Craving an AS

[AirGreen]

It's irresistable, jumping into this forum, when I'm out here lusting after an AS. Currently have a loooow mileage Rialta motorhome which is sweet indeed but a bit small, a bit slow on hills, and shower not great. My folks had an AS in 1963, and it was a beauty. I've loved 'em ever since. Question to those towing 25 footers: we'll need to get a new vehicle to do the job. Looking at Chevy Silverado vs Toyota Tundra right now. Anyone have any personal experience comparing these competitors? diesel vs standard gas engine? (The Tundra says it tows up to 10K with standard, which sounds like a powerhouse. ) We want a short bed extended cab. Just wondering how the thing will tow and handle with a 25 ft bullet behind. Thanks for any opinions on this.

[Mike Lewis]

came close to buying a rialta once--nice but not an AS---quit lusting and do it---when deciding on truck or triale size --error on the big side---pieman

[janetb]

Our 25' Safari pulls like a dream behind our '07 Toyota Tundra 5.7, V8, 6sp., 2wd, ext.cab, standard bed. We also have a Prodigy brake control system, and an Equalizer hitch w/1000# bars. It's been up and down, in and out, and through all sorts of stormy weather. We love it.

[JoeF]

We have an 1500 Avalanche and it tows our 19" Bambi fine. We tried to tow a 25" and it seemed a bit much. I think it would have done fine with the 2500 Avalanche. As to the 07 Tundra I just heard that Consumer Reports rated it the worse V8 I was disappointed with that because I thought it would be a great truck.

[janetb]

"As to the 07 Tundra I just heard that Consumer Reports rated it the worse V8 I was disappointed with that because I thought it would be a great truck."

Where did you hear that? It's not in any of the CR info. that we've read--so far. Some probs. w/the 4WD drive train tho.

[moosetags]

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

We pull a 2005 Safari 25FB with a 2005 Suburban 2500, 6 liter gas, 4x4x4. I don't know if I would want much less of a truck. The thing to watch about half tons is that they just don't have the brakes of a 3/4 ton.

Brian

[azflycaster]

I tow my 25 foot 75 Trade Wind with an 07 Tundra with the 5.7 V8. I am very happy with the way it tows. As far as the statement about CR and the engine, who said that? CR gave the truck very high numbers in most areas including the powertrain. It is not going to out tow a 3/4 ton diesel, but in it's class it has more pull then other 1/2 ton trucks.

[CaddyGrn]

Welcome to the forums! We have small, and vintage... both our tow vehicle and airstream. But we are very happy campers!

Take the advice, go for an airstream. But, do your homework. It is a bit of an investment financially and time so don't rush, wait and look for just the right thing! You will know it when you see the one! In the meantime check out the rally schedule and drop by one (nothing in our area really soon...) to check out what folks have and what they like and why. It is always helpful to talk to the owners and get lots of ideas!

The nearest Airstream dealer is in Eugene, Oregon.... so next time you have a jaunt up I-5 that way, stop in and see what they have to start making your wish list of items and such!

Good luck in your search. BTW, you will find the Airstream folks are the nicest and "funnest" folks on earth!

Mrs. NorCal Bambi (traveling in S Tardis ~ from the Great State of Jefferson)

[urbanfood]

you didn't specify if you were looking at vintage or new. keep in mind that the newer trailers are alot heavier than the older ones, this may influence your decision for a tow vehicle.

[Frank's Trailer Works]

I tow a 26' overlander with a Dodge 1500 2 x4 318 gas motor. The truck has a "towpackage" which has a transmission cooler, heaver suspension, heaver brakes, and larger alternator. I cannot say I do not notice the trailer is there, but it pulls just fine. Once I am up to speed, she rolls right past every
SOB on the road. I bought the truck way before the trailer and plan to get at least 3 more years out of the truck before I relace her. Next time around I will get a diesel. My trailer, being vintage, is very light and I am not sure that the truck would do so well with a new 26'. The truck is rated for 10,000 lbs so maybe.
Buy that Airstream, it was the best thing I ever bought.

[boondockdad]

I pull my American Icon with American Muscle.
Get the 3/4 ton Chevy...

[RIstream'n]

Welcome!! Get a 3/4 ton and have no regrets or go 1/2 ton and open the possibility to regrets. The good news is you're not trying to fit a TV you already have into too much AS. Having the luxury of getting the right is good. I bought the AS on one day then the the right TV a week later. By the way I have an Avalanche 2500. Good luck

[BillTex]

Welcome AirGreen!

A few things to be aware of; the Vintage 25's are almost 1/2 the weight of the newer units. They would be fine with any 1/2 ton.
If you go new, you will want a 3/4 ton, it's not just tow capacity, but payload that will get you. The TW of a new 25' will just about max out any 1/2 ton. That's OK if you travel alone and eat a light lunch, but you won't be happy if you do many miles...

BTW, several posts about that new Toy' recently; http://www.airforums.com/forums/f463...gth-36916.html
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f463...2-a-36994.html
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f463...ems-37105.html
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f463...ews-36765.html

Makes for interesting reading.

Welcome and good luck. Lot's of good Folks and good info here!

Bill

[mandolindave]

One truck manufacture that I won't mention ( Dodge ) rated one of it's
mid sized trucks as having a towing capacity of 5000 pounds. They later had to buy back some trucks and change the rating to 2000 pounds. I may
be cynical but I think that some tow ratings are fudged to boost sales.
I already had my tow vehicle when I bought my trailer. If I was buying a tow vehicle now, I would find out what people towed with, and what they towed,
and ask if they were happy with that combination.