West Boondocking OTG Airstream and Tow Vehicle Choices

[Ray Eklund]

Part One of Three Parts:

If you tow your Airstream to RV Parks, any length will do. The length of the trailer just offers more interior space. You have to walk a bit further to get from one end to the other. That is it. You pick the length and model by what you find appealing. Consider your Tow Vehicle has its Airstream Length Limitations. Often you will be asked the length of your trailer. You will be assigned a location to FIT YOUR Trailer.

Towing through a Service Station and any UP and DOWN grades on a concrete/asphalt /unpaved can ‘distort’ your rear bumper. The longer your trailer, the better the chance of bumper drag. If you are not experienced estimating drop and rise of road grades, LOOK for GROOVES in the pavement. Previous Newbie mistakes.

Concrete barrels placed next to the Fuel Pumps and the Concrete Barriers at each end... be careful. I like to pull past them to my Left Side, as I can watch the trailer clearance and do not crush 15 feet of polished aluminum turning a tight Right Turn and not notice.

ALL trailer lengths do not tow alike. ALL Tow Vehicles do not tow alike. ALL tow and trailer owners do not tow alike. Many trailer owners can not agree of matching vehicle TO trailer lengths and even the weather if you are both outside together.

- Single Axles: Boondocking Off the Grid has many limitations and advantages for single axle Airstreams. Experience will give you an advantage of length. A 16 foot Bambi to 20 feet is larger than any tent you have set up at a camp site. These trailers are also less likely to Drag Bumper on irregular road surfaces and turning off the road to a different grade for a campsite. The leverage is at the hitch ball. If you hitch drags, you need to ‘flip it’ or have the dealer give you some advice. You need to figure it out.

- Double Axles: Most purchases are the Double Axle. If you have a Single Axle, you will most likely be getting into a Double Axle, sooner than later. Just skip the single axle and start with the 23 foot double axle. Probably the BEST OTG Airstream due to length, six inches narrower and now can have 16 inch wheels and E Rated Tires for tougher roads.

Double Axles are safer for travel having four tires on highway travel and to navigate over NFS and BLM roads (Many are excellent. Some are not maintained well, but most are in between and perfectly easy to navigate). Sometimes one wheel is spinning above the ground, while one is carrying the weight on that side. Better tire, better security. You are also less likely to DRAG BUMPER with a Double Axle.

- Avoid a NFS and BLM Road while the Road Grader in working. Often the road is worse with large boulders and ridges in the road. Not all operators are experienced. Do not believe me? Go ahead, find out. Then report how it worked out dodging boulders and piles of grit. It will be a sad story. Encampment, Wyoming. We were leaving the mountains and could not avoid the... boulder avoidance.

[Ray Eklund]

Part Two of Three Parts:

Double Axle with a Dexter 3 Inch Lift Kit... is supreme for extra Safety. You can make a mistake and get a Pass from clearance mistakes. Do not get too confident... the more length, the more careful you must be. A ‘bumper drag’ likes to take the center of the bumper and pull it out, as if you have a Bumper Bow and the Trailer is the Arrow. If it is not serious, you can remove the Bumper by removing the Four Threaded Bolts... find the Crotch in a strong TREE and with two people, leverage the length at the bend to straighten the bumper. It can be done. I have done one. Then set the bumper where it should be attached to the trailer. The bottom of the bumper may need a bit of ‘twisting’. Blocks of wood, a bumper jack, snug it up to the bumper while it is still attached. The length of the bumper jack will provide enough torque to get the aluminum bumper back into alignment. Go PAST ‘perfect’ as it will spring back a fraction. IT WILL. There are other ways to Torque. Everyone has different tools sitting around. It is aluminum and overdo it and it will split. (If you are not mechanical inclined... ‘BE inclined’ to have someone help you.)

