No 3/4 ton SUVs on the market anymore?

[jcanavera]

3/4 ton van makes a good tow vehicle. Not in range of a Suburban as far as interior goodies but still can be equipped nicely. Mine is rated for 9,900 lbs with a 6 liter gas and 4.10 axle. New ones still pull up to 10,000 lbs. Use caution on van conversions though since the interior components can lower that tow rating considerably.

Jack

[perryg114]

I like vans but finding them with seats in 3/4 ton is not easy. In many ways they are better than a pickup. Even as big as my Excursion is you can't put a bike in it without laying it sideways. When I had a van, I would put a motorcycle in the back and a bike and it was covered. The only thing I can't do with a van is haul dirt or rocks etc.

Perry

[mstephens]

Originally Posted by rostam

If Airstream offers such light trailers in North American market, I bet you their sales would double. Why aren't they doing that is beyond me. Not everyone wants to buy a big truck to pull a heavy Airstream.

I think it is odd too that they don't at least try one model. They had the Eddie Baurer, they had the Italian Yacht Design, why not a 25 that is super light for V6 SUVs? I know it is doable.

This is not the thread for it, but as an aside, I'd start with aluminum cabinets and simple sliding doors, a stainless steel and aluminum galley, 20% smaller tanks, and modular furniture. I am sure they could shave 1000# easily. I'd even be willing to have it on a 7-1/2 foot or 8-foot body. Oh well, we can dream.

[mstephens]

We tried several vans for comfort. I really can't tolerate them at all. The engine box forces the most unnatural position of the legs. I have lots of leg/knee problems and the vans were just non-starters for me comfort-wise. Ingress/egress was likewise awkward to me. By far my least favorite thing to sit in.

[xrvr]

Ford caved to the environmentalists and discontinued the Excursion. The environs attacked Ford because of the poor mpg of the Exc, jim

[Jammer]

There are a number of 25' Airstreams that are towable behind, say, an Armada.

[John&Vicki]

Originally Posted by mstephens

I think it is odd too that they don't at least try one model. They had the Eddie Baurer, they had the Italian Yacht Design, why not a 25 that is super light for V6 SUVs? I know it is doable.

This is not the thread for it, but as an aside, I'd start with aluminum cabinets and simple sliding doors, a stainless steel and aluminum galley, 20% smaller tanks, and modular furniture. I am sure they could shave 1000# easily. I'd even be willing to have it on a 7-1/2 foot or 8-foot body. Oh well, we can dream.

Older Airstreams fit the bill. My '90 25 footer weights 5,000# dry for example. I'm curious why? Is the construction less robust on the older trailers? Do the new ones have more goodies? Seems like if they could do it then that they could do it now.

Poppy

Edit: Found this thread- http://www.airforums.com/forums/f238...re-107651.html

[perryg114]

New trailers are heavier because they are putting solid wood and maybe even worse, particle board and heavy counter tops in them and a lot of stuff they don't need. They have huge holding tanks. From what I can tell the newer trailers have less structure and more weight. They don't use as many rivets and they got rid of the front hold down plate.

Perry

[jspafford]

Don't forget the vans. Here's a 2500 Chevy Express in silver metallic - a fitting companion for your fine AS. I used the "build" program on the Chevy site.
Sorry for the very long link - just click anywhere!
Build Your Own Van: 2014 Chevy Express Van | Chevrolet

[m.hony]

The Chevy Express/GMC Savana are coming to the end of the road, too.
I don't know how long they will be in production.

[andreasduess]

Originally Posted by rostam

I agree with your point 100%. Airstream used to make light trailers in the 70's and 80's (especially the Argosy line -- 1979 30 ft Argosy has ~ 4200# dry weight and ~ 400# dry hitch weight).

I guess heaven is in Europe, where you CAN tow a 25 ft Airstream with a GMC Terrain.

Specifications - Airstream & Company

A Euro spec'ed 25 ft Airstream gross weight is 4600# with a max tongue weight of 330# (by the way, the interior looks much nicer that Airstreams offered in US).

If Airstream offers such light trailers in North American market, I bet you their sales would double. Why aren't they doing that is beyond me. Not everyone wants to buy a big truck to pull a heavy Airstream.

Absolutely. Weight was one of the main reasons, apart from cost, that we bought a 1980's model. I didn't want to have to deal with the frame separation issues of the 70's models or the weight of the newer trailers, the 80's were perfect for us.

