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03-06-2010, 02:35 PM
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#1
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1 Rivet Member
2010 23' International
Encinitas
, California
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 7
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19 vs 23 International? Towing issues? Space?
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!
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03-06-2010, 03:47 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
2016 30' Classic
Trenton
, Illinois
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 846
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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.
__________________
Steve
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03-06-2010, 04:06 PM
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#3
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Moderator
2015 25' FB Flying Cloud
2012 23' FB Flying Cloud
2005 25' Safari
Santa Rosa Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,159
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Greetings from the Florida Panhandle
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
__________________
SuEllyn & Brian McCabe
WBCCI #3628 -- AIR #14872 -- TAC #FL-7
2015 FC 25' FB (Lucy) with ProPride
2020 Silverado 2500 (Vivian)
2023 Rivian R1T (Opal)
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03-06-2010, 04:47 PM
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#4
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Rivet Master
1974 Argosy 26
Morrill
, Nebraska
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,014
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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!
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03-06-2010, 06:07 PM
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#5
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Wise Elder
2010 30' Classic
Vintage Kin Owner
South of the river
, Minnesota
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,169
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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.
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03-06-2010, 06:08 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master
2012 25' FB Eddie Bauer
Vintage Kin Owner
Virginia Beach
, Virginia
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,801
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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!
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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
__________________
Today is a gift, that's why they call it the present.
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03-06-2010, 07:41 PM
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#7
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Retired.
Currently Looking...
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, At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
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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.
__________________
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
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03-06-2010, 09:17 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
2020 30' Classic
Derwood
, Maryland
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,515
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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!!!
__________________
John "JFScheck" Scheck
2020 30’ Airstream Classic
**I Love U.S.A.**
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03-06-2010, 09:29 PM
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#9
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1 Rivet Member
2010 23' International
Encinitas
, California
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 7
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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
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03-06-2010, 10:13 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
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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.
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03-07-2010, 05:51 AM
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#11
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
St. Catharines
, South Western Ontario
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,367
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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.
__________________
Airstreams..... The best towing trailers on the planet!
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03-07-2010, 05:56 AM
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#12
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4 Rivet Member
2007 25' International CCD
Sugar Grove
, Ohio
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 346
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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.
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03-07-2010, 08:36 AM
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#13
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Moderator
2015 25' FB Flying Cloud
2012 23' FB Flying Cloud
2005 25' Safari
Santa Rosa Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,159
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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
__________________
SuEllyn & Brian McCabe
WBCCI #3628 -- AIR #14872 -- TAC #FL-7
2015 FC 25' FB (Lucy) with ProPride
2020 Silverado 2500 (Vivian)
2023 Rivian R1T (Opal)
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03-07-2010, 08:41 AM
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#14
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Rivet Master
2007 23' Safari SE
Central
, Connecticut
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,652
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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
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03-07-2010, 09:48 PM
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#15
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4 Rivet Member
2006 19' Safari SE
Nawthin'
, Hemisphere
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 325
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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 !
__________________
*** KEEP LOOKING UP ***
T & K
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03-07-2010, 11:03 PM
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#16
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Silver Sneaker
2006 16' Safari
Denver
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 87
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My 2 cents worth
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.
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03-07-2010, 11:10 PM
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#17
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Silver Sneaker
2006 16' Safari
Denver
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 87
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Forgot to mention
Seems like the worst problem we have is finding the trailer in the campground after dark, too many 100' long 5th wheels.
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03-08-2010, 12:17 AM
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#18
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Rivet Master
2005 25' Safari
Salem
, Oregon
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 8,376
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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.
__________________
Bob 2005 Safari 25-B
"Le Petit Chateau Argent" Small Silver Castle
2000 Navigator / 2014 F-150 Eco-Boost / Equal-i-zer / P-3
YAMAHA 2400 / AIR #12144
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03-08-2010, 05:30 AM
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#19
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Rivet Master
2007 23' Safari SE
Central
, Connecticut
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,652
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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
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03-09-2010, 12:25 PM
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#20
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1 Rivet Member
2010 23' International
Encinitas
, California
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 7
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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
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