1974 airstream excella 500 towing req.

[Maxindenver]

I am getting ready to drive up to Utah to get my inherited 1974 31' airstream excella 500. Can anyone tell me what the best truck would be to tow this airstream. I have reserved a Chevy Silverado to carry us through the Rockies from Kanab, UT to Denver, CO. I am not sure if this truck is sufficient for the trek.

Thank you for any help you can give.

M

[JimGolden]

Max,

You ask a question that is a bit open ended. With a decent hitch, any half ton truck (1500) should be able to pull that trailer just fine. So your Silverado will probably be fine.

If you don't have a decent hitch and are just pulling it on the ball, you can probably (God Willing and the Creek Doesn't Rise...) get it home OK with a 3/4 ton truck (2500), IF you have it loaded correctly. Anything heavy, put it as far toward the front of the trailer as you can.

Please make sure the tires are OK, the brakes work, and the lights work. With those three OK, and enough truck and a hitch, take it easy and you should be AOK.

I don't want to sound alarmist, and this isn't rocket science, but towing a trailer that size can be a whole new world. Do it right, and it's miles and miles of sparkling fun. Do it wrong, well, it can go the other way

Just take it easy, make sure you're loaded and balanced right, and you should be OK.

Welcome aboard!

[ericpeltier]

I agree with JimGolden, more info is needed on that truck. Personally, I wouldn't tow anything that long (31') without some sway control, even if I was towing it with a 350 dually! But maybe it has sway control on it already. Either way, drive slow!

In other news - I live in Denver and am looking for a 31' airstream of the 70's or 80's vintage. If it's not something you want to keep, call me at 303-579-6386.