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10-11-2010, 01:56 PM
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#1
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1 Rivet Member
2010 28' Flying Cloud
Bridgeville
, Delaware
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 7
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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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10-11-2010, 02:17 PM
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#2
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Houston International
2005 25' International CCD
Houston
, Texas
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 6
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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.
__________________
Tim J
Houston, TX
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10-11-2010, 08:47 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
2006 25' Safari FB SE
Broadway
, North Carolina
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 838
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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).
__________________
2006 Safari SE FB
2000 F150 4.2L (retired), 2011 F250 6.2L, 2010 ML550, 2000 Excursion 7.3L
Broadway, NC
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10-11-2010, 09:50 PM
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#4
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Moderator
2015 25' FB Flying Cloud
2012 23' FB Flying Cloud
2005 25' Safari
Santa Rosa Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,153
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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
__________________
SuEllyn & Brian McCabe
WBCCI #3628 -- AIR #14872 -- TAC #FL-7
2015 FC 25' FB (Lucy) with ProPride
2020 Silverado 2500 (Vivian)
2023 Rivian R1T (Opal)
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10-11-2010, 10:46 PM
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#5
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Jim J
2014 30' Flying Cloud
Austin
, Texas
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 615
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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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10-12-2010, 07:09 AM
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#6
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Rivet Master
2005 39' Land Yacht 390 XL 396
Common Sense
, Texas
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,319
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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.
__________________
Regards,
Steve
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10-12-2010, 07:09 AM
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#7
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Rivet Master
2005 30' Classic
Burlington
, Ontario
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,743
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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
__________________
Brian & Connie Mitchell
2005 Classic 30'
Hensley Arrow / Centramatics
2008 GMC Sierra SLT 2500HD,4x4,Crew Cab, Diesel, Leer cap.
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10-12-2010, 11:23 AM
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#8
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Moderator
2004 30' Classic Slideout
Fenton
, Missouri
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 10,401
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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
__________________
Jack Canavera
STL Mo.
AIR #56 S/OS#15
'04 Classic 30' S.O.,'03 GMC Savana 2500
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10-16-2010, 01:39 AM
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#9
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2 Rivet Member
1976 23' Safari
Chauvin
, Alberta
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 30
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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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10-17-2010, 10:42 AM
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#10
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2 Rivet Member
1975 31' Sovereign
Drasco
, Arkansas
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 28
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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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10-17-2010, 11:39 AM
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#11
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Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
Corona
, California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wperry
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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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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