what can we tow w/ older trucks?

[nurngen]

Hi there, just signed up to this forum today. My husband and I are wanting to buy an airstream, but we need to find out what is tow-able with our current vehicles. We have a 1986 6-cylinder Toyota Landcruiser diesel. Don't know what the tow capacity is and not sure how to find out. We also own a 1986 Dodge Ram Pickup 8-cylinder, but would much rather travel with the Landcruiser. My question is: what type of Airstream should we be looking for--how many feet, what weight, etc.? Ideally, we'd like the most space we can get without worrying about damaging the vehicle. Also, we definately want a bathroom/shower in the trailer.
Thanks.

[barts]

Originally Posted by nurngen

Hi there, just signed up to this forum today. My husband and I are wanting to buy an airstream, but we need to find out what is tow-able with our current vehicles. We have a 1986 6-cylinder Toyota Landcruiser diesel. Don't know what the tow capacity is and not sure how to find out. We also own a 1986 Dodge Ram Pickup 8-cylinder, but would much rather travel with the Landcruiser. My question is: what type of Airstream should we be looking for--how many feet, what weight, etc.? Ideally, we'd like the most space we can get without worrying about damaging the vehicle. Also, we definately want a bathroom/shower in the trailer.
Thanks.

Those engines put out either 103 or 135 hp, depending on whether or not they were turbocharged. The rating towing capacity according to an internet page is 3500 lbs, which matches the curb weight of 4200 lbs.

Modern Airstreams are heavy; the smallest Bambi today has a dry weight more than your vehicle can handle. Even the smallest trailers from the 60s would represent a full load when packed for travel.

I'm afraid that this vehicle is not really a practical choice. You need more towing capacity and more power would not be missed, either. You can pull an amazing amount of weight w/ a true truck engine, but hilly country will prove vexing to you and those behind you.

- Bart

[noreen&sal]

We towed with an 87 Dodge short bed 318 but it wasnt much fun. [27 foot Excella]. Definately did not like hills. Sal.

[moosetags]

First off, welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

I used to have a 1982 FJ40. I towed a small utility trailer with it, and that's about all it could handle. The super short wheel base also contributed to making it a marginal towing machine. The Ram could probably handle a smaller or older Airstream. The vintage Airstreams are substantially lighter than the modern ones.

Brian

[nurngen]

Thanks for all the info. I should add that we want a vintage--60's or 70's model. Guy down the road has a 19' Globetrotter sitting unused that he so far won't sell to us. We're working on it. Do you think that would work for us?

[Mikethefixit]

nurngen
Welcome to the forums. Just keep workin on the guy down the road. Just keep buggin him. A 19' GT would be prefect (if it suits you) for either of your TV's Provided you obtain a good hitch. The hitch I use is a old model REESE Straigthline Dual CAM.
I think you are on the right track,with a vintage airstream.
GOOD LUCK AND GOOD HUNTING
Roger

[jaacina]

They stopped importing FJ40s in '82 and stopped building FJ40s in '84.

I am guessing they have an HJ60 or BJ60.

If Turbo it will be the HJ. My guess is the relatively shorter wheel base of 107.5 and the lower power of the diesel will make it a little slow. Now, the thing I don't know off hand is while the FJ60 came with 3.70 axle gearing, does yours still have that ratio of the more common 4.10 ratio? If not, I would look for a new set of gears or find a decent set of differential assemblies from an FJ62 to get the lower axle gears.

Originally Posted by moosetags

First off, welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

I used to have a 1982 FJ40. I towed a small utility trailer with it, and that's about all it could handle. The super short wheel base also contributed to making it a marginal towing machine. The Ram could probably handle a smaller or older Airstream. The vintage Airstreams are substantially lighter than the modern ones.

Brian

[nurngen]

HI everyone, thanks for the input.

Yes, we have the HJ60 non-turbo. We think it's 4:11 gear ratio, not positive yet. 33" tires. Which gear ratio were you recommending?