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flyingcmd · 03-03-2019, 03:57 AM

Hello Community,

I'm very new to the airstream family and getting my 2019 Flying Cloud FB Bunk by end of March and I have a question. I'm considering buying a 2019 Tundra to pull the airstream. Anyone out there with a similar combination? any feedback would be great or what other truck would be a better fit? thank you so much community!

Freedom21 · 03-03-2019, 05:09 AM

Good for you!! We looked at Toyota as a TV to tow our AS (7450lbs loaded) and that was pretty close to the top towing capacity of any of their vehicles (as of 2018). There seems to be so much calculation that goes into towing capacity, it's hard to find a "good" number. Our TV, a F-250 w/a 6.2 is rated to tow 12k lbs. I am sure it will do it, but ours seems to be in its comfort zone going over all terrain/grades at our current towing weight. It is better to have a couple k/lbs cushion when towing. Our next AS will be the 30' FC bunk, keep us posted on what you decide to tow with and how it works out!! Good luck and safe travels!! Jim

SCOTTinNJ · 03-03-2019, 05:19 AM

I have a 30' bunk with a 2017 f250 6.2.

Toyota makes a nice truck but I'd look at a 3/4 ton as well. I think you'll find the numbers just a bit more foregiving.

jaybauman · 03-03-2019, 06:00 AM

The 30 bunkhouse is a large trailer with LOTS of internal storage inside. Unless you are really disciplined, you’ll add quite some extra weight to the trailer since there’s no incentive to downsize your baggage (who says you can’t take it all with you?[emoji12]). With many tow vehicles, it is easy to exceed the axle weights and gross vehicle limits, so pay attention to that. But in my mind there are 2 more important questions: 1. Will you have enough power to haul an 8800lb. trailer through any mountainous areas that you might travail, and 2. Is there enough braking power in the truck to keep everyone safe?

brick1 · 03-03-2019, 06:02 AM

The Tubdra will tow it. A 3/4 ton diesel will tow it better.

majorairhead · 03-03-2019, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brick1

The Tubdra will tow it. A 3/4 ton diesel will tow it better.

Yep, what brick said.

Don't be fooled by the "this truck will tow 10,000 pounds" pitch.

More importantly for me is payload. Make sure you understand payload.

Lastly, I often hear about towing, but seldom do folks discuss stopping

uraljohn · 03-03-2019, 08:46 AM

My good friend loves his Tundra and suggested I take a look at some. I did. I was very surprised to find very low payload rates. I looked at several at a couple of different dealers. Payload rates were as low as 1200 LBS. If you get a Tundra pay very close attention to the payload rating on the model you like equipped the way you want it. Nice truck, drove good, plenty of go power but a 30' Airstream hitch weight is going to put a big dent in what you can put in truck. Happy travels.

Wheelestate · 03-03-2019, 09:31 AM

We are currently towing a 30FB Flying Cloud with a 2015 Toyota Tundra Platinum and think its OK until we get into mountains and it starts showing lack of Torque at slower speed limits...35-40mph. We are fine at 55-60 but when we are in mountains and pulling 30-35mph there have been a few times when I've had it floored with nothing left except a hope and prayer it doesn't get steeper. Needless to say we are waiting for the new HD 3/4 Ton models to come out and upgrading to diesel truck.

winnie1932 · 03-03-2019, 09:45 AM

Hi flyingcmd,

Fantastic new about your AS and we wish you many fantastic memories!! My wife and I have always been Toyota folks, but realized that once we graduated to a 28ft AS that we had to rethink our options. Of concern was stopping, brake wear and tear, payload (we are a family of 5), towing ability, price, space, gas and warranty. Although we were sad to sale our Toyota and move into a different make and model TV we are pleased with our choice and feel that the boxes were ticked. We did an exhaustive search and test drive phase. So in short Toyotas are fantastic SUVs but there are better options when you throw in the towing of an AS. All the best with your decision and have a fantastic summer!

**moosetags** · 03-03-2019, 10:12 AM

We have been towing Airstreams extensively for almost thirteen years now. We have logged about 180,000 Airstream towing miles, and have camped almost 2,000 nights in our Airstreams. We have had two 25FB's. These weigh-in at about 7,500# ready to camp. We have always used a Hensley Arrow hitch system. With this and full LP tanks, our tongue weight goes 900+ lbs.

Here is our highly experienced assessment of the various tow vehicles that we have used. We have towed all over the United States and Canada. We have towed extensively with two 3/4 ton Suburbans. Both of these had the 6.0 liter gasoline V-8. Both towed well and could adequately handle the job. The Suburbans did OK on long 7% upgrades, but we often found ourselves in the slow truck lane with our four-way flashers on. The severe downgrades were sometimes a little unnerving.

In 2011, we bought our first Diesel tow vehicle. It was a 2011 Silverado. We were shocked at the difference. This vehicle, with the Airstream in-tow, could easily maintain the speed limit on 7% upgrades. On severe downgrades, the Diesel exhaust brake can maintain a comfortable downhill speed. We recently replaced the 2011 with a 2018 Diesel tow vehicle.

