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Old 04-10-2019, 12:36 PM   #41
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When in doubt...

This seems to be a universal question on Airforums. Which TV.? All the numbers and acronyms make my head spin. With me, it’s all about experience and feel and not the numbers. I own a 20’ snd 26’ Airstream. I have pulled my 20’ with my F250 and my F150. The F150 pulls the 20’ fine but I feel much safer pulling it with my F250. I’ve never pulled my 26’ with the F150 and have no desire to. I’ve been over the Continental divide several times and would not want to do that with the F150 with either trailer but that’s just me. Since this is your first trailer towing experience i would recommend going big. 3/4 ton in any make. You will probably have a more pleasurable experience. When in doubt, go stout. Welcome to the Airstream community. Enjoy the experience.
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Old 04-10-2019, 01:19 PM   #42
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Short Answer: I would agree with dealer. Your TV will struggle when travelling on grades.
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Old 04-10-2019, 01:28 PM   #43
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Forget the tow ratings. Look at payload instead. GM and Ford both make “1/2 ton” pickups with payload ratings around 1800-1900 lbs. which should work well if you’re 2 people and the usual stuff in the bed. The Ford 3.5 liter Ecoboost has a diesel-like torque curve @360 HP or the GM 6.2 liter V-8 with 420 HP and 460 lb-ft. of torque will take you anywhere. The big V8 probably gives you better engine braking than the Ford V6. 1/2 tons make much nicer daily drivers than 3/4 tons. Ram’s 1/2 tons have adequate power but are lacking in payload—around 1300-1400 lbs. People’s reported experience with older 1/2 tons (say pre-2012) and V8s should not guide your choice unless you’re shopping one of them. Those engines are less powerful, develop a lot less torque at low RPMs and lack the multi speed (8-10) transmissions that make better use of the engine’s power.
If you really need more than 2,000 lbs of payload (because you’re carrying more than 2 people and/or heavy stuff in the bed, then 3/4 ton is what you want. Even then, think hard about spending the extra $14,000 or more for the diesel. Your payload will be less (Diesel engines are heavy), your operating expenses will be higher, and the modest fuel economy gains of diesel over gas will be offset by the higher price of diesel fuel versus regular gasoline. Both Ford and GM have introduced new gas engines for their 3/4 tons that look plenty powerful. Ram’s 6.4 gas engine also seems pretty powerful but seems to have engine management programming that limits the time the engine is running at full power, something that shouldn’t matter when you’re just pulling an Airstream.
I never really considered SUVs as a tow vehicle, mostly because I don’t want gas for the portable generator inside. I have a cheap rubber tonneau that covers the bed, keeps things dry and out of sight. Someone intent on stealing could cut it open quickly, but in 4 years and 2 round-trip cross country journey s plus lots of others, I’ve never had that happen.
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Old 04-10-2019, 01:37 PM   #44
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Forget the payload🤔..look at the axle ratings and go to the scales.👍

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Old 04-10-2019, 02:17 PM   #45
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Tow Vehicle

Hi, we have a 2019 FC 28RBT with an empty weight of just under 6300 lbs. We weighed everything we loaded and with a full water tank are at 7200 lbs. We tow with a 2016 Chevy Suburban with max tow package rated at 8000 lbs. Colonial Airstream installed an Equalizer hitch wit a 16 in shank. Our lift gate clears and the trailer tows just fine. CONDO1
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Old 04-10-2019, 03:07 PM   #46
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Just remember that "Pulling" the trailer isn't that difficult however "Stopping" the TRUCK & TRAILER is a lot more difficult.

Always give the braking capability of the tow vehicle & trailer serious consideration along with everything else mentioned in this thread when purchasing a tow vehicle.

Great Brakes are a wonderful thing!
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Old 04-10-2019, 03:57 PM   #47
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Originally Posted by NellBell View Post
Well, DH has narrowed down his his choice of truck he wants to test drive on Sunday--we're going to look at the F-150 Platinum with max tow pkg.<<snip>>
Wondering how the test drive went?
How was the payload capacity?
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Old 04-10-2019, 05:25 PM   #48
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I would suggest getting a manufacturers guide for towing, as with Ford, they provide “most” of the numbers for GWCR, etc. As stated on many posts, I would get a tow package with my TV. I have a 25’ Intl Signature and a 2017 Ford F-150 FX4, with tow package, never had any problems. Also as stated, sure if I went to F250 it would easier. I’m also only moving myself around, makes a difference.
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Old 04-10-2019, 08:05 PM   #49
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Tow Vehicle

We have a 25 Flying Cloud it was pulled with a F150 with Max Tow Package.

I just traded it for a F-250 Diesel. The difference is night and day for us
we feel like we control the trailer not the trailer controls us. It rides better

Many people handle your trailer with a 150 or other 1/2 tons
and they do just fine. My neighbor at our campsite has 67,000 miles on his truck
Towing a 25.

If your buying up front look into the weight you can
carry safely. Our Crew Cab 4/4 was maxed out. The 3/4
ton has more capacity and I like the larger brakes. I love the Diesel engine brake.

I bought a 19 Ford. For 2020 Ford will be changing to a new in house 10 speed and a new 7.3 L Gas engine. I did not want to be a test driver for that new transmission or engine.
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Old 04-10-2019, 09:30 PM   #50
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Your Tundra is probably close to 400 hp.
381 HP to be exact. And 400 ft lbs of torque
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Old 04-10-2019, 10:04 PM   #51
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There's as many opinions as there are good choices out there. There's no single best. It's ultimately going to come down to the individuals needs.

