am I crazy??

[stujan]

I have talked my wife into an Airstream and she really likes the 30' classic.
My truck is a 2015 GMC 1500 5.3L engine with the tow package (9200 pound towing). My question is this I will get a new truck but it will be several years from now.
I always empty the black and grey tank and on;y travel with 1/4 fresh water
Do I need to skip on the airestream classic and wait several years when I get a 3/4 ton or will I be ok. We travel to Colorado some and I understand that will be slow going and downshift going downhill

[kendrick.l.j]

This is strictly my opinion. I have a 2017 Classic 30 and when I was doing my research on which truck to get I just didn't think that a 150/1500 would be safe enough for the Classic. It was just too close to the high end of capabilities. The 350/3500 seemed like just too much truck, a little overkill. Obviously I settled on the 2500 with the Hensley hitch. I have been very happy with my decision.
I did all of my research before I found this forum so I didn't have the benefit of the membership here.
I ish you well in your search. If you do get the Classic I have no doubt you will love it. I do.

[stujan]

Kendrick LJ
I agree a 3/4 ton would be the best truck. However, I already own the 1/2 truck before we looked at the Classic. I can not buy a Classic and trade in my truck for a 3/4 ton at this time.

[sandollars]

GVWR is 10k if I remember correctly. @ things to keep in mind: 1. You don't ever want to be in a situation where the "Tail wags the dog" and it is very likely when you tow more than you are rated for. 2. I could see a clever insurance company argue their way out of payment on an accident especially if medical was involved (or worse....) if you were not using the proper equipment to tow your heavy trailer.

I would never in a million years do it simply because I have worked too hard to save up what little retirement cash I have to give it away so I could have 2 more feet of trailer OR save 10 - 20 grand by not getting a the proper sized truck. As always this is JMHO.

BTW
I tow with a 2016 Toyota Tundra 1794 4WD.
Max Towing 9,800 lbs and max Tongue weight (very important) 980lbs.
My 27FB Serenity: Max GVWR 7,600 lbs. and Tongue weight as equipped: 822 lbs.

[FCStreamer]

There's someone here who tows a Classic with a Tundra. In my opinion, it is possible, but you are pushing it. I opted for a 30' Flying Cloud which weighs less. I just could not justify the risk of pulling a 30' Classic with an F150 (and now an Escalade).

It is possible for you to pull it and be within your limits. I am not sure I would want to pull that way but to each his own. Good luck with your decision.

[DaveMc]

Similar dilemma for me. I opted for a gently used 3/4 ton that fit the budget. After almost 7000 miles towing, I know it was the right decision for me. You mileage may vary, as it's a very personal decision.

Admittedly, finding a good used 3/4 ton was harder than finding the right Airstream-- 3/4 tons get abused or overly modified (lift kits, etc) down here in Texas. Good luck and I hope it works out!

[bwoodtx]

I have pulled my '97 31' Classic with a Chevy 1500 4x4. 5.3 engine and 3.42 gearing. Would I do it continuously-no. Intermittently-yes as in trips within a 100miles of home. Trailer is just too heavy for the truck IMHO. Ratings aside, when you hit the road, you have to feel safe and comfortable. I was not. The reason I pulled with the 1500 was that my 3500 was in the shop. I have since gone to a 2500HD 6.0 gas and like it much better.

[stujan]

Thank you all for your input. I always felt that my truck was just a little light to tow the classic. So we are going to look at flying cloud in the 25-27 foot range and see how we like the airstream. And if in the future we upgrade our truck we may look at the classic.

[kendrick.l.j]

Great to hear. The right truck with the right TT makes the whole thing much more fun. Staying within your budget is always the best decision. When we all get together it doesn't matter who has the biggest it's all about enjoying the experience.

[FCStreamer]

Originally Posted by stujan

Thank you all for your input. I always felt that my truck was just a little light to tow the classic. So we are going to look at flying cloud in the 25-27 foot range and see how we like the airstream. And if in the future we upgrade our truck we may look at the classic.

Don't be afraid of the 30' Flying Cloud. Your truck should be able to pull it just fine. Good luck!

