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tinwhale · 03-06-2010, 02:35 PM

We are young (30's) married couple in the midst of selling our home and traveling around the US/Canada for a year in an Airstream. We currently own a Toyota Tacoma V6 '06 (tow rating 6500) and are looking to by a 19 ft or 23 ft International.

We have heard mixed reviews about towing, some say we may have issues with the 23 while others say we will be fine. We are willing to upgrade to a V8 Toyota Tundra (although we don't want to) if we hear that towing a 23 is difficult and that the 19 is just too small for living. We also will continue to own it long term so storing etc is being considered.. We are totally on the fence about size, any help would appreciated be appreciated! Thank you!

TinLoaf · 03-06-2010, 03:47 PM

The 23 has a dry weight only 1,000 pounds higher than the 19 yet you'll be gaining a much more livable trailer and a 2nd axle. The loaded to the gills rating is 6,000 pounds which is still within the Tacoma's specs.

If you're planning to full-time, I'd imagine you'll be fully loaded with a lot of stuff. You might be pushing your limit with the Tacoma, but as long as you have a good weight-distribution hitch with sway control, you could try it out and see how the setup works for you. If necessary, you can upgrade to the Tundra, but I think you'll be much happier with the 23 footer in the long run.

And a 23 foot plus Tundra is cheaper than a 19 foot traded in on a 23 foot plus a Tundra.

By the way... Welcome to the forums. I noticed it was your first post. You'll find this a fantastic resource.

**moosetags** · 03-06-2010, 04:06 PM

First off, welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

If you are going to full time for a while, you are probably going to want the 23 footer. Full timing in a 19 footer, while not impossible, would be challenging at best. The 23FB has a somewhat separate bedroom area which would be a big plus in maintaining a healthy relationship.

As far as towing with a Tacoma, you might be in for a marginal towing experience. As has been mentioned, when full timing, you will probably want to carry a bunch of stuff. This will further impact the towing situation. Since you already have the Tacoma, you can try it out, and see how it does.

Regardless of the tow vehicle, you will probably be much happier with the 23 footer.

Brian

TG Twinkie · 03-06-2010, 04:47 PM

Go for the 23 foot. Especially of the 23 is tandem axle. If you are planning on going over the Canadian Rockies, I would highly recommend a Tundra. I am a long time Toyota owner and think they are great vehicles. I believe the Tacoma has a V6. Is that correct? I think the extra weight and power of the Tundra will be a big advantage in handling. It's not only the power you need to pull it that should concern you. It is the Tow Vehicles (TV) ability to stop your trailer in a hurry if necessary. Even with trailer brakes, it's always good to have a hefty vehicle up front.
Have a great time on the road!

Jammer · 03-06-2010, 06:07 PM

A common mistake people make is to select a trailer based on what their current vehicle can tow.

Better to get the trailer you want and then change tow vehicles to match. Airstreams last 20 years or more, tow vehicles come and go.

Foiled Again · 03-06-2010, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TG Twinkie

Go for the 23 foot. Especially of the 23 is tandem axle. If you are planning on going over the Canadian Rockies, I would highly recommend a Tundra. I am a long time Toyota owner and think they are great vehicles. I believe the Tacoma has a V6. Is that correct? I think the extra weight and power of the Tundra will be a big advantage in handling. It's not only the power you need to pull it that should concern you. It is the Tow Vehicles (TV) ability to stop your trailer in a hurry if necessary. Even with trailer brakes, it's always good to have a hefty vehicle up front.
Have a great time on the road!

Yes what TG said! Especially the part about needing to STOP the trailer! No matter how good/lucky you are, you'll find a situation where slamming on the brakes is your best option. The extra size and weight of a bigger tow vehicle (and correctly adjusted trailer brakes) is the difference between scared and dinged.

Welcome again! Paula

overlander63 · 03-06-2010, 07:41 PM

The 23 would be a better fit for you. You can try your smaller truck, and you can always upgrade if needed. Our 31' has outlived 18 tow vehicles.

JFScheck · 03-06-2010, 09:17 PM

Looking for a trailer too so we have been hitting the dealer now three weekends in a row - my crux is the 23 - 25 vice your 19 - 23...

I do like the 19 but the 23 is SUCH A JUMP and I know I could hang out in the 23fb Flying Cloud and be very happy - and if I wasn't such a big guy (6'1" 240 lbs) the 23 International has a BIG living area but that bed up against the wall might get old after awhile!

