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Old 08-05-2005, 05:27 PM   #1
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I think that a Ford 250 is some what of an overkill.

A 150, with a transmission cooler works fine.

Remember, back then a Ford 1/2 ton would adequately tow any Airstream trailer built.

You won't set speed records, but then Airstream owners never tow very fast.

"NOT"

Andy
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Old 08-05-2005, 05:43 PM   #2
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Thanks Andy
Just thought I would add a note about transmission cooling.Not all Ford transmissions of the same model are alike.I rebuilt the C5 on my little Bronco after pulling my boat fried it, with an oil cooler.The two clutch packs had only three clutches each.I remember only two on my Pinto.I rebuilt it with 5 clutches and top quality Raybestos clutches.Also a shift kit.When I pulled the Airstream up from Seattle with the little truck (I know really stupid) the transmission ran cool, no slipping or overheating.In the future before doing much towing with another Ford I will do the same rebuild.The Gil Younger shift kit only cost a few dollars and makes the truck shift beautifully.
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Old 08-09-2005, 12:24 PM   #3
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That GIL shift kit in an auto tranny is the best money spent when getting ready to tow a load over 2000 pounds. I have used that company for 3 tow vehicles. It's currently in the van listed below.

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Old 08-09-2005, 02:35 PM   #4
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Andy, I just purchased an F-250 Powerstroke diesel supercrew in April to tow our soon to be purchased '06 30' AS. Please tell me I didn't purchase the wrong truck!

P.S. I keep a truck 10 years minimum and put more than 150K on it as a daily driver (50+/day) and planned for long term and economy of operation when towing and commuting.
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Old 08-09-2005, 02:48 PM   #5
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minnie,
you have the right truck.....and a good one it is.
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Old 08-09-2005, 03:23 PM   #6
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Minnie's Mate

Your going to tow a 2006 30 foot Airstream trailer, not the Queen Mary.

I would forecast that with that tow vehicle, you will punish the front of the trailer.

Super heavy duty tow vehicles are not necessary in order to properly tow any Airstream. What they do accomplish however, because of their stiffness, is to be very abusive to the front of the trailer, and especially if the trailer "running gear" is not properly balanced.

It's been happening for 40 years, and it will continue to happen. Carnival people prove it everyday. They tear up Airstream trailers about as fast as someone can repair them. The reason why? They all have super heavy tow vehicles.

A 3/4 ton truck or a Suburban, with a soft suspension system, is more than adequate.

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Old 08-09-2005, 03:50 PM   #7
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Huh?

First you say an F-250 is overpowered and then you say a 3/4 ton is fine. They're the same thing. If anything a 1/2 ton truck or SUV is underpowered and doesn't have the transmission and suspension to safely tow a 30' Airstream trailer. A 70s era Sovereign yes, but not the new heavy models.
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Old 08-09-2005, 05:04 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In
Frame cracked? Abusive use? Nah, you can do anything to the frame of an Airstream.......

Heavy duty tow vehicle towing an Airstream trailer without any wheel balancing, can result it severe damage to the frame.

.......
Andy
Which wheels are we talking about, the trailer or the tow vehicle? I know it's important that both be working properly, but which do you think caused this particular problem? As always, thanks for the "heads up", Andy.
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Old 08-09-2005, 11:46 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Minnie's Mate
Andy, I just purchased an F-250 Powerstroke diesel supercrew in April to tow our soon to be purchased '06 30' AS. Please tell me I didn't purchase the wrong truck!

P.S. I keep a truck 10 years minimum and put more than 150K on it as a daily driver (50+/day) and planned for long term and economy of operation when towing and commuting.


If i was towing a 30' trailer around this country i couldnt think of a better truck to do it with. Lots of steep climbs and decents to deal with. You want, at least imo, a lot of cushion with your towing capacity. Best not to be near the limits of the truck.
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Old 08-10-2005, 06:15 AM   #10
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Re: Tow Vehicles

There is not a current 1/2 ton truck made that will tow my 30' Excella without exceeding the truck's GVWR.

I'd describe my 05 F250 as being "very firm" with regards to suspension. It rides much better than either of the two previous F350 Fords I used to own.
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Old 08-10-2005, 08:28 AM   #11
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[QUOTE=Steve Heywood]There is not a current 1/2 ton truck made that will tow my 30' Excella without exceeding the truck's GVWR. [QUOTE]

Exactly!!
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Old 08-10-2005, 08:34 AM   #12
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Now What?

Andy, I have a 1 ton Dodge and use it to tow my 1981 31' Excella. If you are saying that the suspension is too much and will negatively impact the trailer what can I do to reduce this impact?

You mention properly balanced running gear, can you expand upon that or point me to a link that tells more? Is there anything else I can do to minimize the impact my stiffer suspension has on the trailer?

-Alden
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Old 08-10-2005, 08:40 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Alden Miller
Andy, I have a 1 ton Dodge and use it to tow my 1981 31' Excella. If you are saying that the suspension is too much and will negatively impact the trailer what can I do to reduce this impact?

You mention properly balanced running gear, can you expand upon that or point me to a link that tells more? Is there anything else I can do to minimize the impact my stiffer suspension has on the trailer?

-Alden
For about $50 per wheel these balancers are being used by many with good results.
http://www.centramatic.com/
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Old 08-10-2005, 08:47 AM   #14
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GVWR maximum load on tow vehicle you are not carrying all trailer weight in box.Need to look at rated towing capacity.Also if suspension in tow vehicle too stiff equalizer becomes inneffective.
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Old 08-10-2005, 09:15 AM   #15
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Sometimes the simplest solutions are best..........

If your tow vehicle is rough on your trailer.....Slow down
If your trailer is rough on your tow vehicle.....Slow down
If the weather is bad.................................Slow down
If it is hot outside.....................................Slow down
If the road is hilly or curvy..........................Slow down

This is advice from a not so technical type person. But
some cowboys gots smarts real good.
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Old 08-10-2005, 09:44 AM   #16
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Tow Vehicle

I tow my '73 31' Airstream with a '88 Ford 150/300ci 6/4 speed. I had no problems at 65mph. Some hills caused the cruise to slow to 55mph.
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Old 08-10-2005, 01:06 PM   #17
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I'm told this is like owning a boat...

Ok, the air hitch looks like a good idea, so do the balancers.

This is getting expensive!!!!

-Alden
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Old 08-10-2005, 01:15 PM   #18
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so Andy you are telling us that if we have an f250 that is over kill yet if I had a airstream that weighed 10000 pounds and I do believe that a 30ft with a slide out is around 10000 lbs that a f150 could handel it. wrong. every 150 i have seen can not carry that kind of weight.
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Old 08-10-2005, 02:55 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by edmatlock
I tow my '73 31' Airstream with a '88 Ford 150/300ci 6/4 speed. I had no problems at 65mph. Some hills caused the cruise to slow to 55mph.
I agree...but the weight difference between a 1973 31' and a 2003 31' is about 3000#'s I tow my 75 with a F150 small V-8 and it does fine, but it also has a modified chip and factory towing package on it.

Aaron
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Old 08-10-2005, 05:28 PM   #20
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Windstar as a tow Vehicle?

Alot has been written about tow vehicles, I have a 2001 Ford Windstar SEL with a 3.8L engine and a trailer tow package (transmission cooler, wiring harness). I am currently looking into purchasing a 2006 Safari 25 SE - SS. My dealer will install a proper hitch, another transmission cooler, brake controller and upgrade the wiring harness on my van and assures me that I will not have a problem towing. Should I be concerned?
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