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Roamin Cat · 03-12-2008, 08:05 PM

Hello from newbies to AS and this forum

I hope I am posting this correctly and to the right place.

Just bought an '08 25' Safari and need to purchase a TV soon. Hoping for help deciding between Chevy Silverado Crew Cab 4x4 w/ MAX Trailering Pack (inc Vortex Max 6.0L V8 gas engine) and the 2500HD Crew Cab 4x4 with Duramax Diesel 6.6L V8 Turbo.

Drive a minivan now and this is the 1st time owning a truck or towing anything; we're fairly sure the 25 footer will suit us long term, want the truck purchase to do the same.

Will often find myself a Rivette, though hope to have the company of my guys as often as possible

Sure would appreciate advise and guidance from those more experienced than we are!

Thank you very much,
Rosie and crew

Pat Conway · 03-12-2008, 08:51 PM

I have been very satisfied with my 2007 Sierra classic (old body style). The Duramax engine has plenty power for hill towing and the Allison transmission works great for engine braking. Check into pricing for the work truck model (known as WT) and it'll help keep the pricing down. The crew cab is great for the room it provides, but is too long to fit in my garage.

2airishuman · 03-12-2008, 09:12 PM

hi cat...

2500 or 250 would be my choice...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roamin' Cat

... we're fairly sure the 25 footer will suit us long term, want the truck purchase to do the same...

many folks end up getting a longer trailer very early on, for a variety of reasons.

IF there is 1 change in 100 u might do this, absolutely go for the 3/4 ton trucks...

and IF you plan to carry many toys or much STUFF the 3/4 will have that capacity too.

cheers
2air'

altamont · 03-13-2008, 05:58 AM

No question about towing, bigger is better. The 2500 will always be enough TV for any AS. Diesel is expensive right now (what isn't?) but the offset in better mileage and longevity of the vehicle is worth the extra cost.

knunut · 03-13-2008, 06:11 AM

I agree with 2air 2500 or 250.We tow a 20ft. Safari with a 07 avalanche and there are day's i should have gotten the 250 or 2500. Esp.when you load the back with a generator, and Kayak's etc. on the top of the tv.The front of the truck get's light.
Go with the 250HD or the 2500 you will be much happier.

Steve Heywood · 03-13-2008, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roamin' Cat

Hello from newbies to AS and this forum

I hope I am posting this correctly and to the right place.

Just bought an '08 25' Safari and need to purchase a TV soon. Hoping for help deciding between Chevy Silverado Crew Cab 4x4 w/ MAX Trailering Pack (inc Vortex Max 6.0L V8 gas engine) and the 2500HD Crew Cab 4x4 with Duramax Diesel 6.6L V8 Turbo.

At present a Silverado 1500 with the 6.0 is MORE than enough for your trailer. Considering the cost of diesel (50-70 cents a gallon MORE than reqular gas where I live) a gas powered 1500 will be much less expensive to drive than any diesel powered truck. Yes, the diesel will get SLIGHTLY better mileage when towing and will probably get better mileage than a 6.0 when driven empty, but not enough to offset the purchase cost of the diesel or the cost of fuel.

I towed a 19' Bambi with a 2000 Silverado 1500 2WD with a 5.3 V8 & 3.73 gears. I AVERAGED nearly 14 MPG TOWING with that rig. That truck empty got 16-20 MPG. My current truck, an 05 F250 Ford with a 6.0L diesel gets 16-18 MPG empty & 12-14 MPG towing the 30' Excella I used to own. Yes, the Ford has ALOT more power than the 5.3 gas engine did but would be overkill on any trailer that weighs less than 6,000 lbs. My Chevy would have towed a 25' AS fine with nothing more than a set of 4.10 gears & would cost much less to operate than my current truck.

rwnash · 03-13-2008, 12:00 PM

I suspect either a 1/2 or 3/4 truck will work - alot depends on where you will be traveling. Over the past 10 years I have had two trailers, 1975 25' rear bath (4100 lbs dry) and a 1986 center bath (5300 lbs.); also a 1994 K1500 with 6.5 diesel (170 hp/ 370 torque) and a 2300 K2500HD with 6.6 diesel (300hp / 520 torque). I did not tow the 75 trailer with the 1/2 ton truck but I suspect that it would have done OK. (I do have an equipment trailer and skid ster that weighs more and the 1/2 ton did the job with some effort.)

