New to trailering

[kentak]

Hi all,
We just got a 2019 Flying Cloud 19cb and are on the verge of getting a new Tundra to pull it. Looking forward to hearing from you and getting advice regarding our new equipment!

Thanks in advance,

Ken

[rmkrum]

Welcome. The Tunda is a great tow vehicle. I’m towing a 22’ 2007 international CCD with a Tacoma and a ProPride hitch system. Runs like it is on rails but the V-6 is a bit underpowered. The V8 will have no issues.

Which Tundra version do you plan to get?

My setup.

[aftermath]

Ken, welcome to the forum. You are going to be happy with the Tundra and your Airstream. I have towed my 25FB with a Tundra since 2009. Started with a 2008 and now have a 2017. Very competent TV and very dependable. Zero issues with either and we are over 50K towing miles now.


The issue with a Tundra, and all half tons, is the weak payload. Mine is right at 1750 and once I drop the tongue on the ball, throw in a few things in the bed we are close to the limit. It is just the wife and I and we are small people, although I am getting a little bigger each day. We travel light, carry a generator, some chairs and a little wood now and then. Our system works for us. Now get ready for those who believe you need a 3/4 ton, preferably a diesel to tow your 19. Do get a good WD hitch with built in sway control. There are many out there.

[dbj216]

Welcome to the Airstream owners community. I find these Forums very informative concerning any questions you may have with your new Airstream. Pulling a trailer with almost any vehicle changes the driving dynamics significantly. It takes awareness that you have a heavy weight behind you. Accelerating, turns, lane changes, braking, visibility, cross winds, truck wakes, and yes, backing up all change dramatically. I would not recommend you pull into twisty, hilly mountain roads with steep drop offs for a while. See photo.

There is a lot of fun things to learn. I recommend you find a nice, quite country road and go towing for an hour or so. Learn how to hitch up, and learn the new dynamics of driving with the trailer. Go to a big empty parking lot and practice backing straight up, and then turning as you back up. Develop your checklist of all items needing checked before you pull away, such as hitch locked, lights work, door locked, chocks picked up, etc, etc. These Forums can help with the check list.

You also have to learn all about your trailer and its systems. Some like to spend a night or two in the driveway trying everything out. Some then travel to a nearby campground and see how that goes.

It's all fun.

David

[GetawA-S]

Welcome aboard the Airstream forum. Don’t let the tow gurus scare you- they can be excitable. You have your pick of sensible safe hitches, and your modestly sized trailer will follow your Tundra like a puppy. Backing involves practice, but there are lots of pull through sites out there, too.
What kind of camping are you looking forward to? It’s a great time of year to make some memories.

[kentak]

Thanks for the warm welcome, everyone! We're looking forward to getting going!

Ken

[Nelson428]

Welcome, you are gonna have a lots of adventures and enjoyment.

[moosetags]

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us. Congratulations on your new baby. May you have safe travels and many great Airstream Adventures with her.

Brian

[kpfate]

Ken;
Welcome to the forum! You will learn a lot from everyone - we sure have!

We have a 2018 22FB Sport and tow it with a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. We have an Equalizer hitch w/sway bars and our TV pulls the AS like butter. I know many who have a Toyota Tundra and love it for towing so I would say you have a good choice made.

Once you get everything together, do a "dry-run" in the driveway (if you have one). We got this advice from many on the forum and boy it helps!

Enjoy your new "babies"!!

:0)

[SeeMore]

I've read all the past tow vehicles threads from 2005 onward, tabulated the widely varying replies and insights, and produced a summary which identified the single capable Airstream tow vehicle as ultimately recommended by the contributing forums members. The most valuable insight gained was learning that the use of any other TV will likely cause the death of you and your family as well as destroy what was to have been a treasured family heirloom used by the generations of your offspring so sadly killed by using a Tundra. Please find below the bare minimum tow vehicle built by GM.

And, if you don't believe me, go forth and enjoy your choices without any fears.

[GCinSC2]

Dave

Is that hauler Susan approved let alone dogs?

Gary

[kentak]

Well, the Tundra deal fell apart and now we are proud owners of an F-150 FX4 with 3.5 and max tow, so we should have plenty of tow capacity for our 19’ fcb.