Tow vehicle recommendation for 23’ AS

[scho7623]

Hi folks, I’m about to purchase the 2023 Flying Cloud 23FB, and I am now looking for the tow vehicle. What do I need to look for when finding the perfect tow vehicle? What would be your tow vehicle if you were to tow a 23’ AS?

[Imustwander]

I have a Globetrotter 23 FBT. I tow with a F150 Diesel with max tow package. It's the perfect combination especially in the mountains. I have all of the power I need along with good stability. Towing on interstates I get 17-ish mpg. I previously had a Bambi Sport 22' and towed with a Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel which also worked (great gas mileage too), but having the extra cargo space in the bed of the F150 (with a cover) is so nice. It used to be a lot like playing Tetris in the Jeep with the extra gear and 2 big dogs in the back. Good luck!

[Dennis C]

I towed my 23FB with a GMC Sierra Denali 1500. It performed very well. The Denali has plenty of power, plenty of payload capacity, good brakes, and it is quite luxurious in the cabin. GMC outfits the Denali with all the bits and pieces from the max tow package, with the exceptions being the heavy duty rear axle and springs, as well as the tow mirrors. I added the tow mirrors to mine.

[ZOZ]

The GMC Sierra has plenty of power and torque for your AS FC23. Get the 6.2L engine. 420hp and 460 ft.lb. torque with 10-speed auto transmission. It is a regular aspirated engine without any turbo or boost stuff.

zoz

[GettinAway]

We pulled our 23FB for many years with both a Toyota Landcruiser and a Toyota Tundra pickup. Both worked very well. The 23FB has a very low tongue weight compared to other dual axle AS trailers. One thing we noticed with the 23FB was that it seemed more stable when towing with the fresh water tank full.

[Waterbeach]

We only have the one vehicle for use as daily driver as well. We ended up with a Ford Expedition max, (really a F150 dressed up) which also holds our two full size folding bikes, inflatable double kayak and sundry hiking stuff and still well within payload with just the two of us. Works well for us as both a TV and daily driver. Super comfortable. Tows our FC23fb comfortably with minimum fuss.

[SlowPokePete]

I would say you are good to go with most 1/2 ton pickups or equivalent SUV (towing capacity AND payload being considered) with a 23 footer.

At 25' and up, payload on many 1/2 tons and SUV's become an issue...I tow my 25' GT with a Tundra and would definitely prefer a larger margin in terms of payload. For the time being, this is what I've got to work with as I don't have $70k to buy the F-250/350 I would like to replace it with.

That said, one thing to consider is whether or not you will move to a larger sized Airstream in the future ...bumping up to a 25' also gets you the wider trailer, and I know many folks end up going with something bigger after their original purchase.

If this is potentially the case, I would go straight to a 3/4 ton truck, or find a 1/2 ton with sufficient payload to not be right at the limit for a bigger trailer.

SPP

[B17drvr]

F150 Powerboost with the 7.4 KW generator.
The hybrid gets great mileage ( 24 non tow/ 11 towing) and I can use the on baord generator instead of hauling my two Honda generators around.

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by scho7623

Hi folks, I’m about to purchase the 2023 Flying Cloud 23FB, and I am now looking for the tow vehicle. What do I need to look for when finding the perfect tow vehicle? What would be your tow vehicle if you were to tow a 23’ AS?

My choice? A Toyota Tundra 5.7 gas with the tow package. (not sure I'd get the 2022 model yet), but search for a "Certified Used" 2017-2021. Reliable as a hammer, uses regular gas, looks good.

[field & stream]

Funny, what to tow a 23’ with may be the only towing question that does not trigger debate! No one says you need 3/4 ton, and no one endorses mid-sized TV’s.

I think the issue for you to focus on is the benefits trade offs between a full-size SUV vs. a full-size pickup. (Now the debates can begin!).

[jcl]

Originally Posted by field & stream

Funny, what to tow a 23’ with may be the only towing question that does not trigger debate! No one says you need 3/4 ton, and no one endorses mid-sized TV’s.

I think the issue for you to focus on is the benefits trade offs between a full-size SUV vs. a full-size pickup. (Now the debates can begin!).

Lots of people recommend a mid sized SUV for a 23. There are many choices, including Audi, MW, and Mercedes. Especially if the OP doesn’t otherwise want or need a pickup for other (non towing) duties.

