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Old 12-09-2016, 02:15 PM   #1
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2016 19' Flying Cloud
Burlington , Vermont
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Towing a 19' AS

My first time posting so go easy on me!

I recently purchased a 2016 Airstream 19. Now I just need a tow vehicle!
I've been thinking about a Ford F-150 4X4 2.7L V6 Ecoboost with the Pro Trailer Backup Assist because much of the time I will be towing alone. I've towed lots of boats but this is my first camper trailer. The Backup Assist technology fascinates me and I've been watching all the videos online re: this.

My plans are to start out slow next summer just to do some camping in Vermont where I live and then as my confidence builds, explore Maine, NH and Upstate NY.

Does anyone have an opinion on the TV that I'm eyeballing? Has anyone used Pro Trailer Backup Assist with an Airstream?

Thanks for any input you might have!
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Old 12-09-2016, 02:33 PM   #2
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I purchased a 2017 19ft fc a few months ago. I was pulling with a conversion van and for many reason I decide to trade it in an get a truck. I ended up with the F150 3.5 eccoboost with max tow package. It is suppose to be able to pull 10,700. I like the overkill in case I decide I need a little bigger AA in the future. It was a nicer ride as a TV and I am happy with my purchase. From the spec the 2.7 should do fine with a 19ft.
It took a little bit to setup the backup assist as you need to measure, put a sticker on and get the system setup. I tried it out and it worked, but I didn't like letting go of the steering wheel and using a little knob and the lcd screen. If you have never backed up a trailer before it might be easier.
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Old 12-09-2016, 05:24 PM   #3
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Welcome and congratulations!
It will do a great job towing your 19'! I tow a 25' with the 3.5 ecoboost and enjoy it. The 2.7 looks great, but I think I would miss the extra torque even as a daily driver. I'm always driving up and down a mountain so your experience may vary.
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Old 12-09-2016, 06:51 PM   #4
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Burlington , Vermont
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The good news is that you are going very slowly as you back up and to make it easier, you are only steering the trailer as you look at the screen. You are NOT steering the truck, as you know. It sounds like a cool concept. I'm happy to spend a half hour doing the one-time initial setup if it'll make backing into a tight camp site easier as everyone is watching me.

My friend used to tow a horse trailer for his daughter and he was quite envious as I showed him one of the many videos online demonstrating Pro Trailer Backup Assist.
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Old 12-09-2016, 07:38 PM   #5
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I think you'd be a pro at backing up your AS in short order even without the backup assist. I've read it in lots of places, but placing/gripping one hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and moving your hand to the left or right depending on where you want the trailer to go is pretty foolproof. Almost feels like a backup assist of its own. I've towed a variety of trailer types and still use this method every time.

Bottom line is to get what you are comfortable with. Comfort = awesome. Awesome = the whole point of getting an Airstream to begin with!!! Congrats on the new AS!


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Old 12-10-2016, 08:50 AM   #6
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You will love your 19'! One thing that works for me is turn on the lights when backing up. I line up the yellow and red side lights to back straight up. Works every time.
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Old 12-10-2016, 08:58 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveMc View Post
. . .
. . . placing/gripping one hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and moving your hand to the left or right depending on where you want the trailer to go is pretty foolproof.
. . .
Exactly!

Developing the skill to do this, without any further assistance, is crucial to happy trailering IMO. Go to a large parking lot when it is not busy, and practice this simple method until you have it down pat. Borrowing a small boat or utility trailer makes the learning easier, but is not necessary.

It is like learning to ride a bike.

Once mastered, never forgotten!

Happy Trails!

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Old 12-10-2016, 11:34 AM   #8
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I've a 19' and tow with a 2015 Ram eco diesel and it's a wonderful combination. Backing up isn't too difficult just needs a little practice!
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Old 12-10-2016, 11:47 AM   #9
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Towing 19ft

We also have a 2016 19 ft FC
This is our first experience towing anything and I have a 2007 tundra TW
This truck is the most comfortable and easiest to drive compared to many others
I highly recommend you take a test drive

Our airstream dealer here in Spokane set us up with an equilizer hitch as part of the sale,,,we are happy with it,,,,also the back up camera on the TW and on the trailer are very helpful when backing


We love our flying cloud too
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Old 12-10-2016, 11:59 AM   #10
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Hi,
I owned a new 2005 19' CD Bambi and towed her with a new 2003 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer Edition with tow package (3.73 axle ratio) for 10 years. It was a perfect marriage - I traveled Canada and out west and up and down the east coast to meet up with fly fishing friends in Idaho and Montana and never had a problem. I was always able to maintain speed and safety with this pairing and felt like I had plenty of power. I sold my Bambi last year for seed money for my next one. My 2003 Ford Explorer is still going strong at 190,000 miles. Alas, I need to get a bigger TV for the 25' FC I want; and after reading on this forum that a Ford Expedition with tow package pulls 25' Flying Clouds without difficulty, that is probably what I'm going to buy. I looked at pick-up trucks but I can't stand the idea of having to spend lots of money to get the open cargo area in back organized so things don't slide around. Give me the comfort and convenience of an enclosed SUV anytime.
Sign me,
Ford girl who loves Airstreaming.
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Old 12-10-2016, 01:14 PM   #11
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Backing Up

I towed a Bambi 19 for two years with a Lexus GX 470, a nice combination. Backing up at first was a little tricky and I had to learn not to over correct as the one axle tended to exaggerate any movement of the steering wheel. Now I have a 25 foot Safari and use a 2008 4x4 Toyota Sequoia with the tow package. An even better combination. The extra power is good, and the double axel makes everything more stable on the road and less flighty when backing up. I like the SUV'S because you can put bulky stuff and more people in side. Getting a heavier duty TV initially saves you the trouble of upgrading when you decide to get a bigger trailer.
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Old 12-10-2016, 04:05 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NorCal Matt View Post
Welcome and congratulations!
It will do a great job towing your 19'! I tow a 25' with the 3.5 ecoboost and enjoy it. The 2.7 looks great, but I think I would miss the extra torque even as a daily driver. I'm always driving up and down a mountain so your experience may vary.
I'm about to pull the trigger on the 25, I'm trading in my 19, can you send me the specs on what you got for your f150? I want a reference point. thanks in advance
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Old 12-11-2016, 06:30 AM   #13
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Originally Posted by Countryboy59 View Post
You will love your 19'! One thing that works for me is turn on the lights when backing up. I line up the yellow and red side lights to back straight up. Works every time.
Good idea. Thanx.
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Old 12-11-2016, 06:39 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cazual6 View Post
I'm about to pull the trigger on the 25, I'm trading in my 19, can you send me the specs on what you got for your f150? I want a reference point. thanks in advance
I have a 2015 F-150 3.5 Ecoboost, 3.55, rated for 12,200#, Max Tow pkg.

Bought it to tow a 25' FC; gave 25fter. Back for a 30 ft. FC.
It works fine as a TV, and a good daily ride too.
I'm happy with my set-up.

Trailer Trash waiting for Spring.
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Old 12-11-2016, 08:53 AM   #15
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Hi Cazual6...Not sure that I understand your question. As stated in my original post, I'm considering this TV: Ford F-150 4X4 2.7L V6 Ecoboost with the Pro Trailer Backup Assist. I'm currently waiting for the 2017's to come in. Is there something else you'd like to know?
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Old 12-12-2016, 02:09 PM   #16
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That truck is more than adequate for a 19' and will allow you to upgrade to a longer, heavier trailer later.
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