- We traveled with our 2006 23 foot Safari for 8 years. Great length, lousy 14 inch wheels in 2006 models, interior lighting were filiments that were hot and used battery power. It had a small 60-80 watt solar panel and two AGM batteries. The batteries were still good in 2014. Other than the 14 C Rated Tires, comfortable length and trailer for we Newbies. Although lots of Load Range C 14 inch tire problems... Goodyears were replaced in less than one year and replaced with 14 inch C rated tires Tow Master/Tow Max... both brands were good and no further tire flats and blowouts. (2006 last year small Tundra double cab 4.7L 4x4 tow vehicle. Just compatable, but did just fine. 2008 Tundra 5.7L 4x4... WOW a new experience with a full sized ‘modern’ Tundra.)

- Sold the 23 foot Safari and purchased the 2014 25 Foot International. We looked at what was on the Airstream Lot and these had 15 inch D Rated Tires, no Solar, but I hooked up a portable 100 watt to the batteries and all worked perfectly for us. LED lighting was a plus. Propane appliances are THE ONLY CHOICE FOR OTG Boondockers like us. No dead batteries and everything worked. (2008 Tundra Crew Max 5.7L towed it well enough to be satisfied, but leaf springs were flat when loaded for trip. This was the second year large Tundra.)

Sold the 2014 25 foot International. Back to Tent Camping.

Wanted to get further back into the ‘bush’ and Tent Camped in 2017. After one Season Tent Camping with Two Blue Heelers... back to the Airstream Dealer. Once you have had a trailer with Airstream conveniences... ‘the Dogs demanded’ to get their pillows back and not sleep at our feet on sleeping bags. Had a 2012 5.7L 4x4 Tundra Crew Max... towing the 25 footer, beginning to end. Wonderful vehicle, wonderful year Airsream. Still thawing Frost off my Pumpkins from higher elevation tent camping.

Traded in the 2012 Tundra in on a 2016 F350 4x4 Diesel Double Cab, bought the 27 foot International. The Dealer added two 80watt Solar Panels, AGM betteris and the 3 inch Dexter Lift. I upgraded to five 16 inch LTX Tires and Sendel Wheels. Sold ('cont)...

[Ray Eklund]

Part Three of Three+ Parts:

...the five 15 inch Goodyears and wheels on Craigslist to the First Caller for about 70% of retail with 15 miles on them.

- Today. I learned a lot owning three lengths of Airstreams. Each trailer has positives and negatives with lengths. TOW Vehicle choice IS very important. Many debate all of this, but a Half Ton Tow Vehicle will TOW - PULL up to 25 feet with no difficulty.

Once into a 27 and 28 and 30 foot Airstream models, you probably will want a F250/350 Diesel/Gasser for EASIER TOWING AND POWER. This includes all 3/4 and 1 ton brands. I did a lot of ‘thinking’ and got a great trade in on the Toyota, and the 2016 Ford has been wonderful and handles the 27 foot International better than the Tundra’s, which were also wonderful and no problem vehicles, but needed that extra bit of suspension. (You can disagree, but it is often COST, not the Choice. We bit the bullet, as they say. I never regretted the decison and the resale of a Diesel or Gas 3/4 to 1 ton is Excellent. Always 4x4’s.)

I use Equalizer Hitches, 750# bar on the 23 foot and 1,000# bars on the 25 and 27. NO complaint. Some use others, I like simple, easy to adjust and if I was disappointed I would not ASK for an Equalizer.

- We have delayed the beginning of our OTG Boondocking this Season as it is... too COLD, north and south. Home is comfortable but we watered up, pressurized the water system, plugged into power to get the Dometic Refrigerator down to temperature, checked and bled Propane through out the system. Added half a gallon of water into the black tank for ‘sloshing’. (Our is cleaner than most peoples Fresh Water Tank, +/-.

Nancy is filling the Refrigerator tomorrow. I have the Ford bed packed. Our 7 year old Blue Heeler is not letting us out of her sight! Just waiting for the morning lows to get into the upper 30’s and days in the 60’s or better... which is close. Little Buddy and some propane units for under 30 degree mornings for a 5 minute warm up.

I am the Outside in Charge.
Nancy is the Inside in Charge.

Blue, our Heeler whines until put into the Pet Porter on the back seat of the Ford. A Packing Cloth covering the seat to prevent any wear and tear and as the F350 is tall, a folded walking ramp to get into and out. It stows in the bed of the pickup.

