Buds Airstream Happy now !!!!

[Airhouse]

Hi Everybody; just replacing a 86 29' with a 91 34' limited 60th anniv classic, and wondered two things; Will a E250 Ford Van with 5.4 V8 handle the new 8900# unit? Also, does anybody our there have a trailer like I'm changing to? Thanks Bud

[willyd]

Hello from Ohio and Florida - welcome to the forum. I really enjoy my 1993 34' Limited, but I don't pull it. It just sits in Florida.

[Mike Leary]

Originally Posted by willyd

Hello from Ohio and Florida - welcome to the forum. I really enjoy my 1993 34' Limited, but I don't pull it. It just sits in Florida.

Waste of a great coach.

[Cantrell]

Originally Posted by Redbird8123

Hi Everybody; just replacing a 86 29' with a 91 34' limited 60th anniv classic, and wondered two things; Will a E250 Ford Van with 5.4 V8 handle the new 8900# unit? Also, does anybody our there have a trailer like I'm changing to? Thanks Bud

Bud,
We have a 1988 34' limited that we pull with a 2005 F150 Supercrew that has the tow package and the triton 5.4 V8. It is rated to tow 10500#. I think it pulls just fine and I have never felt uncomfortable but always keep reasonable speeds and safe distances from others. I bet you will be very pleased with the 34. I think they pull better than shorter trailers--I know they are easier to back up.
What is the E250 rated to pull safely?
Bill

[Airhouse]

Hi Bill; Thanks for the comeback. Althought we've had a A/S for two years that we winter in in Fl. The 29' Sov. We are really newbe's, in that we've yet to travel with one. My Van has a gvw cap. of 9000 #s but is that the same as pulling cap? How long have you had your 34' and was it your first? I've just bought the one still listed in the classified in this forum. If you have time could you take a look and tell me what you think. It's the only 60th anniv. listed. thanks Bud

[willyd]

Re: "Waste of a great coach" , I forgot to mention it will be on the road in a few weeks since I had to get a new TV.

[vswingfield]

Originally Posted by willyd

Re: "Waste of a great coach" , I forgot to mention it will be on the road in a few weeks since I had to get a new TV.

Bravo!

I too am parked pending purchase of something more robust that my F150, even though it has the towing package. It will come together, though.

[Cantrell]

Originally Posted by Redbird8123

Hi Bill; Thanks for the comeback. Althought we've had a A/S for two years that we winter in in Fl. The 29' Sov. We are really newbe's, in that we've yet to travel with one. My Van has a gvw cap. of 9000 #s but is that the same as pulling cap? How long have you had your 34' and was it your first? I've just bought the one still listed in the classified in this forum. If you have time could you take a look and tell me what you think. It's the only 60th anniv. listed. thanks Bud

Bud,
I am no expert but I think the GVW is the maximum you can carry (van + its contents) in the van (nothing to do with towing). I would look in your manual to determine what the maximum trailer weight allowed and what the GCWR is to see if you fall within its limits. I am sure someone more knowledgeable in the forum will chime in to get that figured out.
I looked at the trailer in the classifieds. She is a beauty--very nice.
To answer your question, we had a 1975 31' Sov. for two years before the 34 which we've had for about 3 years now. Both great but I think the 34 tows and backs more easily but you have to be so aware in tight spots like some campgrounds and gas stations. A moment of inattention could result in some rumpled aluminum. You will have 55' of tow vehicle and trailer combined--take it easy.
Keep us posted and enjoy it.
Bill

[genearnold]

I can't comment on the TV subject, but get ready for a mental illusion. When I went from my old 31' International to my '92 Limited 34' triple axle, it felt like it was fifteen feet longer! It pulls just as easily and I'm used to the backing and other issues mentioned above, so persevere.

Gene

[Airhouse]

Well, guys, looks like I'm getting some good news all around. I'm going to get van books out and check. thanks. sent 8 years driving semi-truck over the road, so got the length and backing in my comfort zone. But, know you never let your attention down. 1st trip is to go to Ariz, pick it up and wander east to Florida. So it's a 4 thousand round for openers!!! Think I took a big Bite. Right? Thanks to All, Like your Info. Bud

[Rhonda]

Originally Posted by Redbird8123

Hi Everybody; just replacing a 86 29' with a 91 34' limited 60th anniv classic, and wondered two things; Will a E250 Ford Van with 5.4 V8 handle the new 8900# unit? Also, does anybody our there have a trailer like I'm changing to? Thanks Bud

I know papademojo also has a 60th anniversary.

[Airhouse]

Hi Again Rhonda; Great to know this. I'm a newbe at this and don't know how to contact that person, but I'll play around and figure it out. Many Thanks. I'll have to give you a gold star for your efforts!!!! Think I spelled your name wrong in the other thread. I'll take 40th lashes.OK

[Rhonda]

Papa has posted several times on the Dogwoods and Bluegrass-Kentucky thread. That will be the easiest way to look him up. Take a look at the last couple of pages. You can even find a pic with him halfway in his trailer there. And don't sweat the name thing. At least you were close!

[BigAl]

For what it is worth, I tow a 31 foot Airstream with a 2001 e150 club wagon. It has the 5.4 with 3.55 rear end.
Sticker says GCWR is 12000 lbs.
My GCWR is about 13500.
It tows great!!!
A touch slow on some very long steep grades but that is what low gear is for.
My next van will have taller gears.
Al
PS: I've put on about 10,000 towing miles with this van and it now has over 180,000 miles on it.
Al

[Airhouse]

Hi Al; My E250 should be good, even with the 34ft , my GVW is lower, only 9000LBS. But as a 3/4 ton, on E rated new tires and extra leaves that are in the rear, I should be good to go. I tried to find the towing cap. in my manual, but, there was no data. So, it's going to be hook & test. Sounds like yours is doing you a great joy. Thanks for the Info Bud J

[papademojo]

Hey Bud, Congrats on the purchase of the 60TH. It's a sweet unit.
As for the van don't worry, I started pulling mine with a Supercrew F150 with not a worry in the world. ENJOY!!!!!!

ANDRE'