We have found that a Diesel tow vehicle works much better for our use.

Brian

redhat200 · 03-03-2019, 11:07 AM

Dodge 1500 Hemi is an excellent choice, Toyotas are also great. We pull our 2018 25 ft FBT Airsteam with the 2014 Dodge Durango Citadel Hemi we know you’re a person who loves luxury are you wouldn’t be buying a new airstream. The Cidadel has all the bells and whistles .The Dodge 1500, the Toyota tundra, buy one with all the bells and whistle‘s. You didn’t mention the length of your new Airstream? Congratulations on picking the most luxurious beautiful trailer you’ll ever own. Welcome to the Airstream Community. We also are only two years into this adventure and we are loving every minute of it. You will go to the most awesome places, and meet the most awesome folks.

caz · 03-03-2019, 11:09 AM

Flyingcmd,
FYI, We tow a 2018 Flying Cloud 30' rear queen with our 2018 Toyota, Tundra, 2wd, SR5, 5.7 liter with tow package. The truck comes equipped with 38 gal gas tank. Set to "TowHaul " mode, the truck handles the Airstream with plenty of reserve power. Our truck arrangement has a 1425# payload and a 11,200# tow limit. I am sure a 3/4 ton truck would have even more muscle but initial purchase price, maintenance, & reliability are big issues for us. We are very happy with the Tundra. Caz.

Aircanuck · 03-03-2019, 12:05 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by brick1 View Post
The Tubdra will tow it. A 3/4 ton diesel will tow it better.

Second that. Live (Tow) by the adage, "Too much power is just enough"
and life (on the road) will be much easier.

greenflag · 03-03-2019, 12:47 PM

I previously had a 25 foot AI. I towed it with a 1/2 ton truck. I was actually shopping for a new Tundra before deciding to change to a 3/4 ton diesel. I now have a 30 foot AI and am glad to have purchased the 3/4 ton.
The main issue I had with the 1/2 ton was payload. I am sure I was frequently over payload capacity especially when boondocking. That required packing generators, outdoor kitchen, etc. The entire package handled like it was over taxed. Remember that the 30 will have at least a 1,00 pound hitch weight. Then add people , the dog and your gear and you generally overwhelmed your payload. Never push the limits of your tow vehicle. You won't be happy with the results.
Before deciding on my diesel truck, I watched what other people were towing with. About 90% towed with 3/4 or 1 ton trucks. The vast majority of those were diesel. I appreciate the diesel as I spend most of my time towing around the Rockies and Sierras.
BTW, Welcome to the Airstream family.

brick1 · 03-03-2019, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by majorairhead

Yep, what brick said.

Don't be fooled by the "this truck will tow 10,000 pounds" pitch.

More importantly for me is payload. Make sure you understand payload.

Lastly, I often hear about towing, but seldom do folks discuss stopping

Yup. What majorairhead said...
😳

brick1 · 03-03-2019, 12:59 PM

Payload was my issue, too. I started towing my 2018 28 Serenity with a 2016 Expedition EcoBoost. It was OK, but maxed out, as it only had 1319 lbs payload. So it turned into a 2018 F250 Diesel with 2240 lbs payload. Night and day difference.
brick

Sharon Rose · 03-03-2019, 01:14 PM

Hensley hitch system, great advice and absolutely well worth the money.
"Understand payload"........... even better advice. Cannot be said often enough. I always say, if you have to haul all that junk with you then why leave home. Everything little thing quickly adds up to that total weigh you are hauling on the road.
Toyota Tundra is a really good, reliable vehicle but to haul a 30' Airstream, you would be better off with a diesel with better payload ability, especially if you will travel the extreme mountainous regions out west or in Canada and why would you not.
Family members pull a 30' Airstream as do we. Safety is our first concern and the downhill grade can be a nail biter. Too much capacity with the tow vehicle is better than too little and worth the added expense for deisel. After all, the idea is to get there safely so all on the journey can have fun.
Congratulations. We have no regrets. Happy travels.
Sharon

davidrrand · 03-03-2019, 04:07 PM

Nice to hear several are towing with F250s
and 6.2 gas. Freedom21 andScottinNJ please
PM me with details on your trucks and
impression as I would like to upgrade
From my F150 V8 for more payload.
Thanks!

GMFL · 03-03-2019, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brick1

The Tubdra will tow it. A 3/4 ton diesel will tow it better.

What Brick said

DewTheDew · 03-03-2019, 05:03 PM

I will pitch in with the broken record: for a 25 or even 27' a 1/2 ton is okay unless you are traveling with four for a long time (where you will be hauling a bunch of stuff). I have a 1/2 ton Ford (granted with the bells and whistles) and pull a 27' FBT; with two of us and regular stuff it works great but with four and extra stuff it felt marginal in terms of control (power is fine with the 3.5 EB). Personally I would recommend moving to a 3/4 ton for a 30' AS unless you are getting a stripped down version of the Tundra with higher capacities, and are comfortable traveling light and paying close attention to load and load distribution.

Have fun! The 30' is a nice trailer!