Have recieve much valuable advice from learned folk on this site, thanks to you all. At this time I would like to hear from some with similar TV experince.
My current TV is 03 4Runner 4x4 4L V6, Limited, Trailer Towing Package, AC, AT, 640 lbs tongue rate, CGVWR 11000 lbs. gross trailer weight 6400 lbs cap. and will be mounting HAHA with new Airstream.
My current tailer is a Starcraft RT 10 pop-up, when loaded weights 2500 to 3000 lbs, and using just the weight carring hitch. My driving style when towing has been 55-60 but have been known to exceed the limit a time or two, the little trailer is like it not even there. I tend to stay off Interstate when possible, been over lots of Colorado passes on and off road with trailer, Engineer, Cottonwood, Independance, Rabbit Ears, Monarch, just to name a few.
It is time for a change and a lot more class, so Airstream is the answer. I am considering a 25 Safari SE FB. Spec out at under 5900 lbs with freshwater and propane and equipt as I want.
Yes I am pushing it a bit but would like to hear from others who may be doing the same or have done the same.
Oh yea, I will probable keep the RT for places that the AS won't go.
Thanks again for all your help and advice.
Scotty---Welcome to the forums and you already know the vast resources available here. People with your Toyota will chime in soon. As you already know, people use a wide range of tow vehicles to pull a given trailer. It comes down to how much degraduation in the towing experience will you tolerate? Compared to the 25ft Safari, the 4Runner is underweight, under wheelbased and under powered. These are the three elements that dominate in the towing satisifaction category.
If the budget allows, buy more truck. If not, buy a bambi of 16-19 ft. Good luck in your AS adventure.
Hi Scotty,
The specs I find on that yr/model 4Runner show 5000 lb. max towing capacity. And the specs I find for the Safari SE FB 25' show UBW (Unit Base Weight), w/o Options or Fluids = 5210 lbs. You'd be 210 lbs. overweight before filling the water or propane tanks or adding the battery(s) or adding even a spoon in the way of gear. This isn't a good tv/trailer combination. The 19' Safari SE might be a good option (UBW [Unit Base Weight], w/o Options or Fluids = 3680 lbs) for that tow vehicle.
Walt
Thanks Walt, my manual states 6400 lbs as does the Toyota factory rep I spoke to. I am still wanting to speak to owners with h/o experience before I change my game plan
Thanks Walt, my manual states 6400 lbs as does the Toyota factory rep I spoke to. I am still wanting to speak to owners with h/o experience before I change my game plan
Toyota book and factory rep must be out of date and need to be replaced. Oh see the problem the are not taking into consideration the factory installed tow package and 4X4. 2x4 has 5300 and w/ towing package 6700. Toyota Pub No. OM35804U 03 4Runner Owners Manual. As usual CR just never get all the facts. I do appreciate your input
My Safari comes in at 6800lbs. loaded and ready to travel with full everything. We don't carry a lot of stuff in the trailer as we use the T/V, ( an 06 Expedition) for tools, air compressor, etc. I really doubt you will be able to stay under 6000 lbs. when you load up.
John
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Hi Scotty,
I meant to ask in the prior post that you let me see the rig if you do put it together. I'm only 3.0 hours 8 minutes or 184.91 miles away (Sherwood / Reedsport) per MapQuest and we could meet somewhere between.
Walt
Hi Scotty, my TV is a Toyota tacoma, 4litre/6 cyl, until recently I was using the smaller 3.4 tacoma....my Airstream is a 25'/73 model which weighs in at 4000/dry with 800-1000 lbs more loaded...The vehicle is rated for 6500lbs towing, I'm using a reese dualcam and it is working well....
walto
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