Any opinions?

[unsui]

This is my first post. I am having a 30' Flying cloud (new model with lounge chairs) built-due to be completed and delivered to dealer in Oregon early February. I have a 2010 Toyota Tundra I will use as TV. This is my first trailer and towing experience. Have cruised for the last five years on a sail boat. Plan to spend winters traveling on the road and summers on the water.
The dealer is recommending a equalizer hitch 1000. I am upgrading to 40# aluminum propane tanks, boondocking kit, and removing microwave oven.

Any recommendations???

[SteveH]

Wecome to the forum, and yes, you will find plenty of "opinions" here.

My opinion is you will be pulling lots of trailer with your 1/2 ton Toyota, so I would get the best hitch possible. And, my opinion on that would be either ProPride, or Hensley.

Now, let's see what the other "opinions" are.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Your profile states 30' Classic SO and your post 30' Flying Cloud.

IMHO....The Classic SO would be a stretch for the Tundra, even the 30 FC would be close to max with any payload at all. Either way a GOOD hitch, set up properly, is an absolute necessity.

Good Luck...Stream Safe

[unsui]

The 30' Flying Cloud is a new model. Not an available choice when I did the profile for this forum. Hopefully the trailer will be lighter than a classic.

[unsui]

The dealer says 7300# GVW, Airstream still says TBA-we shall see.

Airstream Flying Cloud 30 Eugene Oregon | 2010 Travel Trailer, George M Sutton RV - Inventory

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by unsui

The 30' Flying Cloud is a new model. Not an available choice when I did the profile for this forum. Hopefully the trailer will be lighter than a classic.

Un,

The FC will definitely be quite a bit lighter than the Classic, but the AS website does not have a weight yet for the 30 FC so it's difficult to determine how much payload you will end up with.

Don't understand what the dealer bases there "guess" on.

Our 25 Classic hits 7800+ at the scales, ready to camp. (boondock'n)

All the take-a-long stuff adds up quickly!!!

[Mike Leary]

Originally Posted by unsui

The dealer says 7300# GVW, Airstream still says TBA-we shall see.

Airstream Flying Cloud 30 Eugene Oregon | 2010 Travel Trailer, George M Sutton RV - Inventory

Maybe I missed something, but one pic of the windows does not make me interested.

[wmarsha]

unsui: I was at sutton's over Christmas-they had a ton of new trailers there-have you checked with them? They weren't open over Christmas, so didn't get to tour the new units, but they sure had a bunch of 'em.
ol' bill

[n2916s]

My wife and I have towed our 31' Sovereign (actual weight ~ 7800#) over 30000 miles in the last 4 years with a Nissan Titan which, I believe, is a less capable truck than your Tundra. No problems, no scary moments.

A good quality hitch is important. A Reese Dual Cam should do nicely -- my in-laws have one nicely dialed in on their 27FB and really love it. Proper set up is important so make sure your dealer demonstrates hooking up.

Go forth, go easy, have fun.

mike

[unsui]

I am getting it through Sutton's. Looked at lots of trailers, like the lounge chairs. This is rumored to be the first of this model off the line. I have a chance to order it the way I want. Any features or options you would add or remove?

[2airishuman]

hi unsui

ordering is a great idea and what i did too.

the factory or dealer SHOULD be able to supply you with a 'built sheet' and options list.

many of the options have a SURCHARGE along with the price of the item itself.

some changes like a LARGER fridge don't include this UPcharge (go with the 10 cf model)

while others, like a flooring change (avoid carpet), or window change do.
_____________

IF you have rv'n experience it's pretty easy to decide what extra bits YOU need or want.

others have to just speculate.

for example

-solar is nice, but expensive for what's included.

-ultra leather on EVERY cloth surface is easier to clean and care for...

-FULL awning package is nice, essential really.

-'gen prep' adds a 30 amp plug to the front of the trailer which give 2 options for hook up.

-electric stabilizer jacks are fun and easy.

-40 lb lp tanks good (i c u have those)

-sky lights? (i ordered ONE LESS skylight)

-extra vista view windows?

-a second a/c?

-make sure IF only 1 a/c it is 15,000 btu model with heat pump.

again there is a LIST and price sheet u can get, like this OLD one i used...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f296...res-27055.html

((click on the attached pdf in that post 2 view the options list))
____________

imo U will need a 3/4 ton truck OR a heavy half ton.

the trailer is gonna weigh what 30s weigh.

and the tongue with gear and lp gas will be ~1000 lbs, maybe more.

factory estimates of weight are ONLY estimates, and don't include FLUIDS or options OR normal gear.

so the tundra is gonna be MAXED out with regard to payload, easily.

can it work? sure

will it be fun towing? depends on how u define fun.

would more beef be a good thing? definitely.
_________

hitches are another issue but i favor the ones that REALLY do eliminate sway AND make towing more peaceful...

enjoy the new toy!!!

cheers
2air'

[unsui]

Hi 2airishuman. thanks for the reply. I am getting several of the options you mention, I put a link to the Sutton site that lists these options.
I wish Honda or Toyota made a bigger TV. I have had bad luck with all of what used to be the big three plus I am not certain how long at least two of them may be around. The tundra has power-wish it had more weight. After living on the boat for years I am clear on how much room I want. This is the best comprimise I can come up with.

[2airishuman]

the toy-dra is a fine truck.

