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Ahab · 12-13-2007, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corraleno

I have a 2005 Honda Pilot AWD (255hp V6) with dealer-installed tow package. It's rated for 3500 lbs max, but I would like to keep it under 3000. I know I can tow a 60s Bambi or Caravel, but there are 4 of us (2 small kids) and I was wondering if there are any vintage options under 22' that would also qualify? I've read that some of the 20-22' 50s trailers are quite lightweight. (We would need one with a bathroom.) Thanks!

Some people gotta have a lot of room. With two kids you'll do just fine with a 20-22'. We have 2 standard poodles and have no problem taking 2 grand kids along for a week or two. The 1981 International might work for you.

wkerfoot · 12-13-2007, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ahab

Some people gotta have a lot of room. With two kids you'll do just fine with a 20-22'. We have 2 standard poodles and have no problem taking 2 grand kids along for a week or two. The 1981 International might work for you.

Ahab,

I am glad you were not the previous owner of our Safari, we now own it because the couple had two standard poodles and decided that there was not enough room for the four of them. They now own a SOB.

Bill

Corraleno · 12-13-2007, 03:48 PM

An airstream dealer told me today that since Albuquerque is a mile high, I'd lose 25% of my rated towing capacity right off the bat, and if I want to go up into the mountains as well, then I probably shouldn't pull anything over 2000 lbs with the Pilot (which is rated @3500). So if I want anything bigger than a Pacer or Bubble, it looks like I'll be needing a new tow vehicle! We're thinking of trading the truck for a Toyota Sequoia, which is rated at 6500, so we should be pretty comfortable towing up to 4000-4500. Anyone have experience (good or bad) towing with a Sequoia?

joe3957 · 12-13-2007, 04:03 PM

I am new here, but I agree with the comments about if you are moving up from tent camping that a small trailer will be a huge upgrade. I suspect you will be camping, not "living in a trailer" and kitchen and bath and two gauchos or guacho and dinette set up will probably do just fine. Keep in mind that gross tow weight consideration should come down as you are loading up the cooler, and kids, and whatever you do when you camp (fish, bike, etc). Also remember that at 5000' (our elevation in Albuquerque) and above your ability to tow will be somewhat degraded. With regards to vintage...take your time and find the sweet trailer. If you find one that has had proper restoration done...you can be ready to camp the day you buy.

joe3957 · 12-13-2007, 04:10 PM

I tow with a 2005 Tundra gross tow of 7000lbs. My trailer is 4250 lbs, I pulled it home from Tennessee in the Smokies with no problem. I have not done any 10000 ft passes yet. The old Sequoia and Tundra were on the same chassis, although I would suspect the Sequoia had lower rating than the Tundra. The new Tundra is rated at 10K lbs. I still think a 60s vintage Bambi or Caravelle behind your van would work out...and if its a stretch upgrade the tow later.

Jim Foster · 12-13-2007, 05:11 PM

In 2000 we bought a 1965 Caravel. It was being used on a regular basis and was in good shape. The original owner's manuel shows 2350 lbs. That is dry with helium in the tires. Once on a long trip, loaded to the gills, I weighed the trailer at 3,000 lbs. Every so often we go through all of the storage areas and find a hundred or so pounds that can be removed. The axel on our trailer has been replaced and is rated at 3,600 lbs.

2bkidfree · 12-13-2007, 06:33 PM

I have just purchased a 59 22' Flying Cloud and had it weighed at 2900 lbs over the axle and 340 lbs on the tongue. I wanted a trailer that I could tow with my 02 Suburban and my 06 Tacoma.

My only issue with towing things with the Tacoma is that it doesn't have the best brakes. I live in a hilly area and I had to replace the rotors with Frozen Rotors and Hawk pads because they kept warping (yes I know there are opinions on if the rotors actually warp). Decent brakes on the trailer are also necessary. Power wise it was fine. Just drive like your pulling a trailer and not at a race and you're fine. The other thing we do is that we keep things to a minimum and load supplies into the TV and not the trailer. Once at the camp site we transfer stuff to the trailer. You still have to watch the combined weight, but better to have the weight on the vehicle than the trailer.

Having a trailer is like anything else. The bigger it is the more stuff you stick in it. We have done many years of tent camping, just having heat and a shell was a big step up. One recomendation on the trailer is to have a tap on the propane line so you can use the trailers propane for the outdoor camp stove and light.

Good Luck

Road Ruler · 12-13-2007, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corraleno

Anyone have experience (good or bad) towing with a Sequoia?

