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pappy19 · 08-10-2016, 01:55 PM

I wouldn't worry about it. There are some "experts" on this forum that contend that a Chrysler 300 with a hitch can haul a 34' Classic, no problem. So your F-150 should be fine. A set of Firestone Air bags will definitely help with a little extra weight and will also stabilize as well.

Doc Foster · 08-10-2016, 02:59 PM

Though my 5.7L Toyota Tundra could pull like crazy at Interstate speed, it sorely lacked in going up and down mountain passes, and struggled sometimes to come to a "quick" stop. I recently upgraded to a Ford F250 with 6.7L Power stroke Diesel - man what a difference. Feels much safer and tows with ease.

tjdonahoe · 08-10-2016, 03:28 PM

If you are happy with your set up, run it, and enjoy..

westernjeep401 · 08-10-2016, 03:59 PM

"I either have to stop reading these forums......"

To settle your emotions, definitely. Seeking advice....likely.

If you have the dough to buy these things and the tow vehicle, then freakin' drive them until you have some fun or blow them up. You likely will experience the former; it's not like you're trying to pull you're AS with a Vega.

909kenu · 08-10-2016, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whitegs

By the way, how can a bathroom scale measure 1000 lbs. of tongue weight? If it can, can I put it under the jack?

TG Twinkie said, with a couple boards and bathroom scale.

If you google, measuring tongue weight with a bathroom scale, there are diagrams and details.

dkottum · 08-10-2016, 06:01 PM

Weighing the trailer tongue has little useful purpose if you're using a weight distribution hitch. It will not tell you how much weight your Airstream will add to the tow vehicle after weight distribution is set. You need to weigh the truck solo at a CAT scale, then with the Airstream hitched up and w.d. set to know that.

TG Twinkie · 08-10-2016, 06:04 PM

Robert Cross provided the link to bathroom scale use on post #7 of this thread.

rmatkovich · 08-10-2016, 09:41 PM

As a veteran trailer tower for over 45 years and somewhat over weight on my 34' airstream limited there is always a given on the the axles. As long as U have the right tires on the TV and trailer you wont have a problem being overweight a bit. hate to say but I am ---- LBS over and have not had a problem and that has been that way for the last 8 years I have owned this trailer. I was a lot over as I read my tag on the trailer that said I had a 30' trailer. Contacted Airstream and they made up the right tage and I put it on. Now I am not as over loaded as I was. 2000 34' 12,500 LBS. 1997 F-250 355 diff. 7.3 with 345,000 miles and she wont stop.

cazual6 · 08-11-2016, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pappy19

I wouldn't worry about it. There are some "experts" on this forum that contend that a Chrysler 300 with a hitch can haul a 34' Classic, no problem. So your F-150 should be fine. A set of Firestone Air bags will definitely help with a little extra weight and will also stabilize as well.

I still don't see how that possible in real world travels. Maybe in a parking lot only for show right?

ROBERT CROSS · 08-11-2016, 04:28 AM

......and some 'contend' that aftermarket air bags help with a little extra weight and improve towing.

Bob

larryglarson · 08-11-2016, 04:59 AM

Relax, Relax I have pulled a bigger trailer for 6 years and over 40,000 miles with a TV like yours and everything is fine. There is a lot "CYA" in the load rating.

m.hony · 08-11-2016, 05:55 AM

Ditto^
What he said^
Over 6 years and 45,000 miles pulling first a 28' and now a 30' Classic- as far as I know the heaviest Airstream though some of the shorter ones may have a bigger hitch weight- with a Tundra-
I am possibly maxed out or borderline on payload, but the truck doesn't care-
Regardless of all the people on here saying I need a 3/4 ton diesel-
Phooey on that-
I am happy with my rig and if I had to replace it today it would be a 2017 Classic and a 2017 Tundra Limited 4x4 with black interior, fender flares, chrome exhaust tip, bed liner, bed step, tonneau cover (or cap), 38 gallon fuel tank, and towing mirrors-

Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

slowmover · 08-11-2016, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cazual6

I still don't see how that possible in real world travels. Maybe in a parking lot only for show right?

You've got a lot to learn.

For starters, the triple axle 34' has a relatively low tongue weight. Spreading that TW across both axles of a car and a percentage back onto the TT thru WD makes for solid performance. Better than a pickup.

Simple physics seems a barrier to many. Start off with Fred Puhn on vehicle handling. And then read your way thru online articles by Andrew Thomson (not just the posts on this forum). Who else do you know is asked to consult by SAE and by Airstream on the subject of towing? Has set up thousands of tow combinations. The rest of us doing this forty and more years ago recognize that the passage of time does not automatically mean "progress". Indeed, it may well be the opposite.

A pickup is a safety compromise in favor hauling around more junk.

Hamish · 08-11-2016, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cazual6

I still don't see how that possible in real world travels. Maybe in a parking lot only for show right?

I've been in said Chrysler 300 with my wife driving (a former army 5 ton driver) who said she couldn't even tell the trailer was on the back of the car except when accelerating, and even then it was just a bit slower "off the line", but overall a very comfortable tow.It's all about respecting axle ratings and the setup.

Shawn & Kara
Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

m.hony · 08-11-2016, 07:21 AM

It is very hard to tell the trailer is back there with most tow vehicle/hitch setups.
It drives so easy.
I look in the rear view mirror occasionally to verify that the trailer is still there.
Seems like my Tundra rides better with trailer coupled than without-

dfgarvin · 08-11-2016, 12:31 PM

I have a 2016 27FB. The GVW for the AS is 7600#. The tongue weight is around 750. Maximum towing cap on the truck is 10,600. I run on LT tires and upgraded the AS wheels and tires to 16" LT Michelins. I have to make sure not to overload the bed of the truck (keeping under 300#s). I use a 1000# equalizer hitch. All this said, I have absolutely no problems towing ( we have travelled 9000 miles this year), We have towed in all conditions and terrains.

phann · 08-11-2016, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whitegs

By the way, how can a bathroom scale measure 1000 lbs. of tongue weight? If it can, can I put it under the jack?

This webpage has a section that explains the bathroom scale method.
https://www.etrailer.com/faq-how-to-...ue-weight.aspx

It should also be covered in your Airstream manual - in my manual, its in the "Towing" chapter.