New Airstream Owner Question

[NIdaho]

Hi,

We just purchased a new 2019 22FB Sport from Bretz RV in Missoula, MT.

We are also thinking about getting an weight distribution hitch (thinking Blue Ox Sway Pro). The specs on the 22FB Sport say the hitch weight is 422 pounds (with LP and Batteries) and GVWR is 4,500 pounds. Are these numbers realistic? Does anyone have any real world numbers for tongue weight. I know this will vary from person to person.

Thanks,

Bob

[out of sight]

The tongue weight depends on how you load the trailer. We had a 22 and the wife loaded all the beer cases and other heavy things under the front bed. I don't remember the data but it loaded my SUV rear end down so far that I had to use a weight distribution hitch. Finally I got her to distribute the load properly and I was able to get rid of the hitch. The main thing you have to remember though is that you should have at least 10% of the trailer weight on the tongue or your rig can become unstable.

[out of sight]

I found some numbers for you. Mine was a 2014 Sport and at that time the Airstream brochure gave a tongue weight of 367 lbs. That's for a basic unit without any add on options. The load label, which should be accurate for your individual trailer, gave a base weight of 3585 lbs. with a maximum cargo limit of 915 lbs. Note that the label doesn't give a tongue weight. After I loaded the trailer for towing without the wd hitch my tongue weight was 449 lbs. My total cargo was 708 lbs.

You can easily weigh the tongue using the bathroom scale method described in the Airstream operating manual.

[PKI]

Recommend you do use a Weight Distribution and Sway Control Hitch. The Blue Ox is available with 350, 550, and 750 lb spring bars. For a 22, the 550 bars are likely a good choice.

Note - the BOSP hitch has sway control built in. However it is not independently adjustable. More spring preload will increase both weight distribution and sway control force. Later, when you have more experience with tow RVing, you may want to look at other hitch designs. Research the Blue Ox hitch threads for safety and operational information. Also, suggest you read some of Andy's hitch hints on the CanAm RV Dealership web site. The info will help you with your choices.

Good luck with your new shiny. You will enjoy the adventure. Pat

[SM Rob]

I pick my 22 Sport up in a month. I wanted to go with the Andersen. I just learned it’s not compatible with the Atwood coupler used on the Sport (and other Airstreams). Decided to go with the Equal-i-zer. Rated high everywhere I looked. Since noise was a concern I did get the sway bracket jackets. It won’t help you now - but I’ll let you know how it went when I get back from maiden voyage.

[uraljohn]

Equalizer is Good choice. We tow a 2017 Int. Serenity 23D behind a 2013 Ford E150 XLT van and use an Equalizer 10k LB WD hitch with the 1K LB bars. Works very well. The "Bracket Jackets" are really nice and eliminate 90% of the noise and do not effect sway control. Read the manual and watch the company provided videos on youtube prior to picking up your 22 Sport so that you know about set up and installation. You will get many, many opinions on this site about what hitch to use. IMHO Equalizer does a fine job for me on my rig. Welcome to the Airstream world and enjoy your new 22 Sport.

[billrector]

Originally Posted by uraljohn

Equalizer is Good choice. We tow a 2017 Int. Serenity 23D behind a 2013 Ford E150 XLT van and use an Equalizer 10k LB WD hitch with the 1K LB bars. Works very well. The "Bracket Jackets" are really nice and eliminate 90% of the noise and do not effect sway control. Read the manual and watch the company provided videos on youtube prior to picking up your 22 Sport so that you know about set up and installation. You will get many, many opinions on this site about what hitch to use. IMHO Equalizer does a fine job for me on my rig. Welcome to the Airstream world and enjoy your new 22 Sport.

Same here. Works well!

[eagletoo]

Equalizer