Ok, I have decided on the A/C upgrade. Will let you know later what it costs.
On to hitches. I have a class III/IV receiver with 7 pin electric hook-up on the Envoy. I assume I need a hitch bar, a ball and sway control. Anything else? What I am looking for in these items?
My dealer said something about maybe weight distribution. What is the decding factor?
My Envoy is rated to haul 6200 Lbs. which should be plenty for the 4500 lbs. loaded Bambi. Does this effect weight distribution?
I appreciate the advice.
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Paul
WBCCI #2468
2006 Ford F-150 Lariart 4X4
2004 19' Bambi Safari LS
My suggestion would be to consider a Reese Strait-Line Hitch that includes the Dual Cam Sway Control and weight distribution system. It is the hitch that I use with both my Minuet (3,200 pounds Gross Weight <550 pounds hitch weight>) and my Overlander (6,100 pounds Gross Weight <750 pounds hitch weight>). This has been the system that I have used since '95, and it has been absolutely satisfactory under all conditions for more than 45,000 towing miles.
You may need a drop-bar with your Envoy, but likely not the deep-drop that my Suburban requires. Also, you will want to be sure to closely match your weight distribution bar rating to the loaded hitch weight of your Bambi to get the best results with the Daul Cam System. My experience has been that the Dual Cam is less effective if the weight distribution bars' weight rating is greatly in excess of the trailer's tongue weight. The Strait-Line Hitch information is about 3/4 of the way down the page at the link below:
I'll second the vote for the Reese/DrawTite Strait-Line hitch. I am totally satisfied with mine towing a 25' Classic in typical Texas gusty wind conditions and 18-wheeler traffic. I believe it is the most cost effective solution for sway control for the majority of Airstreams.
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John W. Irwin
2005 Classic 28 "Sabre-Dog III"
2004 Silverado 2500HD Duramax/Allison
WBCCI Region 9 Webmaster, #9632
I don't know if you are planning on installing the hitch but I just purchased the Reese hitch myself. It was a fairly easy installation but you might want to read my post on "Trouble drilling holes in the frame" I received many useful suggestions and it may save you some time and money. Good Luck !
Wow....I have to think about hitches??? Don't they come with everything?
Oooooo oooooo....will my 97 Nissan Pathfinder be able to pull my 19' Bambi? or do I (gulp...) have to buy another tow vehicle?
Debra the Newest soon to be owner of a Bambi!
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"A mind stretched to a new idea never returns to its original dimension." -Oliver Wendell Holmes
Need a bit more info about the Pathfinder....engine, etc.....
My gut tells me yes, but I think it would be at it's upper limits depending on which one, plus there are other concerns about a Pathfinder. Some folks think that cause it's only 19' it's not that much weight, but we had one before we got the Safari and I'll tell ya, it's over a cool 2 tons back there fully loaded.
I had to buy my hitch system seperate as the coach does not come from the factory with a hitch.
You should check the manufacturer's specs on the pathfinder to be sure it will tow the Bambi. I towed my Bambi with the Reese Hitch last weekend (maiden voyage) and it towed very comfortably behind my Toyota Tundra. My guess is that I probably could have got away with something less but I intend to take some long trips so I wanted to be as safe as possible. I didn't have the trailer really loaded and I certainly could feel it behind me on the hills.
if your Pathfinder is equipped as their specs indicate, it should be capable of 5000lbs. Your Bambi should fall under that with some margin for error. I'd definately recommend a weight-distribution and sway control hitch though, as the 450 or so lbs on the rear of your Pathfinder will make the steering quite vague and handling generally wallowy without it. The sway control and weight distribution are worth their weight in gold in handling.
Have a great time, and enjoy!
Roger
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AIR 2053 “A generation which ignores history has no past and no future.” Robert Heinlein 2006 Bigfoot 25B25RQ towed by a 2001 Born Free 23RK moho
5000 pounds tow capacity doesn't leave much for hills and valleys. Not to mention the overall strain on the vehicle created by pulling close to capacity. Also must consider what is IN the Pathfainder while you're towing. Lot's of people, lots of stuff = too much for the vehicle. Be careful! Make sure you read up on the capabilities of the Pathfinder model you own.
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Paul
WBCCI #2468
2006 Ford F-150 Lariart 4X4
2004 19' Bambi Safari LS
Roger, I just checked out that site out of curiosity, and looked up my truck...the numbers it had were inaccurate. So I wouldn't trust any of their numbers.
Originally posted by chuck Roger, I just checked out that site out of curiosity, and looked up my truck...the numbers it had were inaccurate. So I wouldn't trust any of their numbers.
and what they had for numbers on my truck seemed to be right on. (at least the one's that I know).
just an fyi....
Good job, Chuck! That's why I included the source for reference. Caveat Emptor!
Roger
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AIR 2053 “A generation which ignores history has no past and no future.” Robert Heinlein 2006 Bigfoot 25B25RQ towed by a 2001 Born Free 23RK moho
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