Visit our Popular Forums

dmroot · 02-07-2007, 06:38 PM

My husband and I are hopefully considering a purchase of our first Airstream. We've found a very clean 1962 Overlander that just might work. But...wanted to gather opinions about trailer weight and tow vehicle.

We have a gorgeous new 2007 Toyota Tacoma that can tow 6500 pounds and want to keep a trailer to approximately 80 percent of that limit. The pdf on the Airstream site lists the dry weight of the Overlander at 3720 pounds. But that seems shy of what the weight might actually be...not to mention the weight when full of gear.

We'd love some feedback on the actual weight of the Overlander and on the suitability of the Tacoma to pull it.

Thanks much!

urbanfood · 02-07-2007, 06:47 PM

dmroot,

welcom to the forums!

i'd recommend using the search button for tow vehicles. many people here believe you need a mac truck to pull anything over 22'. since you already have the tow vehicle, you really need to look at an airstream that will match the capacity of your tow vehicle.

do your research and you'll find that your tacoma probably isn't suited for anything over 22'. can you tow a > 22' trailer with your tacoma? probably. can you tow it safely, in high winds, over mountain passes? that'll be the big debate and something only you can decide.

dmroot · 02-07-2007, 06:58 PM

Thanks...we've been using the handy search feature and wanted to check in to get real weights from Overlander owners but it seems as we feared...no dice on towing it with a Tacoma.

I suppose that takes the 61 Tradewind we saw out of the running too. Darn.

overlander63 · 02-07-2007, 07:57 PM

Your prospective Overlander should weigh in at around 4200 pounds, including air conditioner, not including supplies or awning. Figure another 1000 pounds for "stuff".

05ModPod · 02-07-2007, 08:11 PM

I can help with the awning weight - for a 26' Overlander is 93# shipping weight.

Terry is pretty close on the 1000# - if you add in your liquids, fresh water, propane etc

We had about 350# in stuff like clothes, table chairs BBQ and just plane crap that we brought along that we never use - So if you really pack right and only pack what you need - then weight management can be scaled right back.

We have a Yukon/Tahoe with the 6500 Tow capacity and we will be fine with our 61 Overlander even with some of the extra mods we will be doing for the big trip.

Good luck with your trailer - hope you get it.

dmroot · 02-07-2007, 08:30 PM

Oh! You guys are offering some hope! Thanks so much for the replys...

This is such a great trailer that we hate to pass it up.

We've been trolling through the dry-weights resource page on the Airstream site all night and it looks like the early 60s trailers were much lighter! Any one know why?

Assuming a 4200 lb trailer, 4000 lb truck and 1000 lbs of stuff, that would put us at a grand total of 9,200. Our combined gross vehicle weight on our Tacoma is 11,000...

No matter how we cut it it seems like we are close. But the post from Peter/Sharon is cheering us up.

And...we are looking at a big trip too. Likely four to six weeks around western U.S. in late summer.

clancy_boy · 02-07-2007, 08:34 PM

That's our plans too for the end of summer - Western US then up to Montana before it gets to cold around late September then home. Just read your post above and wanted to pop in and say hello and welcome. Good luck on the new Airstream - plenty of advice here - I just want to pass on encouragement.

overlander63 · 02-07-2007, 08:34 PM

The early 60's trailers were lighter because they were narrower than later models, they were shorter in length, and not as tall. They also didn't have as much factory installed equipment as later model trailers. In facvt, they were so much lighter in weight that Overlanders came with single axles stock until 1959 or so.

scottanlily · 02-07-2007, 08:41 PM

The other thing to consider is that the trailer is 26 ft and thats alot of trailer behind you .I tow a 24ft trdwnd with my 68 travelall ,tows great ,but I
know its back there as well .pickup trucks usually need some bed weight
to effectively get more stable towing ,generally 1/2 tons as they are light in the bed .The Tacoma is just too small of a pickup ,the tundra is much better suited for the size trailer your considering .The tow rating is only 1 of the criteria you need to think about .all too often the tow rating is looked at as the main factor (and it is to a point )but its more than that ,the size of the tow vehical has a dramatic effect on towing ,like the trailer will over power
the tacoma just because its alot of trailer and a small truck .Many like a big truck because you have more controll and better stability overall .

Scott

scottanlily · 02-07-2007, 08:49 PM

dmroot,

I don't want to dash your hopes here ,but careful consideration is the prudent thing to do .Can you take it for a test tow possibly to see how the truck reacts and so forth ?That alone can give you a feel for the rig .running
close to max loads isn't the best thing to do either ,mountain passes and
the power you have will also be a factor .you will find a V-8 engine will be more to your liking after a big mountain pull with a v-6.Id recommend to do the SEARCH FUNCTION on toyota trucks and towing to get other members
experiences as well .

