Bambi / GMC Savana

[princem@visuallink.c]

Hello,

I want to thank everyone for their advice. Since we hadn't picked up our trailer yet, we decided to switch to the 19' Bambi. We also traded in the Ford van on a 2003 GMC Savana AWD, 5.3 Liter V8, heavy duty trailering equipment, 3.73 rear axle, GVW 7200 lbs, rated to tow 6200 lbs. The Bambi is 4500 lbs. so we figured that would be safe.

Since the van has the factory trailering package, what should we expect to pay the dealer ($ ballpark) for the rest (Equalizer bars, Sway Control, Electric brakes, Adjustable mount and ball, Bergman plug)?

Millie

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>>>I just bought a 2003 Safari 25 C 6-sleeper and am planning to tow it with a 1998 Ford E 150 Club Wagon -- 4.6L V8 engine --3.55 axle ratio--GCWR 11,500--Max. Trailer Weight 4,700.

The Airstream dealer will install the hitch--Multi fit Receiver, Equalizer bars, Sway Control, Electric brakes, Adjustable mount and ball, Bergman plug.

Here are my questions:

Is the Ford van an adequate towing vehicle for the Safari?
Will the towing package installed by the dealer be sufficient?
Is there anything I should be aware of before my first road trip with this combination?

[dpope]

I'll try to answer some of your questions:

I use the Equalizer brand weight distribution hitch. It has built in sway control (shank and ball mount are included in kit). Expect to pay between $450 ~ $575 for the kit. This does not include installation labor.

Brake controllers vary in price depending on features. I use the simple Tekonsha Voyager model. Expect to pay between $65 ~ 85$ for a unit. Other models have more features, but expect to pay more. The Tekonsha Prodigy, I beleive ranges in price between $120 ~ $140. This does not include installation labor.

I'm not sure what a Bergman Plug is???

Anyway, that's about all I know. Hopefully someone else will chime in with more info.

Good luck.

[Rickk48]

Since the van has the factory trailering package, what should we expect to pay the dealer ($ ballpark) for the rest (Equalizer bars, Sway Control, Electric brakes, Adjustable mount and ball, Bergman plug)?

The trailer comes with Electric Brakes, so I assume you are asking about the Brake Controller which is what activates the trailer brakes when you apply the tow vehicle brakes. dpope has answered the cost question for the brake controller and hitch. As to the Bergman plug, I assume you are referring to the electrical plug on the tow vehicle into which the Bambi umbilical cord plugs. If your new vehicle has the factory trailering package, it probably is at least wired for this plug, and in fact may already have it. It would be a round plug at the rear of your vehicle, near the hitch, with a flip up cover. If not, the same people who install the brake control can do the plug for a minimal (no more than $50 including parts) price, as this has to be done for the brake controller to work.