Tips for first timers

[KPRyan]

Originally Posted by switz

KPRyan:

There are members that can help you inspect this trailer. They are listed on this web site.

You did not mention your tow vehicle. The literature tongue weight is 903 pounds. That is before a weight distribution hitch and one could easily be closer to 1,200 pounds tongue weight. The family of 7 will be an ever increasing number.

I would suggest looking at the various one ton 12 passenger rated vans that have at least a 9,000 pound tow rating. Unless you plan to tow the trailer and drive an additional vehicle for people since you stated you were moving.

There are many threads here on appropriate tow vehicles that you can review to get ideas. There are two camps of thought. One says live with the actual load numbers on the door jamb of the tow vehicle and other says get creative with the numbers.

Wish you well in doing your research. This will be a memorable trip in the family's life.

Hi switz, thanks for the kind note! We have a 2012 Chevy Express 6.0L 2500. So the theoretical towing cap is 9800. Am definitely concerned with having enough excess headroom so we are being concious with weight. Thankfully our kids are small and dont weigh much (yet).

I wish I had known about local airstreamers willing to help inspect. I'm still learning the forum interface. Where do I go to find those local folks?

[switz]

From a prior Air Forums post:

As Larry posted in another thread:

"Go to members search, advanced search and put the location of the trailer and check the trailer inspector box. Members here have volunteered to be inspectors if they feel qualified.
Larry"

Here's a linked shortcut for you:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/members/list/

When you get to that page, the "Search Members" dropdown is on the 3rd blue bar to the right of "Airstream Forums: Members List."

When you click on the dropdown "Advanced Search" is just below the fill-in box.

Here's a link to a short thread with lots of good info relevant to your inquiry:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f368...ml#post1761373