MOST here who own them love them.

but those same folks will suggest that a NEW 30 is a lotta trailer for this truck.

it's softly sprung and doesn't come with E rated tires.

the axle ratings are NOT in the 3/4 ton range.

and so on.

we know nothing about how much u'll tow, or where or how often.

or how much other gear, toys, people, pets and cargo will be hauled along with the trailer.

the toy-dra folks i know do fine with 25s but stuggle with 27s or larger new trailers.

then IF they opt for the best hitches, that's another 200 lbs of payload used.
______________

i'm not a domestic fan. the ONE and only ford i've owned is an 05 250 powerstroke and it's been great...

with over 70,000 miles of towing a 34 and bed shell and bikes, and boat and tools and camping gear on board.
______________

describe HOW u plan to use the trailer and WHERE u plan to go...

suggesting options THEN is more direct to your needs.

virtually anything added on any trailer can be added to a new build, IF you are willing to pay for the upcharge...

for example YOU can select a specific awning cloth color/patter from sunbrella for a fee...

the one option that is truly useful is disc brakes and UNfortunately the factory assembly line has d/c this option.

dealers OR the factory service center can UP grade the brakes to disc for ~2500-3,000$...

these make a huge difference even with beefy truck brakes.

cheers
2air'

[2airishuman]

ok unsui one more option 2 consider...

the window treatments in the ccds and clouds aren't so great.

and they don't really block out light or provide total privacy.

classics have LOTS more window coverage.

kevin had these added (after the fact) to his unit.

pics and story here.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f485...tml#post433222

they look great with the shiny walls and provide a lot more coverage, and could be added to a new build.

cheers
2air'

[StingrayL82]

I know that, if I were towing $80,521 behind me, I'd want a bigger tow vehicle than a Tundra. I'm not knocking Toyota; they're fine vehicles, but when it comes to towing big trailers, you can't beat Detroit Steel (yeah, I know that they're built elsewhere, Joe, LOL)!

I've owned a Big Block Suburban, a couple Dodge Rams and a King Ranch F350 (you can see them in my Registry). My 2005 2500HD Dodge Ram Cummins Turbo Diesel was the perfect tow vehicle for us, and if I hadn't been in such a damned cut-my-nose-off-to-spite-my-face mood that day, I'd still have it. The King Ranch is a bit more than I need to tow our 31' Sovereign, but we also tow a steel gooseneck Thoroughbred trailer, and I always felt a bit uneasy towing that with the Dodge.

The biggest problem I've had with our King Ranch is the 6.0 engine (we're on the 2nd engine and 2nd turbo). A few common sense (and illegal) mods have made it a reliable engine now. If you wait until the 2011 models come out, Ford will have their new in-house diesel, which they call the Scorpion. It will be a 6.7L V8 and supposedly free of all of the International demons that have plagued Ford, since 2003.

Good luck with your decision.

[unsui]

I don't know where or how much I will tow, based on past life probably a lot and far. Plan to take off in fall and return to NW for warm boating. The Tundra is fun to drive and I can park it in normal spots-worth a lot. You folks have convinced me to get a 3P hitch. I have a Leer shell, at most two people and no pets, a couple bikes. Not a fan of collecting stuff. The scale will tell the tale. Thanks to all for the imput

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by unsui

...You folks have convinced me to get a 3P hitch...

well there's a thread about too...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f464...ide-57179.html

best of luck with the new model

and we'll look forward to the pictures when she arrives.

cheers
2air'

[Minnie's Mate]

I have an '06 30' Safari (predecessor to the Flying Cloud) with the front bedroom/bunk house configuration. I do use an F-250 PSD to tow with, but that is a different thread. I use a 1000# Equal-i-zer brand hitch and have had no problems with sway in any conditions that I have towed. Mostly interstates with semis galore. and towing at interstate speeds.

I haven't seen the plan of the new 30 Flying Cloud, but I would venture to say that a 1/2 ton will suffice. Rich Lhur towed his 30' Bunkhouse with a Nissan Armada for more than 60K miles. You may want to look him up in the members' section of the forums and ask him about his experiences. I have thought a good bit about adding auxiliary mirrors and a brake controller to my wife's Expedition so we could tow with it as a backup. However, the fuel economy is considerably better with my diesel than her 5.4L would get.

Again, without seeing the specs on the new 30' FC, I would suggest going with the 1K Equal-i-zer hitch and your Tundra and see if you feel you need more hitch or truck.

Congratulations on your new Airstream and good luck with decisions.

Oh yeah, I agree that the full awning package is worth every penny. We have the full package on our 30' Bunkhouse and really enjoy them for both privacy and heat control.

[stillcove]

We added these to our Tacoma and they are avaliable for the Tundra.
They are easy to install and only used if you have the extra load when they are needed. Congratulations on your new Airstream.

[boondockdad]

Originally Posted by unsui

This is my first post. I am having a 30' Flying cloud (new model with lounge chairs) built-due to be completed and delivered to dealer in Oregon early February. I have a 2010 Toyota Tundra I will use as TV. This is my first trailer and towing experience. Have cruised for the last five years on a sail boat. Plan to spend winters traveling on the road and summers on the water.
The dealer is recommending a equalizer hitch 1000. I am upgrading to 40# aluminum propane tanks, boondocking kit, and removing microwave oven.

Any recommendations???

I'd highly recommend fitting the trailer with 50A service...

IME, 30A in a trailer this size is ridiculous