Volvo XC90

[PharmGeek]

Also - towing is a part of this thread and I'm not worried about thread creep - but also would like responses about 16-19 foot models that are in the neighborhood of 6-12k

Ps - she texted me about a 19 footer that was "newer" (I forget the year) for 19.5k - she started asking about financing lol - uh oh

The unit sold before she could even think about it

[m.hony]

Sometimes when financing it is easier to purchase a new one or a nearly new one.
The asking price of older ones is generally above loan value, so when purchasing an older one you will at least need some cash to make up the difference between asking price and loan price.

[cameront120]

Is she looking at newer models or vintage? Some of the old Globetrotters and Caravels or terrific little trailers.

[helmsman]

Hello PharmGeek:

Yesterday You asked how much do the older Airstreams weigh. I understand you were referring to Airstreams under 20 feet.

I don't know exactly what one of those might weigh, but the owners manual for my 22 foot '67 Airstream states mine weighs 3420 Lbs with a hitch weight of 398 Lbs.

I hope that gives you a ball park figure about the weight difference between older and newer Airstreams. My 22' Airstream is narrower than the new ones. A new one will not fit down my driveway.

Enjoy the life!

[andreasduess]

Here's a link to a pdf that lists trailer weights all the way back to the 1950's.

A 18' Wanderer weight in at 2130#.

http://www.airstream.com/files/libra...c5c1005fbf.pdf

[Andrew T]

Those older weights do not include options. In those days almost everything was an option so actual weights tend to be quite a bit higher, Not that weight matters that much towing an Airstream.

[65CV]

These numbers from our 65 Caravel may help:

Original Weight 2250
Restored, with A/C, etc 2700
Fully loaded with gear, water 3100

Don't have the trailer anymore -- those are my best recollection.

[Road Ruler]

Originally Posted by andreasduess

The XC90, like most Volvos, is a bit of a tank.

I would use one to tow my own trailer without worry or hesitation.

Agree andreasduess.... A vehicle with a rock solid build is a great place to start when looking for a TV.
We too would have no problem towing our 23' with a C.A. set up Volvo.

[PharmGeek]

It seems to me in reviewing the stats, most of the 16-19 foot options are within spec for towing with her current vehicle...

The bits of towing advice from folks about the relative arbitrariness of the stated "towing capacity" may be moot if we are talking about most of these models (especially vintage, which seem to fall within towing parameters per spec, so no "conflict there")....

So before we continue on discussions of towing capacity and philosophical quandries (that are well known to me and most other "regulars" on this forum)....let us perhaps get past towing questions and move to TT choice anyway...if that is ok with folks (although if you have something critical to add, I by no means am disuading you from sharing on the subject of towing at this point).

Question: if she goes for an "older" used unit that needs no work really, we are talking what 10-20K (more close to 20 if all in perfect order).

If we are talking 15+K I am guessing she would be looking at financing (although I am not 100% sure of this)...what would be a ballpark monthly paymet or interest rate on such a purchase assuming excellent credit...mhony mentioned a point that buying new for a shorter airstream may be "close enough" to consider as an alternative....but even at 15K with relatively higher interest, this would still be smaller payment and shorter term of the loan??

Also, considerations for vintage units as far as how much work, money etc she can expect to put into such a unit...

yeah, that may be too broad a question I guess.....

I have been playing up 19 ish footers, but I told her she needs to go sit in some units and decide for herself.

[cameront120]

I don't think anyone of us can answer financing questions because everyone's credit history and borrowing ability is different. I'd probably get a decent interest rate on a personal loan from a bank or credit union that knows me and something altogether different at another. You might have better luck looking into a line of credit as those usually have better interest rates, especially if they can be secured against a home.

[Tomzstream]

USAA Bank has rates on new RV purchases that range from 6.9% for the smallest shortest loans to 3.99% for the biggest longest (>100K and >240 months)

Great company to insure with as well.

Must be a member of course. They also do refinances on RVs.

We have all our policies with them. Recently financed a 2014 E-Class @ 2.4%

[Kevin245]

<<Mod Mode>>

Let's take this to heart and keep things in check going forward, we cleaned up many of the off topic and chiding material.

The fact that you refer to staff intervention tells us you all know better so let's keep things on topic and "nice" going forward. Given the seemingly inflammatory nature of TV[B][B] threads... This is not a request gang.

Originally Posted by andreasduess

Lets not get this thread locked - Pharm was looking for advice about towing with a specific car. Let's just present all the facts without getting all emotional about it.

Those are:

The Volvo is rated higher in Europe than in the US. Why, we're not sure.
The available payload is excellent.
Engine power output is ample for all but the heaviest trailers on all but the steepest inclines.
The car is sturdy and well built, with a sophisticated suspension.
Capabilities can further be improved by using a strong hitch and cooling the transmission - installing a tow package.
It has a proven track record as a successful tow vehicle.

The rest is up to Pharm and his friend.

[PharmGeek]

I've never heard yet if a caravel

[cameront120]

Originally Posted by PharmGeek

I've never heard yet if a caravel

The Caravel was a model available in the 60's and early 70's and came in 17 and 18 foot lengths.

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by PharmGeek

I've never heard yet if a caravel

In addition to the older "Caravel" cameront120 mentioned, there was also the "Caravelle" that was a silver (Airstream) version of one of the Argosy Minuet, a narrower-than-standard trailer built for a couple of years around 1980, right around when they discontinued Argosy trailers for a couple of years. It didn't get the Argosy wrap windows at the front corners, but it did have the Airstream 5-panel aluminum endcaps.

They're rare, though... I'd like to find one for our "small" trailer after we get the 28' Argosy sorted and perhaps sell the 24'...

[PharmGeek]

Cool - such a rich history - need to google some pics

Is there a book you can buy categorizing a selection of some key models over the years? That would be cool coffee table book - and I digress

[m.hony]

"Wanderlust: Airstream at 75" is a nice coffee table book about the history of Airstream.
Funny thing is it is $40 from Airstream, but $120 from other sources.
After I realized that I ordered mine from the mother ship.
Even with $16 shipping it is less expensive than anywhere else.
I ordered some other things at the same time to get the most out of my $16 shipping.
It is a beautiful book and there are limited supplies. When they're gone, they're gone.

[cameront120]

Originally Posted by PharmGeek

Cool - such a rich history - need to google some pics

Is there a book you can buy categorizing a selection of some key models over the years? That would be cool coffee table book - and I digress

In case you're not already familiar, Vintageairstream.com has a comprehensive photo archive of models by year. It's not a coffee table book, but is useful. And there are often several examples of each model year to explore the different options that were available.

Vintage Airstream Photo Archives - Vintage Airstream

[PharmGeek]

Excellent!! Thanks everyone - I'll pass it on.

[m.hony]

I saw this XC90 today. It has a V8 and AWD. It is almost as large as the Tahoe next to it.