just got home from a 4,500+ mile trip averaging around 12.5 MPG. Congrats on the purchase...now ya gotta get out and use it!

Airstream Forums - HiHoAgRV