New Member, New Bambi 16' & New Tacoma TV

[Mageliza]

I've been visiting the site for a couple of months. Lots of great info for a beginner. Happy to report that 2/18 I picked up my AS and Tacoma TRD Off Road scheduled for 3/20. Very exciting stuff. Trying to become familiar with everything before taking first trip scheduled for end of month. In the interim I am practicing backing up (ugh) etc. Would appreciate advise on whether or not I need to install a sway device like the Hensley hitch. Thanks much.

[Rich of SCal]

Congrats! Great adventures await you. I have the Sport 16. Have made 21 trips in 3 years. Keeps getting better. Re sway hitch. These are relatively light trailers, but heavier than the vintage Streams were. Some will tell you anti sway is not needed. I lean to those who say it IS a good idea. Winds, icy roads, etc. can affect sway.

Having said that, I don't think we need a heavy anti-sway unit like longer trailers do. I ended up ditching my heavy bar system and going with the Andersen weight distribution/friction antisway setup. I also had a Quickbite coupler installed, which works perfectly with the Andersen.

There are a lot of differing opinions on the Andersen, but many of the skeptics (not all) concede that it is probably ok on shorter ASs like ours. The beauty is: Easy to hook up and adjust-much less weight and bulk to carry or store.

Good luck with your new rig!

-Ric

[AWCHIEF]

Welcome
Personally I think the h-pp is over kill for a trailer your size. The Andersen or Blue Ox would be a better choice. I have happily used them both.

[SteveH]

If I were towing a 16' Airstream, there is no doubt I would use an Andersen WD anti-sway hitch, of course after changing the coupler.

I use an Andersen with a 17' Casita and I really like it towing with an FJ Cruiser.

Welcome to the forum, and welcome to Airstreaming.

[moosetags]

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

Congrats on your new Airstream. May you have many great Airstream Adventures.

Brian

[spenfolder]

Congratulations on the new Airstream! You are going to love it! Great adventures await.

I tow a 16' and I use an Equal-i-zer for weight distribution. It helps. I agree with others that a Hensley is probably over-kill. Any of the hitches recommended above should work.

Welcome to the forums and have fun!

Stan
Salt Lake City

[Mageliza]

So much to learn. Someone suggested I needed to have a Electric Trailer Brake Control & recommended a Tekonsha brand. What are your opinions. Is this really necessary?

[SteveH]

The brake controller is absolutely mandatory, a must have. Tekonsha is a good brand, and if you only intend to tow this trailer, the P2 will work well for you.

[Rjpuckett]

Yes on the brake control.

[mutcth]

Congrats on all of the new toys.

Originally Posted by Mageliza

So much to learn. Someone suggested I needed to have a Electric Trailer Brake Control & recommended a Tekonsha brand. What are your opinions. Is this really necessary?

As others said, it's 100% essential. I'm assuming your Tacoma has the factory tow package. If it does, installing the brake controller is easy, as there's a factory-wired connector under the dashboard. Just get the controller with the appropiate Toyota wiring pigtail (etrailer.com is good for this) and it's plug-and-play.

I liked my Tekonsha controller plenty, but I like the Direclink controller (sold factory direct) that I now use more. Although it's quite a bit more expensive, it does a better job interfacing with the vehicle's braking electronics, and also allows more flexibility in mounting the display/controller. Versions are available to work with Toyota.

Tom

[dbj216]

Welcome to the Airstream community. Your new outfit will bring many smiles, from you and from others.

Yep, you need a brake controller, and a weight distributing hitch with a little anti sway bar attached. Why not be as safe and stable as possible? Your good dealer should be able to set you up properly.

And your good dealer ought to "train you in" on getting hitched up and towing tips. Plan an easy route on slower secondary roads at first until you get used to the "dynamics" of vehicle and trailer; slower to accelerate, slower to brake, wider turns, and that ever important backing up. 60 mph is plenty. A small trailer like your Bambi is a bit more challenging to back up as it is very responsive to steering changes. The old tip of placing your hand on the BOTTOM of your steering wheel and moving your hand in the direction you want the BACK of the trailer to move is a good one to start with. Try it in a big parking lot.

Enjoy your cute little Airstream. They are a blast. You'll be all warm, dry and cozy on a cold rainy night at the campground.

David

[Mageliza]

Thanks for info. It was very helpful. Took maiden trip last week to Topsail and really enjoyed 2 days there. Installed the Andersen 3350 and towing the little 16' was a breeze. Still need LOTS of practice backing up. Would appreciate suggestions for a surge protector. Cheers.

[Mageliza]

Question: The refrigerator vent fan continues running even though the refrigerator is turned off. Can you tell me hoe I can remedy this?