Towing Differences Between a 21' vs 25' Airstream

[lloydnc]

We are having difficulty finding a used 21' Airstream Sovereign and are considering a used 25' Safari. Our question is about handling the extra length and weight as a new RVer.

Assuming you have a tow vehicle and hitch up to the task, how much difference is there between towing a 21' Airstream Sovereign at 3900 lbs and a 25" (actually 25'10") Safari at 5200 lbs. Is it significantly more difficult to lane change, turn, back up and park and generally get around with a 25" vs a 21"?

Thanks in advance,

Kimberly

[Silvertwinkie]

Though I didn't have a 21', I had a 19' (4500lbs) and went to a 25' Safari (6300lbs). Towing the longer RV is not really all that different as a matter of fact, I really liked how the 25' tows compared to the smaller coach. Lane changes are the same, and parking won't really be that different either. One thing I really like is the added interior space. Of course, as you pointed out, this is all depending on if you have the right hitch and tow vehicle setup.

[lloydnc]

Silvertwinkie,

Thanks for your advice. I forgot to add that both Airstreams have dual axles. Does that make a difference. Also is there a difference in backing up a trailer with different brands of hitches or is the difference in towing?

I know these are probably pretty basic questions but I just don't understand the basics yet.

Thanks,

Kim

[Silvertwinkie]

Having had both, I prefer more than one axle, so if both have dual axles, I'd be a happy camper.

Most of the hitches under $3000 will back fairly similar. Everyone has their own "special" things that they do. Hensley is the only one I know that has some issues pivoting, but at $3000, I personally went with the Reese Dual Cam and have been happy with it...picked up most of the parts off eBay and some from reesehitch.com all for under $800. Keep in mind though that hitches are like audio, everyone's got an opinion and it's somewhat subjective. If you have $3k, the Hensely from what I've heard is clearly the way to go, but if that's as rich for your blood as it was mine, there are decent alternatives out there. Of course if you have time, eBay has some Hensleys for about $1800-$2000.

[vajeep]

Originally Posted by lloydnc

Silvertwinkie,

Thanks for your advice. I forgot to add that both Airstreams have dual axles. Does that make a difference. Also is there a difference in backing up a trailer with different brands of hitches or is the difference in towing?

I know these are probably pretty basic questions but I just don't understand the basics yet.

Thanks,

Kim

Hey Kim.
Dual axles are the way to go (imho) Much safer 2x brakes 2x tires and much easer to change a flat. I can help with any Hensley questions. Our 27' Overlander backs up great, I think that the dual axles makes backing a little easer.
Ps We love Asheville, but never have taken our Airstream there. We hope to be there around mid May... Any suggestions?