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davidmenges · 02-23-2012, 07:25 PM

We're new at this; any comments on this setup before we complete our purchases?

2011 Airstream 23' FB
Hensley Cub
2012 Toyota Tundra 5.7L CrewMax

**moosetags** · 02-23-2012, 07:41 PM

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

The combination that you are proposing sounds like it would would work very well.

Not Done · 02-23-2012, 07:47 PM

I have the 2007 Tundra 5.7 Crew Max 4x4 SR5 and love it. If the payload and real short bed is suitable for your needs I would suggest thats its a good tow vehicle. That BIG back seat is nice and removes any objection to riding in the back. Heck, they even recline.

Don't have an opinion regarding the Hensley. We have the Reese dual cam and it is fantastic. Our 31' doesn't wag, it just follows.

Not Done · 02-23-2012, 07:50 PM

Oh, and If you're going to travel heavy, it's the wrong truck and you'll be wanting to look at an F250 or equal

sherrylynne · 02-23-2012, 08:22 PM

Get ready for some serious FUN!

dkottum · 02-23-2012, 08:27 PM

Great truck, easily capable of towing a much more spacious 25' Airstream. Hensley or Propride are usually used with larger trailers or smaller tow vehicles than you are proposing.

doug k

Goal15 · 02-23-2012, 08:39 PM

Great combination. Im pulling a 2006 23 ft Safari 75th Anniversary edition with 2011 5.7 Litre, using an EZ Lift hitch so I'm sure your Hensley will do great. I love the Tundra... rides like my wife's Camry... Hope you enjoy

slowmover · 02-23-2012, 08:42 PM

I'd add disc brakes to the trailer and a state-of-the art brake controller to complete that package. Upgrade wheels/tires to 16" + LT spec (and CENTRAMATIC's).

bike_addict · 02-24-2012, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidmenges

We're new at this; any comments on this setup before we complete our purchases?

2011 Airstream 23' FB
Hensley Cub
2012 Toyota Tundra 5.7L CrewMax

No experience with the Hensley but my Tundra handles my 25' without a problem. Has the power I want when I need it. I have an Equilizer hitch.

Gene · 02-24-2012, 02:36 PM

We have had no problems with the Equalizer, but if you want the more expensive hitches, look at the ProPride. It appears to be an improvement on the Hensley and costs less.

We have the Tundra double cab because the bed is a foot longer than the crew cab. There's a lot of dirty stuff that goes in the bed—gas cans, sewer parts, hitch parts, wood for various reasons, Airstream spare tire (I prefer it there than under the front of the trailer), junk, generator, more junk. The space fills up fast. We also want a longer bed for other cargo such as building materials that we have to get sometimes. The double cab has a bigger payload too.

Gene

easplund · 02-24-2012, 02:40 PM

Hensley recommended the Arrow for my 2011 23' International because of its tongue weight.

Oh, I just saw that you have the FB. Never mind, then, you can probably get away with a Cub.

davidmenges · 02-27-2012, 03:58 PM

One thing we're finding out about buying a Tundra is it is difficult to specify the towing mirrors that slide out (and in). You'd think they would be standard with Toyota's tow package, or at least something that you could clearly order or have installed by the dealer.

After talking with two Toyota dealers here and reading up on the web, none of this is certain. Many trucks in dealers' lots have the tow package, but few to none have the extendable mirrors. It remains a mystery how to order them, and stories vary on whether dealers can install them (best to ask the service department). One salesman wanted $800 to add the mirrors!

Jammer · 02-27-2012, 04:10 PM

David

Welcome to the forum.

Nice combination you have there.

I would suggest that you consider the ProPride hitch rather than the Hensley Cub. I don't know what the pricing is currently for the cub but I would imagine that Sean Woodruff at ProPride would be delighted to have the opportunity to provide a competing quote.

I have power towing mirrors on my Suburban and find them to be a great convenience. One less thing to do when unhooking to go to town. They were an expensive option when the original purchaser of my Suburban bought it.

Friday · 02-27-2012, 04:17 PM

I have the 5.7L in my Sequoia and tow a 22 foot FB. Works great, the 6 speed tranny makes for lots of options. You still get the same kick in the nuts as far as mileage goes... but that's the way it is.

Mike91208 · 02-27-2012, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidmenges

One thing we're finding out about buying a Tundra is it is difficult to specify the towing mirrors that slide out (and in).

Don't know about the slide-out mirrors, but these from CIPA work great. Only $50 from Amazon:
Amazon.com: CIPA 11300 Toyota Tundra Custom Towing Mirrors - Sold as Pair: Automotive

Gene · 02-27-2012, 06:38 PM

The Tundra mirrors are a perplexing problem. We bought one with the tow package in late 2007 and the mirrors were part of it. But there are people posting elsewhere that there are 3 different types of mirrors with different wiring and some extend and some do not. Some dealers seem to have no idea what is going on. Make sure you get the Tundra tow mirrors.

The aftermarket add ons often vibrate and you can't see a clear image, reposition themselves, get loose and may not have the dual mirror. The lower one on the Tundra tow mirror lets you see more cars next to you, curbs and the berm, and the Airstream better. The upper one allows you to see far behind you.

Gene

Goal15 · 02-27-2012, 07:01 PM

If you can find the Tundra you want with the mirrors on it, then that's the best option from a price standpoint... the dealers want to see whats on their lot, but you are right very few come with the tow mirrors even if they have the tow package... still not sure why Toyota doesn't equip more of their "tow" package trucks with mirrors....

I suppose you could order the truck you want from the factory, but that would take awhile and probably drive the price up

Or... and i strongly suggest this... go to the dealership and talk to the service manager. The mirrors can be added, and even if you have the three wire harness, you can still add the mirrors but you will only have the auto adjust function and not the directional light function or heater, but my dealer told me they would have no problem doing it and because i bought the truck there would give me a decent deal on the labor, as well as the internet price on the mirrors.

CIPA mirrors are an option but after using them for a season, i am really looking forward to having tow mirrors installed.... its just a hassle to always have to remember to put the mirrors on and take them off

good luck

Dana

kds · 02-27-2012, 07:23 PM

Just to chime in, I have a 27 FB and pull with my 2010 5.7 Toyota Tundra, Double cab, 8 ft bed. We have the towing package and did have the dealer add the extendable towing mirrors and are very happy with them. I have an equalizer hitch and LOVE it. You should have no problems pulling your AS with that Tundra.

Kelly

tpi · 02-27-2012, 08:08 PM

I strongly recommend the factory tow mirrors as well. But if you have to use clip ons, I found the Aero 2 mirrors to be superior to Cipa.

https://www.makariosrv.com/products/...-Products.html

The attachment is much more sturdy.

The Cipas are currently resting in peace in my garage.

Gene · 02-28-2012, 07:39 AM

I don't think you can factory order a Toyota. You buy what the dealer has or what the dealer can find at another dealer. If a dealer won't look on the computer to see what other dealers have, go somewhere else. You can make deals over the internet, so you are not tied to any one dealer. If you are an AAA member, they can make a deal for you and they do pretty well.

Gene