BTW - the 2010 Sport 22 footer is really, really nice for its price and would be a Great fit for your Tacoma!!!! For 2010 they added the awning, an extra interior window and it has that "Airstream" aluminum inside all for the price of the 2009 models!!!

Happy Hunting!!!

tinwhale · 03-06-2010, 09:29 PM

WOW! You all are so helpful! The dealer told us 23 with a tacoma was no problem, nice to hear some real life stories! Thank you and keep it coming! Looking forward to being apart of the airstream family

dkottum · 03-06-2010, 10:13 PM

The dealer is wrong about the Tacoma, and you are right about the 23 International. We tow our 20' Safari (5000# max) with a 2006 Tundra V8 and it is adequate, but payload and power are close calls. We have been traveling 4 months in the Safari and it is great.

Do it right the first time, get the Airstream 23, 2007 or newer Tundra with the big V8, and a Propride hitch, and only then will you not question your decision.

Road Ruler · 03-07-2010, 05:51 AM

Connection, connection, connection.

This is where you need to spend your efforts.

The connection hardware selection and the quality of the set up adjustments is the key.

pilgrim · 03-07-2010, 05:56 AM

The dealer will tell you whatever to get you to BUY. He is the last person to believe. Too often all we look at is the amount of weight the TV can pull. We need to think about the tanny fluid (will it overheat at the first sign of an incline???), the differential (Can it handle the additional weight???) the brakes (Are they big enough to stop all the weight your TV and TT consists of???), the wheelbase and does the TV outweigh the TT??? Pulling weight is ONE of the items to be concerned about - there are others. Keep studying, asking and reading the FORUMS.

**moosetags** · 03-07-2010, 08:36 AM

If you were to listen to the dealer, you could easily handle a 34 footer with a Toyota Corolla. Keep in mind that many RV salesmen have never towed anything.

Brian

mutcth · 03-07-2010, 08:41 AM

The fact that the Tacoma carries a 6500 lb tow rating means that the transmission fluid isn't going to overheat - that is the primary part of tow vehicle validation for most companies. Towing up hill, in Death Valley, at highway speeds - all without overheating fluids or throwing check engine lights. To this point - plenty of vehicles (including 3/4-ton diesel trucks) are rated to tow more than their curb weight.

I'm with Road Ruler - focus on the connection (setting up the hitch right, anti-sway, etc.)

Tom

B4WEDI · 03-07-2010, 09:48 PM

We've towed our '06 19' all over the place with our '06 Tacoma TRD with no problems.

Thought about moving up to a 23' and that does most certainly require a bigger TV. After much deliberation, homework and hours spent in each, we can say that if we were going to FT for a year, we would definately be looking very closely at the 25' and suggest you do too....

Happy Trails !

Elvie · 03-07-2010, 11:03 PM

After working what seemed like forever, we sold the house and retired and decided to full time. Just the 2 of us, a '90 overhauled Ford truck with a topper and in love with a 16' 06 Bambi. So far we have 15 months in it. We continue to be proud of accepting and meeting the challenge of escaping the idea that bigger is better. We have our bikes, more then enough electronics, food, clothing, heat, and cooling when it's hot. a great pair of headphones for my music and she has her books.

Please consider that less might be more. Enjoy the adventure.

PM for further information.

Elvie · 03-07-2010, 11:10 PM

Seems like the worst problem we have is finding the trailer in the campground after dark, too many 100' long 5th wheels.

ROBERTSUNRUS · 03-08-2010, 12:17 AM

Hi, I think you would be happier in a 23 foot trailer, but mind you it is only 300 lbs less gross weight than my 25 foot Safari. My tow vehicle is rated at 8,900 lbs and in the Rockies it gets a real work-out. Move up to the V-8 Toyota if that is what you want. Do your home work and do it right the first time. Some forum members have bought two or three brand new Airstream trailers in less than three years, mostly moving up to a larger trailer.

mutcth · 03-08-2010, 05:30 AM

Just to throw one more wrinkle into the equation - did you look at the 20' Safari SE/Flying Cloud? More room than the 19' (and IMHO a better floorplan), lighter than the 23'...

Tom

tinwhale · 03-09-2010, 12:25 PM

THANK YOU EVERYONE! When we posted this we were leaning toward the 19' now we are leaning toward the 23' and the tundra thanks to your help! life is short so do it right the first time!

thanks again

We posted a new thread if anyone has advice here! http://www.airforums.com/forums/f314...out-62058.html