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Old 10-11-2010, 01:56 PM   #1
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2010 28' Flying Cloud
Bridgeville , Delaware
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What do you think I can tow.

I have a 2009 Silverado crew cab; 5.3, 6 speed auto, 3.42 rear Z71. I would like to know what AS's members tow with a similar TV. I called the Chev help line but they were no help, just transferred me around until I got disconnected. One dealer told me their data showed i could tow up to 9,000 lb, but they thought i would have problems with a 3.42 rear.

I would really like an AS 25 footer, but want to be sure before i buy it.
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Old 10-11-2010, 02:17 PM   #2
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2005 25' International CCD
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I'd say go for it. You've got plenty of truck if you have a little patience on the hills.

I've got a '25 International and pull it with an '09 Tahoe with the same drivetrain. No problems on the flats -- 2,000 - 2,300 RPM at 70mph. The trailer towing button on the end of the shift lever changes the RPM at which the transmission shifts, and it works well.

THere aren't a lot of hills around here, but in our limited hill climbing experience we watched the transmission temp pretty carefully. I'll be adding a transmission cooler as the temp got up to about 220 on a long, steady climb to Memphis.

The wheelbase on the Tahoe is a little short for the 25', but a good WD hitch and sway bar make all the difference in the world. The Hensley is a lot cheaper than a new TV. The crew cab should be better, but the hitch would still be a wise investment.
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Old 10-11-2010, 08:47 PM   #3
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Plenty of truck for a 25' Airstream. Tranny cooler and gauge are a good suggestion if not already equipped.

I pulled our 25' Safari for a long time with less truck than that that running 3.55 gears - just took some "creative" shifting. Reese dual cam and E load range tires firmed things up. I finally broke down and bought 4:30 gears and the truck pulled much better and even got better mileage towing.

You can tow for a while and then decide if you want to put in 4:10 gears. (2 sets if Z71 means 4WD).
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Old 10-11-2010, 09:50 PM   #4
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Greetings from the Florida Panhandle

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

We have a 2005 Safari 25FB (travel weight: 7,400#) that we have towed almost 70,000 miles. We tow with a 3/4 ton Suburban, but have towed with our 2004 Tahoe. The Tahoe can do it, but struggles on significant upgrades.

Get a high quality weight distribution/sway control hitch system, trailer brake controller, and transmission cooler, and you should be set to go.

Brian
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Old 10-11-2010, 10:46 PM   #5
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We tow our 25 FB Safari with a Tahoe having a 3.42 rear end, 5.3 L Motor and 4 speed automatic. Steep grades cause downshifitng to 2nd gear, not so steep to 3rd gear. I usually control this by taking the cruise control off when going up a grade and letting the speed drop to about 50 -55 instead of the 60-62 I normallly run. You may do better with the 6 speed transmission.
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Old 10-12-2010, 07:09 AM   #6
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I used to tow a '01 25' Excella with an '07 1/2 ton GMC, 5.3L, 3.73 gears, and the four speed auto, and it did well with the exception of steep grades and high altitudes. I later changed the rear gears to 4.10, and it was much improved.

But, you have the six speed trans which is a big improvement over the four speed, so I'd say you will be fine.

And welcome to the forum.
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Old 10-12-2010, 07:09 AM   #7
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When we bought our 31 footer, we towed it home from Ohio to Ontario with a similar truck that we owned at the time (although I believe it had the 4.11 diff.)

I felt that in a pinch it was up to the task, but since we like to travel in the mountains, I decided to upgrade to a larger truck just to be sure all would be fine under any conditions and I wouldn't have to worry about it.

I would think it should do the job for you with a 25' trailer.

Brian
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Old 10-12-2010, 11:23 AM   #8
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Here is a link to your manual. You should be able to find your truck and get your towing limits and other towing info. Look for the section towing a trailer.

Jack
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Old 10-16-2010, 01:39 AM   #9
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1976 23' Safari
Chauvin , Alberta
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I have an 08 GMC exact same truck. Pull my 76 23 footer no problem, did a trip to BC(Canadian rockies) this year and no issues. Friends of mine have a 25ft 5th wheel and a 03 Duramax, I get better fuel mileage than he does pulling or not, although he gets up to speed alot quicker than I do. I wouldn't hesitate pulling a 25 footer with this truck. This is the 3rd GM I have owned with this engine, as far as am concerned best engine out there, trouble free, great mileage and more than enough power. Good luck on your search for an AS.
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Old 10-17-2010, 10:42 AM   #10
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1975 31' Sovereign
Drasco , Arkansas
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Go for it. I have an '09 same configuration as yours and have pulled my 31 footer with no problems. My tranny temp never got over 180° and was the hottest in town trying to get on the interstate. I do have hd cooling and tow package though. Everyones right about the hills,...gotta have patience.
I sure do miss my 1500HD, but no more than I pulled this year, the truck did fine. TCM
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Old 10-17-2010, 11:39 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wperry View Post
I have a 2009 Silverado crew cab; 5.3, 6 speed auto, 3.42 rear Z71. I would like to know what AS's members tow with a similar TV. I called the Chev help line but they were no help, just transferred me around until I got disconnected. One dealer told me their data showed i could tow up to 9,000 lb, but they thought i would have problems with a 3.42 rear.

I would really like an AS 25 footer, but want to be sure before i buy it.
You can tow any Airstream trailer ever built.

Can it be done "safely" is another question.

How you rig the truck to the trailer, is extremely important.

Improper rigging towing a 17 foot Airstream, and you could be a hazard on the highway.

With proper rigging, you can tow a 34 foot Airstream with ease, comfort and safety.

Andy
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