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Old 08-18-2011, 09:05 PM   #1
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Pulling an Airstream

Have a 1988 chev silverado half ton truck what size of airstream can I pull safely Thanks Hugj
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Old 08-18-2011, 09:15 PM   #2
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Pulling an Airstream

Greetings Hugj!

Welcome to the Forums!

Quote:
Originally Posted by huco View Post
Have a 1988 chev silverado half ton truck what size of airstream can I pull safely Thanks Hugj
The half-ton pickups of the late 1980s do not enjoy the trailer tow limits of the current half-tons. Depending upon motor, transmission, rear differential, and the presence of particular towing options your truck could have anything from a 2,400 pound to a 6,500 pound rating. I know that the maximum with full trailer towing options on my '95 half-ton Silverado was 6,000 pounds.

My guess, if you are considering a Vintage pre-1980 coach, is that you would be happiest with towing performance when matched with a coach no larger than the Overlander . . . and the TradeWind may be a better match. More can be told with better data on how your truck is equipped mechanically.

Good luck with your investigation.

Kevin
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Old 08-18-2011, 09:30 PM   #3
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Thanks Kevin it is a 350 motor with auto trans
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Old 08-18-2011, 09:35 PM   #4
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Things to consider.
1. Trucks back then were tough
2. Trucks back then were tough
3. Trucks back then also broke down a lot.

I meet a guy today pulling a 1995 28' as with a 1974 ford truck. I'm pretty sure it was a 3/4 ton and it had a 460 in it and he changed the rear end. He said he had no problems towing. Plus it was fixed up and loomed pretty cool. But you will need to look at what yours has.
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Old 08-18-2011, 09:46 PM   #5
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Pulling an Airstream

Greetings huco!

Quote:
Originally Posted by huco View Post
Thanks Kevin it is a 350 motor with auto trans
The third piece of the puzzle is the rear differential. I don't have my fact books from 1988 close at hand, but as an approximation from memory:
  • 2.73 Differential . . . 2,400 pound trailer tow
  • 3.08 Differential . . . 4,000 pound trailer tow
  • 3.73 Differential . . . 6,000 pound trailer tow
Good luck with your investigation!

Kevin

P.S.: I have included a pdf file that Airstream offered on their site for many years that has the empty/dry weights of vintage coaches. The thing to remember is that the dry weight does not include options, accessories, fluids (water, LP gas, waste tank contents), or personal possessions. To get an approximation of loaded weight I would suggest adding 1,200 to the dry weight . . . I tend to be a pack rat so normally carry closer to 2,000 pounds.
Attached Files
File Type: pdf Airstream weights and measures.pdf (100.1 KB, 56 views)
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