TV for '08 25' Safari - Silverado 1500 or 2500?

[deauxrite]

I am towing the same AS as you. I started with my 04 Silverado with the small V8. It would tow the trailer, but it was pretty weak on the hills. I upgraded to a GMC Sierra 2500 with the diesel. The cost of fuel is higher, but the towing is so much better that I think that it was the correct decision for me.

I just got back from a 2000 mile trip and the towing was effortless in the Sierra. Mileage is also better, though the difference in fuel costs still makes towing with the diesel more expensive.

Jerry

[Ezmoneybcs]

In reply to Rednax and Silvertwinkie:

RPM about 3000 Average 2900-3300 range depending on climb.

As for Panic Stop I hope to never have to perform one. Even if on the test Track. I don't have the Arrow hitch like you. (I want one but the wife said no until I can prove we need it) I tow most of the time at speeds of 60-70 mph.

If your gonna spend the $$$ on a Airstream and another 50k on a tow vehicle (3/4 ton Diesel) and pay 20-30% more on maintance and fuel. Then why not go ahead and buy A Diesel Pusher MH and pull you car for running around. This is my next step but since I still have Children in College I will Wait.

We purchase our Airsteam 25ss because we wanted the best overall trailer that with the right hitch all you would need is a Half Ton for towing.

[Silvertwinkie]

Originally Posted by Ezmoneybcs

If your gonna spend the $$$ on a Airstream and another 50k on a tow vehicle (3/4 ton Diesel) and pay 20-30% more on maintance and fuel. Then why not go ahead and buy A Diesel Pusher MH and pull you car for running around.

Well for starters, a Diesel pusher would not be an Airstream, or I should requalify that remark by saying not a classic Airstream (non box).

Second, I'm not talkin' diesel 3/4 ton tow vehicle, simple gasser. I have a 3/4 ton gasser and the difference is really night and day compared to a 1/2 ton equiv.

Bottom line, if yer happy with what you've got, great, but don't try to convert the faithful here. There are two camps. Those with 3/4 ton, and those that aren't and neither is gonna sway the other group out of their comfort zone.

[Streamer1]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Another vote for the 3/4, anything. The suspension on most of the

newer trucks is much more comfortable as far as ride goes, and

they can still carry the load. We've been using Burbs for the last

14yrs, but that's just us. My co-pilot loves them and it's easy for her to

drive, especially when towing.

And I'm not happy, 'til she's HAPPY

Based on your last sentence, you know what it takes for a long lasting marriage!

Oh, my vote is for the 3/4 ton truck also. You could get a 3/4 ton gasser, but why fool around? The 3/4 ton - Diesel combination erases all doubt about what combination of tow-vehicle will pull what.

[Wayward]

Originally Posted by Silvertwinkie

Bottom line, if yer happy with what you've got, great, but don't try to convert the faithful here. There are two camps. Those with 3/4 ton, and those that aren't and neither is gonna sway the other group out of their comfort zone.

True enuf! I would also like to add that we try and avoid "scaring folks safe" into needing a 3/4 ton (or even a truck for that matter!). Lots of people are attracted to Airstreams because a wide range of rigs are possible.

Specs are specs. There are many non-3/4ton and non-truck Airstream tow vehicle setups that we could help potential new Airstream owners evalute. To me this is one of the coolest things about Airstreaming.

I indeed picked the 25' Safari so I could step down from our 3/4 ton, but am always looking toward the the next tow vehicle. The 5200lb UBW of the 25' Safari opens up so many possiblities. So, to change the subject, http://www.airforums.com/forums/f463...tml#post538195

.................Scott

[Silvertwinkie]

I'm with ya, up until you start to get into the 25' range, maybe larger. I was looking at the GM site and it seems they have clearly taken what was once 3/4 ton and bled some of the DNA from the 3/4 ton to the 1/2 ton, though the 1/2 ton doesn't really get some of the goodies the 3/4 ton does, there are engine upgrades now availible (at least in Suburban and Tahoe).

To that end, I could support some of the 25ers being yanked around by a 1/2 ton, specifically if it was flatlander type towing with say a new GM SUV or truck, though I still personally prefer 3/4 ton for the 25ers and up. Much beyond 25' though, really and truely, I couldn't support a decision where a 1/2 ton would be the vehicle of choice, no matter how many success stories you see coming out of Canada, towing 34 footers with Yugos.

I think, without looking at the specs on the Porsche, 16', maybe 19'.