[waninae39]

most new SUV are better than most t 1/2, 3/4 ton trucks. better handling, gas mileage

Andy at canamRV can better describe his experience as he has driven and towed almost every known vehicle

[Wazbro]

Originally Posted by scho7623

Hi folks, What do I need to look for when finding the perfect tow vehicle?

For this question, you need to figure out the weight of the people and gear you will have in the tow vehicle, add that and 200lbs to the advertised tongue weight of the trailer and make sure that amount is less then the payload rating. Also consider if the stuff you will bring is bulky or smelly/dirty (firewood/generator with gasoline) and you need a pickup to fit it/keep out of passenger compartment or you can use an SUV.

An important consideration is comfort, depending on how you travel you could be sitting in this vehicle for 6-10 hours a day, a few days per trip. I know a couple people with back trouble that had to go through several vehicles before finding one they could sit in for more then a half hour without pain.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by SlowPokePete

I would say you are good to go with most 1/2 ton pickups or equivalent SUV (towing capacity AND payload being considered) with a 23 footer.

At 25' and up, payload on many 1/2 tons and SUV's become an issue...I tow my 25' GT with a Tundra and would definitely prefer a larger margin in terms of payload. For the time being, this is what I've got to work with as I don't have $70k to buy the F-250/350 I would like to replace it with.

That said, one thing to consider is whether or not you will move to a larger sized Airstream in the future ...bumping up to a 25' also gets you the wider trailer, and I know many folks end up going with something bigger after their original purchase.

If this is potentially the case, I would go straight to a 3/4 ton truck, or find a 1/2 ton with sufficient payload to not be right at the limit for a bigger trailer.

SPP

Ditto! Many friends/folks we know have "upgraded" from the 23'. If you think that may be you, Tow Vehicle selection now is important...a 1/2T can do the job nicely, if you pay attention to payload. That would be my recommendation for either 23 or 25. I loved my F150 Echoboost 4x4 but I did not pay attention to payload...daily driver, towing capability, comfort, important considerations. If your set on a 23', perhaps include some of the SUV's out there...just watch the payloads.

[ATaber]

Our 2020 Ford F150 XLT EcoBost 3.5 liter V6 with Max Tow Package provides 13,200 lbs towing and maximum payload of 3,230 pounds. The twin turbos are really impressive.
Works great for two of us to tow our 2018 25 ft FC FTB. We get round 11 mpg when towing on hills and flat. About 18 mpg around town without trailer and on highway without trailer about 23 mpg. The 5.5 ft bed with a cap caries our electric bikes upright with the front wheel removed. Good room for other items between the bikes on a pull out tray for easy access.

[Aluminium Falcon]

Mid-size SUVs, full-size SUVs or 1/2 ton trucks. Any of those vehicles will do. It really depends on your type of camping and personal preferences.

[John Ware]

Originally Posted by scho7623

Hi folks, I’m about to purchase the 2023 Flying Cloud 23FB, and I am now looking for the tow vehicle. What do I need to look for when finding the perfect tow vehicle? What would be your tow vehicle if you were to tow a 23’ AS?

I "bumper pull" my 2022 23'FC with a 2019 diesel F250. No sweat.

[egraham]

I would not tow it with anything less than a 1 ton diesel

[Adam Geuss]

Happy to see so many supporters for the 1/2 ton pick up / like vehicles especially with either the larger gas engines or diesels. We towed our 23’ International Serenity with a 3/4 ton pickup with a large Diesel engine. A heavenly experience though a tad over kill for the 23’ trailer. I personally would not tow this length and weight without a vehicle designed for the task. Don’t trust sales people. Trust fellow Airstream owners.

[scho7623]

Originally Posted by Waterbeach

We only have the one vehicle for use as daily driver as well. We ended up with a Ford Expedition max, (really a F150 dressed up) which also holds our two full size folding bikes, inflatable double kayak and sundry hiking stuff and still well within payload with just the two of us. Works well for us as both a TV and daily driver. Super comfortable. Tows our FC23fb comfortably with minimum fuss.

I haven’t considered an SUV as my TV. Does an SUV like Ford Expedition have sufficient payload capacity for the 23’ AS? I can also look it up, but wanted to ask if you had any issues with the payload capacity. We are just two adults probably weigh ~300lbs together, no kids, no pets.