I prefer the 3/4 ton truck. It gets about the same fuel economy as the older 1/2 ton and has much more pulling power. The first time I towed with it I went up a familiar hill that the previous truck used to downshift and go 45 mph. Not anymore, full speed in top gear. Also, freeway on ramps are not a problem. Fuel economy is about 16 towing and 20 solo - no city driving. A friend that travels with me with a lighter 25 foot 5th wheel and K100 5.3 gets about 12 mpg. At a $0.75 difference fuel cost would be about the same.

A few other considerations. My 3/4 ton sits a couple of inches higher than the previous 1/2 ton. It does not sound like much but it is a little more difficult to get in and out and load things. Especially important if you travel with older friends or have a roof rack for bicycles. (I carry a folding stool and used to carry a ladder when I had the roof rack - not required with the 1/2 ton.) Obviously the 3/4 ton is heavier (6700 lbs in my case) which helps compenstate for electric trailer brakes. But tires and repairs cost more because parts are bigger. With a diesel oil changes cost more and there are two batteries to go bad. If you get the crew cab with long box expect some challenges with city driving and parking - I had a similar vehicle once, thought I needed a tugboat to park it. Finally, 3/ ton, diesel and HD automatic all add significantly to the price.

Bottom line: Everything is a compromise. However, now that I have the 3/4 ton I would not want to go back. Especially for hilly or freeway driving in busy cities.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Whit Nash

Wayward · 03-13-2008, 01:04 PM

Rosie, one factor to think about is how you will be using the tow vehicle when not towing. One of the big factors in our choice of a 25' SE was so we could tow it with our Ford 1/2 ton. Whether at home or camping we have to use the truck for daily commuting and general transportation. Our 3/4 Chevy diesel was a big truck - it towed like one and, drove like one - not fun around town and I do not miss it.

The 2007/2008 1/2 ton trucks (e.g. the 6.0L Chevy, 5.4L F150 and 5.7L Tundra) are impressive tow vehicles (8000-9000lb towing capacity) and are super comfortable rides. Those 1/2 tons will pull a 25' Safari anywhere without a breaking a sweat.

The weight distribution and antisway set up is a far more important factor IMHO.

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

Airstreamer67 · 03-13-2008, 03:01 PM

And, as noted in another thread currently in vogue (about Bucking Bronco's, I believe), a half-ton pickup's suspension will be a lot kinder to the Airstream's frame-and-body than the harsh suspension of a 3/4 ton.

Fyrzowt · 03-13-2008, 03:05 PM

See my signature line. Works great for me and my 25'.
'nuff said.

romap · 03-13-2008, 03:26 PM

Although many folks say a 3/4 ton is necesssary, we have never had an issue with our Titan towing our 25. However, it is only the two of us and we don't carry anything in the bed and we never tow with full tanks.

Roamin Cat · 03-13-2008, 05:11 PM

Hi and thanks very much! I am tempted to say it is all now clear as mud, but that is because in addition to your responses, I have spent hours reading various TV related threads, studying Consumer Reports, reading owner reviews, manufacturer websites, etc. :-) Yikes!

Though my hubby thinks it is overkill, right now I am leaning towards the 2500HD with the Duramax/Allison combo (either Silverado or Sierra), IF I can find one we can afford. Will consider the AirSafe as well. This whole AS and truck purchase is supposed to be a loooong term commitment, so I really need to try to get it right for us the first time around. Can't afford to mess this up!

Gotta go drive one of these babies! They sure are pretty. There are still '07s on the lots around here, alongside the '08s, so maybe they'll be willing to deal.

We plan on lots of trips in the mountains of New England in all seasons, occasional extended beach stays, a yearly extended adventure of a month or so to various points in this beautiful country, and one or two week to two week jaunts a year, at least until hubby retires. After that, who knows?! Long way off though :-)

Cat

2airishuman · 03-13-2008, 05:46 PM

hi cat...

yep clear as mud! now you've got it....

i think many of the new 1/2 tons will handle your trailer, but...

a 3/4 will do that much better AND with more margin, for a brand NEW TOWING person.

it is true that IF the truck must serve as a daily drive/communter car the equation changes...

but again should u every wanna go just one size larger on the 'stream, the 3/4 will have it covered.

new 25s can weight 6,500-7,500 lbs when loaded...

and how about bikes, boats, generators, the cast iron weights, other toys and so on.

