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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
__________________ Airstreams..... The best towing trailers on the planet!
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.
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!
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