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05-21-2016, 09:27 AM
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#1
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2 Rivet Member
2009 19' Flying Cloud
2016 25' Flying Cloud
Akron
, Ohio
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 44
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Towing Performance of a Tahoe with a 25 ft. Trailer?
With a heavy heart, I am considering trading in my 19 foot flying cloud for a 25 footer. I have had so many wonderful experiences with my trailer, my emotional attachment is strong, but I spend so much time in it, I may make the leap. I have a 2012 Tahoe. According to the various towing metrics, it should be able to tow the 25 foot trailer. I understand that towing the maximum will place extra wear and tear on the tow vehicle. I tow across the country, and the Rockies are an annual event. I am wondering if anyone out there has this or a similar combo, and how it really performs in challenging terrain. I don't need to speed, but I also don't want safety and fatigue issues. I am also a little wary of how much harder it will be to handle the larger trailer.
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05-21-2016, 09:50 AM
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#2
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 19,977
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More Info....
Need to know how your TV is optioned. P tires or LT's, Payload, and axle ratings.(GAWR)
A photo of the door jam sticker would help. Option sticker in glove box. Your Dealer could also do a VISS check for you. (Vehicle Inquiry System Summary)
Our Burb stickers...
Bob
__________________
"You don't know where you've been until you leave, enjoy life" RLC
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05-21-2016, 09:56 AM
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#3
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Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
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Get it set up right and give it a go, we've been very happy with similar vehicles and our 25. Wear and tear, if beyond negligible, will cost you less than trading vehicles. If you want to add safety for free, slow down. If you want much less fatigue, for $2500 buy a ProPride or Hensley hitch.
__________________
Doug and Cheryl
2012 FC RB, Michelin 16, ProPride 1400
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 Ecodiesel 3.92 axles
The Truth is More Important Than the Facts
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05-21-2016, 10:11 AM
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#4
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Rivet Master
2007 16' International CCD
Vintage Kin Owner
Somewhere
, Colorado
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,536
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As the above comments and questions indicate, you are in the gray-zone here. Some would be happy with that combination, others (including me) would prefer a more substantial tow vehicle. By more substantial I mean more power, payload, wheelbase, and brakes. You can give it a try and see how you feel about it after you get some experience with it.
Agree with dkottum: don't cut corners on the hitch with this combo.
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05-21-2016, 10:18 AM
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#5
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Moderator
2015 25' FB Flying Cloud
2012 23' FB Flying Cloud
2005 25' Safari
Santa Rosa Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,153
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When we got our 2005 Safari 25FB eleven years ago, we had both a 2004 Tahoe and a 2005 Suburban 2500 at that time. Ready to camp, the 25FB weighed 7,400#.
We towed it primarily with the Suburban, but we did try the Tahoe on several occasions. The 3/4 ton Suburban had no problem with the Airstream in any circumstances. The Tahoe was quite sluggish, and struggled on any significant upgrade. We found the Tahoe doable, but was best suited for travels in the flat lands of Florida.
Brian
__________________
SuEllyn & Brian McCabe
WBCCI #3628 -- AIR #14872 -- TAC #FL-7
2015 FC 25' FB (Lucy) with ProPride
2020 Silverado 2500 (Vivian)
2023 Rivian R1T (Opal)
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05-21-2016, 11:31 AM
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#6
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Rivet Master
2014 25' Flying Cloud
Cuddebackville
, New York
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 4,333
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We traded our 20' for a 25 a couple of years ago. I still miss the 20' in theory, but we love the 25'.
We tow it with a 2012 Durango Hemi just fine. I don't know how the Durango compares to the Tahoe spec wise, but my guess is that it would be fine.
The Durango has a max towing of 7200 lbs. My 25', fully loaded is 6,600.
__________________
2014 25' Flying Cloud Rear Twin
2019 Ford Expedition Platinum
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05-21-2016, 12:15 PM
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#7
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Ready-to-Travel
2012 30' International
Walkerton
, Virginia
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,165
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If you don't have one, a tranny temp gauge would be a great help. The Tahoe's tranny should receive some extra care from you. Watch how and when it shifts and don't be caught running in too high a gear for too long a time.
Pat
__________________
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Somebody, please, point me to the road.
AIR 3987
TAC VA-2
WBCCI 4596
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05-21-2016, 12:19 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
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Andrew Thomson, towing expert from Can-Am Airstream in Ontario found the Tahoe a little more resistant to trailer sway inputs than the Suburban 1500. This is because sway input is leveraged to the tow vehicle's steering axle depending on wheelbase to rear overhang ratio. The Tahoe has a shorter wheelbase but also a shorter rear overhang, rear axle-to-hitch-ball. He usually sets them up with an Eaze-Lift hitch and two sway bars, but there's more to his setup than that. Tires, shocks, hitch reinforcement if needed, shorten the stinger and other steps to complete the package. They have a questionnaire form on Can-Am's website to seek assistance, ask people who know what they are doing.
We eliminated the sway inputs to the steering axle completely on our Ram 1500 120" wheelbase with a Hensley/ProPride style hitch; sway inputs are projected to the rear axle where they are stopped rather than leveraged forward. Rock solid two-fingers on the steering wheel stability. They are not cheap but they work.
__________________
Doug and Cheryl
2012 FC RB, Michelin 16, ProPride 1400
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 Ecodiesel 3.92 axles
The Truth is More Important Than the Facts
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05-21-2016, 01:54 PM
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#9
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4 Rivet Member
2015 27' Flying Cloud
Bozman
, Maryland
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 294
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The issue is tongue weight vs your Tahoe's cargo capacity. Unfortunately, the front bed design of this trailer and the 27 (which I own) puts almost all of the trailer storage in front of the trailer axles, resulting in a high tongue weight.
