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lonewolf1977 · 02-02-2013, 04:02 PM

@mefly2...it's a Jeep Grand Cherokee, rated for max 5000 lbs. The one thing I do know to address when having the hitch installed is a transmission cooler. Any other words of wisdom or suggestions?

overlander64 · 02-02-2013, 04:35 PM

Greetings lonewolf1977!

Quote:

Originally Posted by lonewolf1977

@mefly2...it's a Jeep Grand Cherokee, rated for max 5000 lbs. The one thing I do know to address when having the hitch installed is a transmission cooler. Any other words of wisdom or suggestions?

In addition to the auxilliary transmission cooler, you will also want an electronic trailer brake controller as well. There are multiple possibilities out there, but many like the Tekonsha Prodigy or its most recent variant. In all probability, you will need trailer towing mirrors for your Jeep . . . my suggestion would be McKesh, but there are many possibilities there as well.

Good luck with your tow vehicle setup and search!

Kevin

P.S.: I am attaching a pdf file of Airstream trailer weights and measures that may help you or the original author of this thread. The weights specified are empty weights that do not include options, accessories, fluids, or LP gas.

lonewolf1977 · 02-02-2013, 04:41 PM

Thanks Kevin....I do have that list printed out. In fact, I reference it every time I see one that I like for sale. In fact, it's helped me figure out my max towing & length.

Aage · 02-02-2013, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nskinner

Thanks for the suggestion. I certainly agree that for the same price we could get a roomier SOB and without having to tow it would seem to make sense, but, as I'm sure many on this forum can appreciate...then it wouldn't be an Airstream! We're more than willing to trade a little headroom for the timeless style.

Great to hear that!

I was testing you to see if you really had aluminum in your veins.

And it appears that you do. Congratulations!

So we are counting on you now to become a full-fledged AS fanatic, and do what you can to not let it grow roots. They need to travel, so throw off your chains and hit that road!

steveirving · 02-02-2013, 06:38 PM

Best bet is to simply get it weighed before buying it. Most weights reflect what it weighed when it rolled off the Airstream line in 19XX. Adding fridges, a/c, heaters, etc all adds up not to mention the road grit and rocks that collect above the belly skin.

tuffr2 · 02-02-2013, 08:42 PM

How far do you have to tow it? Will you tow it up any huge mountains? How often will it be towed.

If you answer: less than 50 miles, no, twice a year. Just use the Ridgeline as is.

I had a 2005 Ridgeline. I loved it for lite-duty work and very minimal heavier duty.

I was in shock when I bought a new truck and it did not have that really cool trunk in the bed with that really cool tailgate.

Wazbro · 02-02-2013, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steveirving

Best bet is to simply get it weighed before buying it. Most weights reflect what it weighed when it rolled off the Airstream line in 19XX. Adding fridges, a/c, heaters, etc all adds up not to mention the road grit and rocks that collect above the belly skin.

You forgot the water and pest mess in the fiberglass.

nskinner · 02-03-2013, 10:19 AM

I contacted CanAmRV in London ON (thanks for the lead) they were 100% confidant the Ridgeline could be set up

nskinner · 02-03-2013, 10:24 AM

Continued....

That the ridge line could be set up to tow the trailers we're looking at. They've done lots of these so I'm sure they know. We're going to look this week at a 1979 31' sovereign. It's a little more $$ than we were initially planning on but looks to be in much much better shape than others we've seen. Likely worth the extra cash initially I'm hoping.

FlashSilver · 02-03-2013, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aage

If you are only going to tow it to your "forever" parking spot, why worry about your tow vehicle? If you wind up buying a TT (travel trailer) bigger than what you could tow, or if your new-to-you trailer has no hitch, pay someone else to tow it home.

And, IMHO, Airstreams are really only the right trailer for you if you are actually going to travel a lot. A "SOB" (Some Other Brand) will be cheaper for a comparable size and condition, and considerably roomier inside. Square corners are a "drag" (literally) if you are towing, but they mean more headroom and storage space when you are parked.

Walk around in two or more trailers that are the same investment to you, and see if I am right. I think you'll find that, unless you are regularly sailing down the road, the SOB is a better abode...

You are, of course, spot on in terms of the required TV, and the relative cost and inside space of an SOB. But could you really live with the overstuffed upholstery and oak veneer (or Formica) surfaces? I've seen dozens of SOBs and never felt comfortable in any of them. My wife is an interior designer, so our Airstream was not a difficult sale. The SOBs made us really feel like trailer trash. We don't spend a lot of time inside our trailer, at least when we are awake, but we never get tired of looking at it when we do. We also appreciate that it is designed to be a travel trailer, and not a home.

If all you need is a stationary box to live in, why not get a single wide mobile home and be done with it? It would be cheaper than an Airstream, designed especially for the task at hand, and you could decorate it the way you like. It will not be as classy, but will win the cost per square foot battle. As for me, I'll keep my AS.