I too love the European interiors. Airstreams are nicer than almost any other trailer on the market, but the Euro models are nicer still.

[mstephens]

Originally Posted by perryg114

New trailers are heavier because they are putting solid wood and maybe even worse, particle board and heavy counter tops in them and a lot of stuff they don't need. They have huge holding tanks. From what I can tell the newer trailers have less structure and more weight. They don't use as many rivets and they got rid of the front hold down plate.

Perry

I agree. I think the structure is too house-like, and not enough trailer-like. A couple weeks ago we attended the antique trailer show in Palm Springs. The old trailers were built lighter, and yet didn't seem at all uncomfortable or lacking. Lots of lightweight mahogany skins, lighter stuff everywhere. I bet foot for foot they were 20% lighter. My dining table weighs a ton, and it's simply too big. One can hardly squeeze into the bankette the table is so huge.

I'm not suggested they make every model super light. But in the 25 which is the most popular size, one lightweight model would be a nice alternative.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by m.hony

The Chevy Express/GMC Savana are coming to the end of the road, too.
I don't know how long they will be in production.

For the foreseeable future. Perhaps 2020 or beyond.

[jcanavera]

They will be here for some time to come. Lots of orders from the business community. Both the Chevy and GMC vans are built exclusively on the same line at the Wentzville plant just west of St. Louis. I went for a tour and was impressed. One of the things they told us on the tour was that was orders get priority. 2 week turn around. I ordered mine from a local dealership built to my spec. True to their word, 2 weeks later it showed up at my dealer. Much easier than trying to find one sitting on a lot. 3/4 ton is about $1,000 more than half ton.

Jack

[m.hony]

Good news.
It was an Enterprise salesman who told us they were going away.
I guess he wants us to lease Sprinters from him...

[jcanavera]

The local news media reports Everything going on in that plant and nothing has been aired regarding any type of slow downs or layoffs. There hasn't been any closing to adjust for inventory. Plant was 2 shifts when it opened but is one shift today. I think they have been on a single shift for at least 11 to 12 years now.

It could be that Enterprise might be phasing them out or maybe getting a better discount on Sprinters. I'll check a few resources and see if I can see if there is anything to substantiate what you heard.

Jack

[jcanavera]

Here's an article from the Wall Street Journal. Apparently the E series vans end for Ford this year. Apparently Dodge vans are gone. For the time being, according to the story GM will be staying with them. http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...YdCiDOO_VaVrhA

Jack

[Colin H]

Originally Posted by mstephens

I agree. I think the structure is too house-like, and not enough trailer-like. A couple weeks ago we attended the antique trailer show in Palm Springs. The old trailers were built lighter, and yet didn't seem at all uncomfortable or lacking. Lots of lightweight mahogany skins, lighter stuff everywhere. I bet foot for foot they were 20% lighter. My dining table weighs a ton, and it's simply too big. One can hardly squeeze into the bankette the table is so huge.

I'm not suggested they make every model super light. But in the 25 which is the most popular size, one lightweight model would be a nice alternative.

Go Vintage! My 59 Ambassador International is 28' long with a dry weight of 3800 lbs. During full restorations we typically add about 300-400 lbs to this era of trailer, when we add all the "bells & whistles" ……………..& more, to bring into the 21st century living/camping standards. Keep in mind that every sucessive decade of Airstream production has become heavier. Light weight could be done by the manufacturers, its just much easier to add weight.
Colin

PS My 57 30' Sovereign of the Road dry weight was only 3880 lbs, however it is still under restoration

[mstephens]

Originally Posted by Colin H

Go Vintage! My 59 Ambassador International is 28' long with a dry weight of 3800 lbs. During full restorations we typically add about 300-400 lbs to this era of trailer, when we add all the "bells & whistles" ……………..& more, to bring into the 21st century living/camping standards. Keep in mind that every sucessive decade of Airstream production has become heavier. Light weight could be done by the manufacturers, its just much easier to add weight.
Colin

PS My 57 30' Sovereign of the Road dry weight was only 3880 lbs, however it is still under restoration

3880# is amazing. We didn't consider vintage when we bought our trailer a few years ago because we could not do the work. But, in the future I would consider getting a vintage trailer built by one of the masters who do this work. It's a very attractive option.

[perryg114]

Nissan is making a 3/4 ton dorky looking van thing now. I think they are kinda fugly. I have never seen one without the roof extension close up.

NV Passenger Specifications & Dimensions | Nissan Commercial Vehicles

Perry