E rated tires on the tow vehicle help a lot and they are standard on 3/4 tons...

so you've got to tweak the 1/2 ton specs/tires/gearing and so on properly equip it.

i would NOT start out with the air bag hitch. it isn't necessary with your combo...

tire pressures, proper hitch set up and so on are the keys...

a 70s model 3/4 ton truck has a completely different suspension than new trucks, which get softer every year.

and should you decide a hensley hitch is important, u cannot combine the airbag hitch with a haha...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f464...ide-26279.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f464...tch-36522.html

so there is more MUD to add to your process

have fun shopping and selecting your weapons (or tools)!!!

cheers
2air'

Wayward · 03-14-2008, 05:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roamin' Cat

Though my hubby thinks it is overkill, right now I am leaning towards the 2500HD with the Duramax/Allison combo
Cat

Sounds to me like you've cleared through the mud pretty quickly.

Some folks study things and decide they just feel better with belts and suspenders even though they know they don't need 'em. Others seem intent on convincing folks their pants will fall down without a 3/4 ton.

.......Scott

ticki2 · 03-14-2008, 08:59 AM

Without having experience with either 1/2 or 3/4 , deisel or gas , it is going to be almost impossible for you to KNOW which is best for you . You may want to consider buying used as a temporary solution and not have such a large investment . I can pretty much guaranty that after 1 or 2 years of towing you will have your own opinion as to which kind of TV best fits your needs. All of the above can do the job , the choice will come down to your satisfaction level as to how it does the job and any other jobs.

safari 28 · 03-14-2008, 09:34 AM

You are caught in the cross hairs of real discussions on this forum. For what it is worth I have towed a 28 since october twice to southern california from michigan with a 2008 f150 set up for the task. It exceeded expectations, on e85 and looks like a luxury suv inside and out. It is quiet, rides very smooth both with or w/o the a/s and my wife prefers it over her new maxima in town. It is your choice, but the new series of 1/2 ton trucks and that includes the max versions from gm are perfect what you want. Good luck.By the way I lease this truck and you may want to try that for a few years to get a feel for your needs. When you really take a look at cost/ mile even w/o tax incentives it is not that expensive and a worry free experience.

Ezmoneybcs · 03-15-2008, 08:02 PM

Just got back form West Texas Big Bend Area.Towed our 25ss over 600 miles and averaged 10.5 mpg on trip. Had 2 adults and 2 children and about 300 pounds in bed. Trailer has about 1000 pound of supplies and clothes. I too have been wondering if I should upgrade to 3/4 ton. After trip I know I have right vehicle. I towed through hills and West Texas Mountains at 70mph plus. Have Equalizer hitch and never experience sway.

I got passed by 30 Foot A/S with F-250 dully and American Eagle Mh diesel pusher pulling a car trailer on I-10 between Ft Stockton and Junction Tx but after about a mile of catching up we all rolled for about 2 hour at 80-90 mph and only slow up on the real steep hills. I know this sound crazy but I never felt unsafe. I drive my Half Ton daily and get 14.5mpg in town while not towing.

slowmover · 03-22-2008, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ezmoneybcs

. . After trip I know I have right vehicle. I towed through hills and West Texas Mountains at 70mph plus. Have Equalizer hitch and never experience sway.

I got passed by 30 Foot A/S with F-250 dully and American Eagle Mh diesel pusher pulling a car trailer on I-10 between Ft Stockton and Junction Tx but after about a mile of catching up we all rolled for about 2 hour at 80-90 mph and only slow up on the real steep hills. I know this sound crazy but I never felt unsafe. . . .

Hope you'll check braking distance from 85 mph to a full-on panic stop, then from 75 mph. Have some help and measure the distances, then let us know. I plan to test mine at some point from high speeds to see what the "envelope" is.

What rpm was the engine turning?

Silvertwinkie · 03-22-2008, 07:52 PM

3/4 ton. If you're gonna spend the $$ on a new Airstream, why cut any corners on the tow vehicle? Engine is only one component difference between the 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks.

ROBERT CROSS · 03-23-2008, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silvertwinkie

3/4 ton. If you're gonna spend the $$ on a new Airstream, why cut any corners on the tow vehicle? Engine is only one component difference between the 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks.

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