There was a good article in RV Lifestyle magazine a while ago that compared a Toyota Sienna with the Sequoia. It was interesting that in the end both compared very close as far as projected towing performance was concerned.

RV Lifestyle - Hitch Hints

Corraleno · 12-15-2007, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Road Ruler

There was a good article in RV Lifestyle magazine a while ago that compared a Toyota Sienna with the Sequoia. It was interesting that in the end both compared very close as far as projected towing performance was concerned.

RV Lifestyle - Hitch Hints

Thanks for the link, that was very interesting!

Corraleno · 12-15-2007, 05:47 PM

I really appreciate all the responses, this is a great forum and you all have given me a lot of think about! I've read in several different threads here that new airstreamers (like me) often buy a small Bambi/Caravel to begin with, because of the cuteness factor and nervousness about towing a large trailer. Then within a year or 2, when they realize towing is no big deal and they could use a little more space, they upgrade to something a bit bigger. I also noticed at the AS dealership, there were several nearly-new 16-19' trailers that had been traded in on larger ones.

I really like the layout with the bed in the back, so I'm thinking a mid-to-late 50s 22-footer with twin beds in the back, and maybe removable "cot-type" bunks above them for the kids, might be a good solution. The extra 4' compared to a Caravel doesn't seem like it would make that much of a difference for towing, but would probably make a big difference to livabilty, especially with the separate bedroom area.

For anyone with a 50s Safari, Flying Cloud, or Caravanner with beds in the back -- is there room there for the cot-type bunks Airstream used to offer? And would that seem like a reasonable first trailer for a couple with 2 young kids?

Thanks again for all your advice -- much appreciated!

Corraleno · 12-28-2007, 11:36 PM

Well, I just bought a 1959 18' Pacer! A 22-footer probably would have been more practical with the kids, but this little trailer called my name, and I just had to have it! It should tow OK with our Pilot, too. Needs a complete new interior, but the frame, axle, wheels, floor and belly pan have all been redone. Body and windows in good shape. I'm psyched!

Fyrzowt · 12-29-2007, 12:15 AM

Congratulations on your 'new to you' trailer!!

urbanfood · 12-29-2007, 11:50 AM

wow! that's so great. please post pix as we're on the edge of our seats

safari57 · 12-29-2007, 01:15 PM

Very good. Congratulations. Redoing it is all part of the "fun", or at least that was the case in our situation. Will be watching for the pictures.

A great way to end this year and kick start the new year.

Barry

Globie64 · 02-13-2008, 03:01 PM

Hey, Road Ruler, what kind of 6 cylinder TVs do you use? I've been noodling around, looking for something vintage to tow my '64 Globetrotter. I have a '99 Ranger 4WD 4.0 V6 5 speed which I've used, towing up the coat highway here in Northern CA with no problem. We also have an '06 Ridgeline, which is rated for 5000#, with the same engine as the Pilot. The Ridgeline is super comfortable and reliable, but lacks in the style department. I'm thinking of a '66-70 Coronet/Belvedere or similar GM product, pre'71. If it's not too light, a later Dart GT would be great.

Peter

Road Ruler · 02-13-2008, 03:47 PM

Good day Peter.. Many years ago my Dad towed his small SOB TT's with a 58, 6cyl Ford Fairlane. Later on he used a 64 Dodge 2 door hardtop but it had a 313ci V8. He had a small RV sales business so those cars got a good work out often. For a short time I had a 67 Dodge Dart GT with a slant 6 but didn't tow with it.

For many years we towed our 23 with a 6cyl Nissan Mini Van. We were very happy with it and still use the 16 year old van as a daily driver. At 430,000klm's it still has the original problem free tranny and drive train. Engine too still runs great with only one small issue unrelated to towing.

There are many who rave about the Honda Ridgeline. The Honda Owners club forum has a pile of info with regards to how well they tow. One guy is towing a dual axle Airstream with his. Hope this helps. Others here should have more info on the vintage auto's.

Globie64 · 02-13-2008, 06:14 PM

Hey Road, That's interesting. I was kind of wondering about a 273-318 V8 Dart. I've seen articles about upgrading the brakes and rear end to better handle towing. The Ridgeline would be great, it is a fine touring machine and a great hauler.

Peter

Globie64 · 02-13-2008, 06:16 PM

Corraleno, Congratulations! You'll find all sorts of valuable help on this forum for all sorts of arcane questions pertaining to Airstreams. Reworking an old Airstream is trip in itself- good luck, and post photos!

Peter