[4riveteers]

We have a 2016 27 FC FB Twin. We originally towed it with our 2002 Yukon XL, 1500, 5.3 gas 2x4. It just was not enough truck IMHO. Especially when it came to steeper grades, up and down. We read a bunch of forums and decided to take a bit of the advise and had a gear axle ratio change from the stock 3.73 gears to 4.10's. A good improvement and towed it this way for about 6 months. Never felt the confidence I was looking for and there were other factors. Brakes, engine size, tow package items. So we did some research with the published info available on the net and found an original sales brochure from 2005 for this line of GMC's. With a little searching we found a "newer" 2005 Yukon XL 2500 4x4 6.0 engine. Excellent shape for a tow vehicular that had 30 k less miles on it than the one we had. We sold the old one for $5k and found the newer one for $6k. Did a gear swap again to the 4.10 gears ( note on a 4x4 it costs you double because you have to change out front and rear gear set ) but now she pulls nice. And I have the 4x4 and slightly bigger engine if I ever need it. Did a few other upgrades as time and budget permitted, cold air intake , programmer, better exhaust etc. and it just looks correct when you stand back and look at it from a distance. I did have to readjust my Equalizer distribution hitch to match the 4" higher profile. IMO you need the correct base TV to start with. This concept worked best for me. Kendrick.l.j has it right, "enjoy the experience"!

[Andrew T]

Over the years thousands of Airstream's equal or larger than the classic have been towed millions of miles by Half tons with far less power than yours. If you can live with 45 mph for 1% if your driving you will have no issues.

If you optimize your tires and shocks and configure the right hitch properly you will be safer and more stable than the current 3/4 tons with a much better ride as a bonus. I hope this helps. Andy.

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by stujan

Thank you all for your input. I always felt that my truck was just a little light to tow the classic. So we are going to look at flying cloud in the 25-27 foot range and see how we like the airstream. And if in the future we upgrade our truck we may look at the classic.

Trust your instincts and feelings, and this will work out fine IMO.

Good luck!

[paiceman]

Originally Posted by stujan

Thank you all for your input. I always felt that my truck was just a little light to tow the classic. So we are going to look at flying cloud in the 25-27 foot range and see how we like the airstream. And if in the future we upgrade our truck we may look at the classic.

Just me, and maybe some others, but having done this for 45 years I'd suggest with a 1/2 Ton and doing it with some regularity and over various terrains I'd stick with the 25' Airstream. OR as pointed out look for a nice used 3/4 or 1 Ton Diesel and do a trade of a sell and buy. Lots of them usually out there, and get the "final" Airstream now before you buy that and trade up as well. Just a thought.

Bud

[Chatthayer]

You are good given my 10,000 towing miles.

[Chatthayer]

Just take it easy. Upgrade when you can to 3/4

[stujan]

Thanks I would really like to get the classic. I have just about convinced my wife that if we take it easy that we can get a truck in a couple of years when I retire. The thought of buying smaller then in a couple of years upgrading both the trailer and the truck is not appealing to me

[OTRA15]

. . . putting the cart before the horse . . . ?

Seems like your first instinct was that your TV would be disappointing pulling the 30' wasn't it?

Trust . . . as your lives may depend on it IMO.

Conservative approach? Yes, for sure!

Still breathin' . . .

[Bougeois]

30ft classic. I tow with 2017 f150 eco-boost 4*4. 10,200 towing capacity and 1647 payload on truck. The numbers are all with in the manufacture specs. I did buy a pro pride hitch. Made a huge difference. Not cheap.
Yes I love over kill and wanted a f250 but wouldn't fit in my garage, and didn't want a big truck for 95% for my driving. Ive towed it with 2017 f150 and 2017 f250 yes I can tell a difference. But my f150 does just fine.

If $$$ and your towing it a lot go big!

[rmkrum]

Just bring along a bit of patience for the big long slowish hill climbs. But, Hey, you are out camping--there's no hurry.

Or at least that's the best way to think about it.

Someday I get to upgrade to a Tundra, according to DW...