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05-21-2016, 03:35 PM
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#10
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3 Rivet Member
texas
, Texas
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 184
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Not sure what your payload capacity is with that Tahoe, but you are going to drop about 1000 pounds of tongue weight with any substantial hitch. Might want to check that capacity and determine how much you are going to carry in your TV. I had a 2009 Tahoe, flex fuel and was very disappointed in its ability (or lack thereof) to pull a trailer and certainly did not have as much as the AS 25. Would not pull worth a darn in the mountains.
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If you are reading this, it means I have made it another day!!!
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05-21-2016, 03:36 PM
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#11
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Rivet Master
2014 30' Flying Cloud
Tampa
, Florida
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 1,364
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I'm going to be towing my 30' FC with an Escalade, which for towing purposes is similar to the Tahoe. Colonial RV is setting me up with an Equalizer hitch. I'll let you know how it goes.
__________________
2014 Airstream Flying Cloud 30 Recliner - WBCCI #4850 - AIR #110821
2018 Nissan Armada SL Tow Vehicle, Equal-i-zer Hitch
Visit Our Flying Cloud blog for my latest adventure!
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05-22-2016, 10:42 AM
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#12
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1 Rivet Member
2000 25' Excella
fallbrook
, California
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 12
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Towing 25ft with Tahoe
Have towed my 25ft 2000 Excella (purchased new in 2000) with several Tahoes, currently 2011. Been Ca to Long Island (2004 US Open) and up to Tahoe. Performance has been great! We take about a half dozen 2 week trips a year now and find the combination easy to get around in tight places and easy to set up and reconnect. Down hill braking works very well. Enjoy! Bruce
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05-22-2016, 10:52 AM
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#13
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Rivet Master
2007 16' International CCD
Vintage Kin Owner
Somewhere
, Colorado
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,536
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FCStreamer
I'm going to be towing my 30' FC with an Escalade, which for towing purposes is similar to the Tahoe. Colonial RV is setting me up with an Equalizer hitch. I'll let you know how it goes.
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Not nearly similar: the Tahoe has the 5.3 liter motor and the Escalade the 6.2 liter motor. Huge differences in hp and torque.
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05-22-2016, 11:24 AM
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#14
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Lovin' the Mountains
2015 25' Flying Cloud
Scottsdale
, Arizona
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 38
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I owned a sister vehicle, a 2011 Yukon XL which I used to tow a 25' Flying Cloud. Among our adventures, a trip to Alaska and many trips hereabout in the Rockies as well as a journey to the East Coast for dog shows. The vehicle never faltered. I recently upgraded to a Denali XL with a larger engine - just for added insurance. I believe you will be well served by your tow vehicle
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05-22-2016, 01:04 PM
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#15
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2 Rivet Member
2015 25' Flying Cloud
Tappahannock
, Virginia
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 49
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Tahoe disappointment!
Tried towing with Tahoe and was ok on flat territory but hopelessly outclassed on grades. The transmission temperature reaches uncomfortable high levels I fitted a transmission cooler to keep the system within normal range but still inadequate. Typically changed down to 3rd gear on significant inclines. Lower rear axle ratios make it worst! Traded to a RAM diesel to take on the Rockies! Night and day comparison!
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05-22-2016, 06:28 PM
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#16
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Rivet Master
2013 31' Classic
billings
, Montana
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,570
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Transmissions are very expensive
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05-22-2016, 08:32 PM
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#17
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4 Rivet Member
2010 20' Flying Cloud
Hailey
, Idaho
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 414
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Just my own experience here with my 20ft FC and 2012 Tahoe..based on a couple of cross-country trips each year....I would not want to tow anything heavier (>5,000 lbs) or longer with my Tahoe. I (think I am) a reasonable driver (no accidents in 50 years of driving), but I have been through one bad swaying incident (never could figure out why) that swung the Tahoe as well....pretty terrifying. Re performance, I think 5k pounds is all that the 5.3L engine is good for in the mountains. Safe travels. jon
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05-23-2016, 12:53 AM
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#18
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1 Rivet Member
Santa Barbara
, California
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 10
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I have been towing my 24ft 1968 Trade wind with my 2011 Tahoe and have had no problems. She slides down the road so easily I have to keep checking my mirrors to make sure I didn't loose her back at yonson's place. The shorter wheel base means tighter turning radius. If I forget to turn on the tow package and I can feel the load. The only time I really notice the Airstream behind me is when I am taking off or slowing down.
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05-23-2016, 05:52 AM
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#19
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Look for us at Assateague
1975 31' Sovereign
1955 22' Safari
Ringoes
, New Jersey
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 11
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Tahoe Tow Vehicle
I tow my 1975 31' Airstream and also my 1955 22' Airstream with my Tahoe with no problem. In fact, I bought a newer Tahoe as my older one gained high mileage. I don't even feel the 22' AS behind me. Enjoy.
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05-23-2016, 07:10 AM
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#20
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Rivet Master
2013 30' Classic
Greenwood
, Mississippi
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 12,111
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I know towing is hard on a vehicle and puts an extra load on all systems, but how long/how many miles does it take to be noticeably more expensive to maintain?
At 53,000 miles I can't tell that towing at the limit has damaged my truck or worn anything out prematurely.
Maybe I will see the difference at 100,000 miles?
I guess what I'm saying is: Don't worry about it.
__________________
2013 Classic 30 Limited
2007 Silver Toyota Tundra Crew Max Limited 5.7 iForce
2006 Vivid Black Harley-Davidson Road King Classic
1999 Black Nissan Pathfinder LE
TAC #MS-10
WBCCI #1811, Region 6, Unit 56
Airforums #70955
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