Tongue Weight Question

[Pat Cassity]

As a result of my recent accident, I am considering replacing my 2014 International Signature 27FB with a 2015 28' Serentiy. I have noticed though that there is a significant difference in (Airstreams stated) hitch weight between these two units. The 27FB is 770lbs and the 28' is 950. Does anyone know what contributes to the difference? In fact, it appears that the 28' has the greatest hitch weight of all current models.


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[dbj216]

My guess is the floor plan of the trailer. Possibly the extra length is all forward of the axles. Maybe there is a luxury galley or gaucho in the front of the trailer. Crank up those weight distribution bars and spread that tongue weight around.

My 86 34 footer has a tongue weight of about 800 lbs. A longer trailer with less weight on the ball.

David

[dkottum]

Note the large front and rear under bed storage of the of these two Airstream models. The 27' front bed loading adds to tongue weight and the 28' rear bed subtracts from tongue weight. The loaded tongue weight is most probably about the same.

[Pat Cassity]

That's what led to my initial question. The 28 bed and storage is in the rear and the 27FB is of course in the front. However, the 28 has the greater tongue weight. As I study the floor plans, though it does appear that the interior of the 28 has more of its amenities located in front of the axels.


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[BoldAdventure]

Don't most folks say that Airstream seems to under-report the tongue weights anyhow?

[AnnArborBob]

You will undoubtedly have to make some adjustments to your weight distribution setup with the new trailer, but as has been mentioned previously, how you load the trailer could impact the actual tongue weight. Best to get the trailer weighed after you've loaded it for a typical trip and see where you stand.

[cwf]

Our WD system can handle 1400# bars. With an over 800# tongue weight, it manages nicely.

[MrUKToad]

We have the 28' Serenity, albeit the 2011 model, with the quoted 950 lb tongue weight. I've never really given that tongue weight a great deal of thought; it is what it is. When the Weight Distribution system is under load, it's all spread around anyway so, whilst you need to know what sort of load you're carrying overall, it's better to look at load at each of the four axles in your set up. I have heard of people ditching the spare wheel in order to save on tongue weight, which on a dual axle trailer is fine, but if you stow it elsewhere in your trailer or tow vehicle then you're still hauling the weight.

[BAB]

I have the 28' Intl Signature CCD, and like you, wondered about the 950 lb tongue weight when I ordered my trailer back in 2012. Agree with UKToad. Never had an issue with it, and the weight distribution system (I have a ProPride) seems to handle it without any issues. As you know, the major difference is bedroom placement. I wanted the bedroom in the rear, so that meant the 28. The "attractive" L seat sofa (on the other hand) is (IMHO) useless because it is so uncomfortable. I ripped it out in the Spring and put in two of the Villa recliners....and having just come back from almost a month on the road, can pronounce my trailer as perfect (well, for me anyway). With what you just went though, I know you'll appreciate something new, shiny, and fully functional. Good luck!

[Pat Cassity]

BAB,
Thanks so much. The main reason I was considering the 28 was because of the front sofa setup. I was just never happy with front dinette as a place to sit and read or watch tv. I was hoping that the 28 would take care of that problem. I have talked with the Propride folks and will be going that way if everything works out. With all the aftermarket recliner modifications it makes one wonder why AS doesn't make them an option on other models, in addition to the 30s.


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[BAB]

Pat, I am hardly the only one who's pulled out the L seat and substituted it with the recliners. My redo is posted in the "Interior Restoration" section. As you know, the 28 has the dinette on the CS...right across from the kitchen, and we've found it works really well. On this last trip, one of my HS classmates spent the night on the "dinette bed" and she found it pretty comfortable. Pulling out the L seat means I can sleep 4, but most of the time it's just 2 humans and 2 basset hounds (who think THEY are human). The only hitch I've experience with is the ProPride -- and Sean will take good care of you with the right torsion bars for the trailer you select. As I equipped my new trailer, first attention was to safety stuff...ProPride, 16" wheels/Michelin LT's, etc. I know you folks will be anxious to get back on the road and put the accident WAAAYYY in the rear view mirror!

[MrUKToad]

We have two kids to consider when camping so that L shaped sofa is ideal, if uncomfortable, for both parking butts in front of the TV and allowing a double bed. When the kids don't come camping with us any more then the solution offered by BAB is high on our list of priorities.

[Larry C]

Pretty hard to beat a Sherline scale to take the guess work out of tongue weight. For $153.00, you can get an honest answer and change your fore/aft loading as needed.
Don't rely on the tongue weight on the brochure, usually they're not accurate.