Scott

dmroot · 02-07-2007, 08:56 PM

Thanks Scott. Safety first.
Nothing would ruin a perfectly nice six week trip of a lifetime like an accident.

I will do a search on the Toyotas as suggested. And the test-tow is a good idea...we were even thinking of investigating the possibilities of a test weigh-ing.

Everyone has been just great with encouragement and responses. Even if we (sob!) pass this one up, I will continue my daily searches of this site, craigslist, ebay, the newspaper, etc. until the right one reveals itself!

05ModPod · 02-07-2007, 09:06 PM

You can always trade your vehicle up.

It was funny with the Kia GT combo - it felt a lot more peppy than the Yukon GT combo.

Towing the Overlander -was great with the Yukon. A closely matched set up as people have said here can be a little nervy in certain situations.

But you have to remember - the trailer has brakes too! - So it should not be pushing you around - if it does then your brakes are not working or you will not have your brake controller set up right.

We towed a tandem Boat trailer ( no brakes) with a 3500# boat on it with a V6 Jeep Cherokee and know all about what it feels like having something behind pushing you along....

V6 engines today have quite a bit of torque packed into them. If you do average towing then I would think it would last - if you do lots then you maybe looking at premature wear on the engine and tranny.

But the best things is for you to research as much as you can here and do all the math - determine what your RV style is going to be and you will make your decision accordingly. But don't give up on the trailer just because of the vehicle - there are a lot more vehicles out there than there is Vintage Airstreams in good shape....

dmroot · 02-07-2007, 09:12 PM

Too funny. I read the last post and looked over to talk with my husband at the other computer...what did I see but him trolling through the Toyota web site to take a gander at the bigger Tundra! Ha!

scottanlily · 02-07-2007, 09:14 PM

GT6921 is so right ,the trailer ,especially in great condition should be your primary goal ,the truck can be traded for an equally beautiful one that will meet your needs ,don't feel trapped by the truck thing .a 26 footer is a great size coach with lots of room as is the trdwnd .Id be buying the overlander
and trade the truck .Its possible you will feel you should have went ahead and bought the overlander anyway ,once its sold to someone else.don't wait
too long ,if its as nice as you say ,go for it .

Scott

dmroot · 02-07-2007, 09:51 PM

Decision made...we go for a new truck and that Overlander, or same truck and some eventual petite Flying Cloud or Safari.

Many thanks to everyone for their advice and knowledge. You have made our first posting a wonderful experience.

krazeekalvin · 02-14-2007, 08:04 PM

We just bought our 72' Overlander. I have a Dodge 2500 cummings. We have pulled it just a few times so far. I was a little nervous at first, since I have only pulled farm trailers. Tractors and livestock. I was suprise at the ease. I really enjoy pulling it. Just waiting for a trip.

uwe · 02-14-2007, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmroot

Decision made...we go for a new truck and that Overlander, or same truck and some eventual petite Flying Cloud or Safari.

Many thanks to everyone for their advice and knowledge. You have made our first posting a wonderful experience.

My 63 Overlander is a most wonderful home on wheels. I congratulate you on your decision to toss the truck and go for the Overlander. Trucks are dime a dozen.....cool trailers are rare! After all - Overlanders Rule!

overlander63 · 02-14-2007, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uwe

After all - Overlanders Rule!

Especially '63s!

uwe · 02-14-2007, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by overlander63

Especially '63s!

Yes, indeed! My decked out and heavily modded 63 still tows great with a 1/2 ton, well equipped truck. ( 97 Suburban 1500)
I documented my restoration in a thread calles "a 63 for me". Y'all take a look....it's got weights and measures in one of the last posts. Pack a lunch, it's a long thread....
I learned the "y'all thing during a trip through Texas last year, btw.

Wabbiteer · 02-15-2007, 10:42 AM

Okay - now go over what you have again very carefully, for example, my F-150 is 'docked' 500 pounds weight due to having 17" wheel option but the door column sticker was printed for 16" wheels.

Have the Toyota as near traveling weight as possible, topper on, all passengers in place, hitch ball installed, full tank of gasolene and then visit the local CAT scale and get a true vehicle weight. Too often the Man'f states an unrealistic base weight that only reflects the most stripped down chassis they might offer to a fleet service buyer...