Sure would LOVE LOVE LOVE some help.

[Muddy Waters]

I'm a newbie with a husband who doesn't know one end of a hammer from another (er, neither do I). So we're looking at newer A/S's in an effort to preclude future repairs, maintenance and, in a word, work.

So we're closing in on a 19' Bambi only... don't know what to tow it with. Yep, we gotta buy a TV too. The dealer at Toyota tells us that a Four Runner with a V-6 will do the job no problemo. Only... I don't believe those guys.

Are we not on the right track? Will the Four Runner be too pooped to pop while towing Bambi 19'? Please have pity on a newbie and offer any advice.

[InsideOut]

You may want to do a search through teh Tow Vehicle section to help figure out what you nedd - or at least give you the knowledge to figure it out. That and use the "Search" feature (drop down in top blue bar above) for the vehicles you are considering.

Good luck in your search!

Shari

[juel]

The new Tundra would be a good choice. The crew cab has lots of interior room and four real doors. Take a look at them. They have more power this year and some nice towing options.

[Tarheel]

Many good choices out there that will do the job for you. Trailer life puts a comprehensive list out there and you can find it on line. Best of luck

[Jaxon]

NEVER BELIEVE A DEALER, unless they're your spouse/related/owe you a gadzillion $$ as a result of a lawsuit... and you have some leverage...

Just joking... Look at the total weight of the A/S (you, me, the kids, dog, bartender, wife/love-object and liquids), then look at what that total weight is. THEN shop for a tow vehicle. NEVER fall in love with a brand, look, style, year, color, sound system (& so on), for a tow vehicle. ALWAYS remember what you are towing and where you're towing it to or might want to tow it to. Flat plains/down-hill - no problemo with a lawn mower. Anything with hills, mountains, dips, water, incline, whatever, just remember there's gonna be some folks behind you that aren't enjoying the s-l-o-w-l-y passing scenery as much as you and want to dearly move on... You've got to have some power to get it going. Remember, Bubba behind you's got a date and a six-pack and times awasting! He's on a mission! You ever seen a lab go after a ball...?

[moosetags]

Our son, Patrick, bought a 2006 19' Bambi about 6 months ago. Shortly after getting it, he and his wife, Beth, pulled the Bambi from Tampa to Jacklsonville (225 miles). Their tow vehicle was an '05 Jeep Cherokee V-8 4x4. The towing experience scared them so badly that they tarded the Jeep for an '05 Ford 350 PSD. I don't think that a Four Runner V-6 will make you a happy camper.

Remember the cardinal rule, an insufficient tow vehicle is the main cause of perfectly good Airstreams becoming very expensive pieces of yard art.

[TBRich]

We tow our 2006 19' Bambi with a 2007 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner TRD Quad Cab (2DW V6) with a factory tow package...Toyota has beefed up their truck lineup recently...so far we are pleased with it's performance...and we've been up and down some steep grades in AZ...

TB

[Wayward]

Muddy, just do the calculations. At first glance, the 5000 lb towing capacity of the V6 should pull the Bambi's 3700 lb UBW fine, especailly if you watch your cargo weight carefully. Upgrading to the V8 gives you 7300 lb towing capacity - nearly twice the Bambi's UBW - certainly more than capable of hauling the Bambi and all manner of gear.

[ljmiii]

Originally Posted by Muddy Waters

So we're closing in on a 19' Bambi only... don't know what to tow it with. Yep, we gotta buy a TV too. The dealer at Toyota tells us that a Four Runner with a V-6 will do the job no problemo. Only... I don't believe those guys.

The 19' Bambi has a 4500lbs Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) the V-6 4Runner has a max tow capacity of 5000lbs and the V-8 4Runner has a max tow capacity of 7000(4x4) or 7300(4x2) lbs. A good rule of thumb is to tow at 80% of capacity.

So...the V-6 4Runner would probably not be fun but the V-8 4Runner should be fine.

enjoy,
leo

PS That said, I am very happy with my combo of 2006 Highlander Hybrid and 16' Bambi both of which are rated at 3500lbs. But Toyota was very conservative with the ratings on the 1st generation HiHy.

[Relentless]

Add 20% to the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of the Bambi, ie 4500 plus 900 equals 5400 lbs. Your TV should be capable of towing at least 5400lbs. Don't settle for anything less.

John

[Tarheel]

Make certain you have a good weight distribution hitch with sway control and hopefully someone that knows how to properly fit it to your truck and trailer. This is where the local clubs come in mighty handy as many of the members have pulled for years and know all the little tricks to properly load the spring bars so that you have a good and safe ride. If its not set up properly it can cause a lot of grief and anxiety.
Rick

[Melody Ranch]

All great suggestions here.
I'd suggest you look at what you ...who you...carry with you on the trips. Its not a pretty picture of you an two or more folks sharing the inside of a small SUV with a blue boy, hoses, a spare, a cooler, tools, fire wood, camping equipment, the wet dog who chased the frisbee into the surf, etc., etc. I see folks completely maxed out with all that unpleasant essential junk. I vote for a crew cab or extended cab pick up with a topper shell. Same price range as those SUV types, certainly as comfortable, economical to operate, AND you will never chug up a steep road wondering if you'll make it up.....or run out of braking going down the other side having the Airstream push you the the point of control loss. An Airstream is made to be towed. A pick up truck is made to tow. FWIW

[Turtle]

No trailer is maintenance free. No matter how new. Make this an opportunity to learn new skills. Good luck. Jamie

[Muddy Waters]

Thanks everyone! We're going to check out a Nissan Pathfinder V-8 for a tv. Will keep you posted!