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Old 04-07-2006, 09:13 PM   #1
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1976 25' Tradewind
Tulsa , Oklahoma
Join Date: Apr 2006
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About to tow my first Airstream - Which WD set up?

I just bought a 1976 25' Tradewind and plan to tow it with a 2002 Denali XL with a V-8. From all the sites I've visited, it sounds like a Reese W/D hitch system got the most votes. The trailer has a dry wt of 4110 lbs and hitch wt of 610 lbs. Is the 800 lb version of their system enough or should I go to the 1200 lb? Obviously I have a million more questions, but didn't want to flood this site all at once. Any thoughts out there?
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Old 04-07-2006, 09:52 PM   #2
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1975 25' Tradewind
Huntington Beach , California
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Welcome H TWO.

I have a 75 tradewind 25' (same weights as yours I think) and use the reese hitch with the 800 lb bars and dual cam type sway controller arms.

I've been using that hitch setup for almost 5000 miles now and I can tell you it works great for me.

FYI, I am towing with a 1/2 ton silverado

-T
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Old 04-07-2006, 10:00 PM   #3
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2004 25' Safari
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Though the GMC 1/2 ton has a softer suspension, I went with 800# bars at first and found it did a fairly good job. I bought some 600# bars on eBay for about $60. I think they may do a better job. Given that your hitch weight is less than 800#s, I'd also consider the 600# bars, particularly if you are using the dual cam sway control.
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Old 04-07-2006, 11:03 PM   #4
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My 75 is the same weight as yours. I have 750 lb. bars and they work great for me. Take some time and adjust them properly. They will be correct when the amount of drop is the same for the front and rear of your TV. Also make sure you get a quality brake controller. I have the Prodigy and it too works well for me.
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Old 04-08-2006, 04:15 AM   #5
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1976 25' Tradewind
Tulsa , Oklahoma
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thanks guys. It sounds like I'm on the right page so far. I am getting the Prodigy brake control and the dual cam sway control.
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Old 04-08-2006, 06:50 AM   #6
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1994 30' Excella
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Welcome to the forums. My first trailer was a 25' 1975 Tradewind and we loved it. I pulled it with a 2001 F150 Ford, 4.6 liter Two wheel drive. We traveled everywhere with no problems. Go ahead and flood us with questions that is what we are here for.
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Old 04-08-2006, 07:32 AM   #7
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When you get your trailer ready to travel, find a scale and check the weight on the wheels of the trailer. I think you'll find that 4110 lbs is a daydream. My guess is that it will be closer to 5000 lbs.
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Old 04-08-2006, 12:36 PM   #8
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1996 34' Excella
Americus , Georgia
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Congrats on your purchase. I will agree with others that the 800 lb bars are strong enough and not get the 1200 lb. Also the reese dual cam setup is also a good choice .Your tow vehicle should do a good job for that trailer. I have used a Yukon XL with the 5.3 eng and it did well for me. Good luck. Davis
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