We use this heavy duty folded ramp for the Airstream entry as well for us and the Heeler.

Everyone wants a two paragraph answer to “What do I need?” It is a lecture that is needed.

Tools, Grease for the Hitch (I do, you may not and I do not care if you do or not. OK?), Silcon Spray. WD 40. Two shovels. Two long handled loppers. Some 2x12 lumber for

[Ray Eklund]

Part Three+ of Three+

...top and bottom of front electric lift and two for big dips in road or access to higher grade off improved road into a campsite.

Lots and lots of stuff. After 15 years... I have it all. Bolts, screws, duct tape, electrical tape, Gorilla Glue, rope... and this my friends... is the END.

You can add to this discussion. Expand using your experiences with mine. Tools that come handy, as I have a variety of sockets and breaker bars for Hitch Ball to lug nuts.

[Ray Eklund]

Life changes as you get older and learn from your mistakes. It has been a lot of fun, travel and adventure. Not enjoyed by many, but the few who are brave enough and have the stamina and will power to succeed.

Off the Grid Boondocking is a choice. An easy one for Tent Camping to Airstreams.

What are the experiences worth? Even hard earned dollar and when we decide to sell our Airstream... it will probably be a long time from now and be a valuable... ANTIQUE.

Take LOTS of Photographs. Post them on this Thread. Your learning experience will be straight UP from today. Tent camping was fun... until the 23 foot Airstream made all weather camping possible. There was no going back to the tent(s) which we still have kept.

What are YOUR experiences? Photographs and how YOU managed.

Nancy's and my Best Days are always a day ahead of today. Our Past Adventures are Memories for us to return and remember. Our finding our next two Blue Heelers will be company for US and Blue. The hunt begins and we now will have a purpose to our traveling this year. Finding those two, if possible, Blue Heelers

[jaybauman]

As my kids would say: For reals?!?!?! Steel cajones for sure.

Ray, during all these months when you were offline, did you brush up on your PhotoShop skills?

[Ray Eklund]

[QUOTE=jaybauman;2489138]As my kids would say: For reals?!?!?! Steel cajones for sure.

Ray, during all these months when you were offline, did you brush up on your PhotoShop skills?
*****

Someone sent that photo to me. Reminds me a bit like driving between Ouray and Durango, Colorado on the 550. Those who want to try the trip, it is excellent road, just a bit tense due to the drop offs if you...miss the guard rails.

There is also some OTG pullouts if you get there when someone is leaving. When you see trees... slow down and look for RV's and Trailers off the 550.

A photography friend also said 'nice photo shopped' picture.

There are some roads in South America with 1,000 foot drop offs, barely two lanes and 18 wheel traffic. The video is on the Internet somewhere. Chile or Peru... I forgot as it reminded me of Ouray, Colorado without Guard Rails.

*****
Need to add this to the previous pages:

The Tires I NOW use are LT225/75R/16 Agilis CrossClimate Michelins on the 27 footer. These replaced the LTX prefix. I may try LT235's if the current tires ever... wear out. I missed this in the first part of the Thread. The uprade to the 25 foot were LTX 16 inch which fit just fine.

[m rafferty]

I think you have been in the house too long this past winter, hit the road.
Maybe you just found some good strong coffee!

[drbrick]

Back in the early 50's this is what the road to Kit Carson's cave was like .....

[Ray Eklund]

Originally Posted by m rafferty

I think you have been in the house too long this past winter, hit the road.
Maybe you just found some good strong coffee!

*****
Our Season starts tomorrow. No plans. Only a direction and when we get there, we will know.

Nope... no coffee needed. This is pure Solar Power and enthusiasm! Wyoming Sunshine and Thin Air.... Yaaaa Hoooo

I put the introduction together, taking breaks, over a few days, to cover what points I considered beneficial. I browse the text and see what I need to explain better, but the story is never complete. Just adequate. The photographs are to inspire those who are ready... but not ready, yet.

I see plenty that had not been discussed, but there has to be an end. I write holding my breath. It helps. The end is near... sometimes.

I use to write for several magazines and did short editorials for local small town newspapers where I lived.

