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Muddy Waters · 10-02-2007, 05:04 PM

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 · 10-02-2007, 05:17 PM

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 · 10-02-2007, 05:37 PM

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 · 10-02-2007, 06:34 PM

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 · 10-02-2007, 07:30 PM

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** · 10-02-2007, 07:45 PM

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 · 10-02-2007, 07:52 PM

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 · 10-02-2007, 08:14 PM

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 · 10-02-2007, 08:34 PM

Quote:

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 · 10-02-2007, 10:28 PM

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 · 10-04-2007, 07:55 AM

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 · 10-04-2007, 09:26 AM

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 · 10-05-2007, 03:37 PM

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

Muddy Waters · 10-09-2007, 03:13 PM

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

Wayward · 10-09-2007, 04:02 PM

Cool. Post back with what you learn - or better yet some pics of your new truck!

Muddy Waters · 10-10-2007, 07:53 PM

You guys are da best. If it weren't for your input we'd have made a big mistake. So, we went with the Nissan Pathfinder V-6 with a tow capacity of 6,000 lbs. If the Bambi has a GVWR of 4,500 and we overload it up to 5,400 then we should be okay. One step closer to our Airstream!

Relentless · 10-10-2007, 08:52 PM

Wait! the GVWR means the MAximum that the Bambi can carry. If you load it 900 lbs over that you will break it big time.

Don't load it with more than 4500 lbs.

John

Babeebloos · 10-11-2007, 01:46 AM

oooooo....oooo I hope I catch you in time....

I have a 2004 19' CCD Bambi and.... I have a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder 6 cylinder!

I wish I had the Nissan Armada 8 cylinder or better!

It WILL tow...fine....but I really feel that it's not tough enough in the suspension for the weight of any Bambi for regular towing. I bought it like you, with the trust that when a manufacturer says that it will be fine for 7000 lbs tow rating. I think they think only occassionally....
I don't feel that I can trade mine in real soon for a bigger vehicle it's only two years old, but I'm looking forward and my 'inner' attention is checking out 8 cylinder engines and also 'beefier' frames and suspensions. I can't help but think that I'm 'ruining' my beautiful SUV by towing my Bambi, and it DOES limit my travelling.

Just saying....for what it's worth, I agree with all of the experts on this forum, that a heavier duty SUV/truck will make your travel experiences a real pleasure and negate any white knuckle or foot pedaling behind the wheel.

Debra

Eddy · 10-11-2007, 04:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Babeebloos

oooooo....oooo I hope I catch you in time....

I have a 2004 19' CCD Bambi and.... I have a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder 6 cylinder!

I wish I had the Nissan Armada 8 cylinder or better!

It WILL tow...fine....but I really feel that it's not tough enough in the suspension for the weight of any Bambi for regular towing. I bought it like you, with the trust that when a manufacturer says that it will be fine for 7000 lbs tow rating. I think they think only occassionally....
I don't feel that I can trade mine in real soon for a bigger vehicle it's only two years old, but I'm looking forward and my 'inner' attention is checking out 8 cylinder engines and also 'beefier' frames and suspensions. I can't help but think that I'm 'ruining' my beautiful SUV by towing my Bambi, and it DOES limit my travelling.

Just saying....for what it's worth, I agree with all of the experts on this forum, that a heavier duty SUV/truck will make your travel experiences a real pleasure and negate any white knuckle or foot pedaling behind the wheel.

Debra

I agree with this post entirely. We also have a 6 cylinder Pathfinder and realize that regular towing (not a trailer) has really worn out the vehicle.

Kristine

87MH · 10-11-2007, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Muddy Waters

You guys are da best..... If the Bambi has a GVWR of 4,500 and we overload it up to 5,400 then we should be okay. One step closer to our Airstream!

I think the larger Nissans would be a good match for the Bambi - What most everyone here is implying is that a good rule of thumb is to have the TV rated for 20% more than what you plan to tow for a safety factor.

If you have EVER had the tail wagging the dog by latching on to too big a load with a too small vehicle you will know what everyone is talking about.

Remember - just about anything will PULL a trailer - it's the CONTROLLING it that is the key.

You do not want to be in an emergency situation and watching the rear end of the trailer pass by the driver's window.

Be safe - drive slow - and enjoy the view.