I am considering a 34' airstream trailer and am wondering if anyone has input on pulling it with a 96 Ford Bronco / 351 Winson V-8 with factory trailer towing package. Please hurry with your advice and suggestions for we are ready to buy. Thanks all!
I would vote not to soley because the Bronco has a very short wheelbase. It may be able to tow the weight but I would seriously consider a vehicle with a longer wheelbase.
Eric
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Computers manufactured by companies such as IBM, Compaq and millions of others are by far the most popular with about 70 million machines in use worldwide. Macintosh fans note that cockroaches are far more numerous than humans and that numbers alone do not denote a higher life form. -NY Times 1991
IMHO, the Bronco's 104" wheelbase is just WAY too short for a near-10,000 lb 34' trailer.
There are those who'd use as little as a 140" (half the ball to rear axle distance) of a an ExtendedCab/ShortBed, but I prefer the 156" of a CrewCab/ShortBed or 158" of an ExtendedCab/LongBed. Longer wheelbase fights the effects of sway on a trailer. More conservative types would recommend the CrewCab/LongBed.
I also wouldn't try to pull that much weight with a small-block motor. There are many times I'm grateful for the 7.3L diesel.
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Computers manufactured by companies such as IBM, Compaq and millions of others are by far the most popular with about 70 million machines in use worldwide. Macintosh fans note that cockroaches are far more numerous than humans and that numbers alone do not denote a higher life form. -NY Times 1991
Yea I know, but I just couldn't resist. Just trying to keep things lively around here!
I agree fully with all that has been said here about a larger vehicle.
Eric
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Computers manufactured by companies such as IBM, Compaq and millions of others are by far the most popular with about 70 million machines in use worldwide. Macintosh fans note that cockroaches are far more numerous than humans and that numbers alone do not denote a higher life form. -NY Times 1991
RoadKingMoe is right on when it comes to a longer wheelbase. I have a regular cab, long bed pickup, and there are times I wish I had a longer wheelbase tow vehicle. Overkill on a tow vehicle makes your towing and camping experience MUCH more enjoyable.
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CP 9 miles off Exit 399, I75.
2003 GMC 2500HD 4X4 D/A Ext. Cab
Propane Powered Honda EU2000i
Lots of Hot Sauce! Air # 283
Your '96 Ford Bronco, even with the largest available engine, automatic transmission, and the heavy duty trailering package was rated at either 5,800 pounds or 6,000 pounds (there was a mid-year change for some reason). There were also some very specific guidelines for maximum frontal area in addition to weight limitations.
I briefly considered a '96 Ford Bronco to tow my 6,000 pound Overlander (26' 8") in late 1995. The frontal area guidelines squelched that idea - - and then when the saleman parked the Bronco next to my Airstream - - it looked like the trailer was twice as long as the Bronco. My impression was that the power would have just been adequate for the Overlander if it hadn't violated the frontal area guideline, but I probably would have passed anyway due to the extreme difference in size between the trailer and Bronco.
Kevin
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Kevin D. Allen WBCCI (Lifetime Member)/VAC/Free Wheelers #6359 AIR #827
1964 Overlander International/1999 GMC K2500 Suburban (7400 VORTEC/4.11 Differentials)
1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre/1975 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible (8.2 Liter V8/2.70 Final Drive)
We pull a 34' trailer with a V10/3.73 Excursion Limited. The Excursion does very nicely with the tires inflated to near max (about 70psi). Now that I've towed it over a thousand miles, I know that I certainly wouldn't want to try towing it with anything smaller or lighter.
Roger
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AIR 2053 “A generation which ignores history has no past and no future.” Robert Heinlein 2006 Bigfoot 25B25RQ towed by a 2001 Born Free 23RK moho
Originally posted by HURST And we wonder how RV accidents happen!
Take it up with some of the Canadian members that have the Intrepids (and some of we Americans that have 'em too for that matter)!
Speaking of Canadians (whom I do respect) anyone seen one around lately?
Eric
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Computers manufactured by companies such as IBM, Compaq and millions of others are by far the most popular with about 70 million machines in use worldwide. Macintosh fans note that cockroaches are far more numerous than humans and that numbers alone do not denote a higher life form. -NY Times 1991
We're thinking about acquiring something in the 28-31' range, which 'non-pickup' tow vehicles would be recommended for such an Airstream? (We could go with a pickup truck but would 'prefer' the storage of an SUV type vehicle.)
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