When following questions of individuals on these Forums and the short responses just touching the edges of the question, I do not mind to elaborate. I never have been accused of given too little information.

Even "How do I Level my Airstream when on an uneven campsite?" How much text is needed? Best to show them than explain with photographs. When I offered the Greenhorn Adventure, all of those who attended were... experienced and could take of themselves. Greenhorns... unexperienced owners with trailers... are reluctant to try something new. That I discovered immediately.

Also, Boondocking Off the Grid. Tow Vehicle without 4x4 option can get into big problems. Oh... it never was a part of the discussion? It should have been added.

I offer my experiences for those who are interested in understanding what it means to chose a Tow Vehicle compatible with an Airstream of 16 feet to 34 feet. The longer the trailer, the more problems that come to mind. Up to 27/28 feet is the upper end for ME. Worked up to this length and makes life easier towing today.

I have yet to complain about my taking time to do all of this and add photographs. I ask for nothing in return. If someone benefits from anything I have done on the Forum. it makes 'my heart soar like a bird' for those who did learn something. (Little Big Man... soar like a bird quote?)

This started out as maybe three paragraphs. Too much Sunshine and Thin Air!

[Photobum]

You and Maggie are the reasons I come here…

[unifreck]

Ray and Nancy
Love you guys—-Hope you have an awesome safe trip. We miss the group travel and OTG experiences.
When you find that young Blue Heeler our
Sir Guinness needs a follow up training session from the MAN (Ray)..
If you’re going anywhere near St Johns
Arizona we would love to meet up, our daughter just moved there to start a
Lavender farm on a 36 acre OTG home. See what you started. Ed & Jan

[Thalweg]

Originally Posted by Ray Eklund

*****
Our Season starts tomorrow. No plans. Only a direction and when we get there, we will know.

Nope... no coffee needed. This is pure Solar Power and enthusiasm! Wyoming Sunshine and Thin Air.... Yaaaa Hoooo

I put the introduction together, taking breaks, over a few days, to cover what points I considered beneficial. I browse the text and see what I need to explain better, but the story is never complete. Just adequate. The photographs are to inspire those who are ready... but not ready, yet.

I see plenty that had not been discussed, but there has to be an end. I write holding my breath. It helps. The end is near... sometimes.

I use to write for several magazines and did short editorials for local small town newspapers where I lived.

When following questions of individuals on these Forums and the short responses just touching the edges of the question, I do not mind to elaborate. I never have been accused of given too little information.

Even "How do I Level my Airstream when on an uneven campsite?" How much text is needed? Best to show them than explain with photographs. When I offered the Greenhorn Adventure, all of those who attended were... experienced and could take of themselves. Greenhorns... unexperienced owners with trailers... are reluctant to try something new. That I discovered immediately.

Also, Boondocking Off the Grid. Tow Vehicle without 4x4 option can get into big problems. Oh... it never was a part of the discussion? It should have been added.

I offer my experiences for those who are interested in understanding what it means to chose a Tow Vehicle compatible with an Airstream of 16 feet to 34 feet. The longer the trailer, the more problems that come to mind. Up to 27/28 feet is the upper end for ME. Worked up to this length and makes life easier towing today.

I have yet to complain about my taking time to do all of this and add photographs. I ask for nothing in return. If someone benefits from anything I have done on the Forum. it makes 'my heart soar like a bird' for those who did learn something. (Little Big Man... soar like a bird quote?)

This started out as maybe three paragraphs. Too much Sunshine and Thin Air!

Bon Voyage! Give us a call if you're in the neighborhood!

[SUP'n Woman]

Originally Posted by Ray Eklund

Part Three+ of Three+

...top and bottom of front electric lift and two for big dips in road or access to higher grade off improved road into a campsite.

Lots and lots of stuff. After 15 years... I have it all. Bolts, screws, duct tape, electrical tape, Gorilla Glue, rope... and this my friends... is the END.

You can add to this discussion. Expand using your experiences with mine. Tools that come handy, as I have a variety of sockets and breaker bars for Hitch Ball to lug nuts.

As a “newbie”, I really appreciate your insights and assistance as it can become overwhelming to learn & remember everything. Thanks for your wonderful knowledge!!