With any choice, it's important to do the due diligence research. Sure, this thread is a great start. But it's really only scratching the surface as to considerations and interpretations of those factors. One person's advantage may very well be another's disadvantage.

There's also no silver bullet tow vehicle so don't let the overkill guys lull you into a false sense of security. With any rig, dialing in the setup will be key.

There's equally examples on these boards with a 3/4 rig chasing sway and stability issues. And examples of 3/4 ton owners downsizing to 1/2 because of maneuverability, stiff ride, step in and load height, solid front axle death wobble, etc.

Just as there are 1/2 ton owners that don't know how to leverage their power band (HP), augment for payload handling, inherent unreliability interpreted as inability, sway, too small gas tank, etc.

Take everyone's opinion, add lots of salt, and come to your own conclusions of what will work best for you.
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Old 04-10-2019, 10:24 PM   #52
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pteck View Post
There's as many opinions as there are good choices out there. There's no single best. It's ultimately going to come down to the individuals needs.

With any choice, it's important to do the due diligence research. Sure, this thread is a great start. But it's really only scratching the surface as to considerations and interpretations of those factors. One person's advantage may very well be another's disadvantage.

There's also no silver bullet tow vehicle so don't let the overkill guys lull you into a false sense of security. With any rig, dialing in the setup will be key.

There's equally examples on these boards with a 3/4 rig chasing sway and stability issues. And examples of 3/4 ton owners downsizing to 1/2 because of maneuverability, stiff ride, step in and load height, solid front axle death wobble, etc.

Just as there are 1/2 ton owners that don't know how to leverage their power band (HP), augment for payload handling, inherent unreliability interpreted as inability, sway, too small gas tank, etc.

Take everyone's opinion, add lots of salt, and come to your own conclusions of what will work best for you.


Well said pteck! Pick what works best for you, a TV that handles well, suits your needs and budget, and set up done by an expert in safe and effortless towing.
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Old 04-11-2019, 07:57 AM   #53
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You can get a 1/2 ton truck capable of towing up to 11k+, but you won’t find it on a dealers lot. They’d rather sell you a more expensive 3/4 ton.

You’ll have to order it from your local dealer or use the chat feature on the manufacturer’s website which is what I did.

GMC chat/call helped me locate 3 that met my website configuration of GMC Sierra SLT, 6.2 L (larger than the 6.0L on the 3/4 ton gasser), max tow, NO SUNROOF and it’s 200 pound payload hit, bed liner, step rails and all weather floor liner. Color choices were silver with black or white with grey. 1839# payload. Daily driver that is more than ample towing my 6280# when loaded 2018 27FBQ.

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Old 04-11-2019, 08:25 AM   #54
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Here is an example of a 2019 F150 with the "real" heavy duty payload package with a 2965# payload sticker! https://www.hannafords.ca/vehicles/2...sale_class=New This dealer used to put a picture of every truck's payload sticker in the truck photos. The most recent ones do not have that picture anymore. Here is its window sticker: http://www.windowsticker.forddirect....NF1E56KKC63468 It has a $1300 Heavy Duty Payload Package

HEAVY DUTY PAYLOAD PACKAGE 1,300.00
.LT275/65R18 OWL ALL-TERRAIN
.3.73 ELECTRONIC LOCK RR AXLE
.18" SILVER HEAVY-DUTY WHEELS
136 LITRE/ 36 GALLON FUEL TANK
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Old 04-11-2019, 11:29 AM   #55
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AirMiles View Post
Here is an example of a 2019 F150 with the "real" heavy duty payload package with a 2965# payload sticker! https://www.hannafords.ca/vehicles/2...sale_class=New This dealer used to put a picture of every truck's payload sticker in the truck photos. The most recent ones do not have that picture anymore. Here is its window sticker: http://www.windowsticker.forddirect....NF1E56KKC63468 It has a $1300 Heavy Duty Payload Package

HEAVY DUTY PAYLOAD PACKAGE 1,300.00
.LT275/65R18 OWL ALL-TERRAIN
.3.73 ELECTRONIC LOCK RR AXLE
.18" SILVER HEAVY-DUTY WHEELS
136 LITRE/ 36 GALLON FUEL TANK
Note this is a standard cab, V8, with 8' bed...that accounts for the large payload in a 150 … I'll stick with my F250, thanks!
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Old 04-11-2019, 12:35 PM   #56
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Note this is a standard cab, V8, with 8' bed...that accounts for the large payload in a 150 … I'll stick with my F250, thanks!
I'm just providing an example of an F150 with an awesome payload. There are also XLT Crew Cab versions with a mid-2000# payload. There is one at this link, but there's no payload sticker picture: https://www.hannafords.ca/vehicles/?...0000&version=3

I too like my F250 Platinum Diesel. But not everyone wants a loaded F250 and this is an option to get an F150 with an above 2000# payload.
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Old 04-11-2019, 05:12 PM   #57
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A person with a Tundra, an F150 and a GM 1500 all I believe said they had no issues towing a 25FB. I have the RAM 1500 Limited won’t get into its towing specs my favorite claim to fame is it has twice the leather of Ford or Chevy. My 2017 25FB has been towed from NH to Ca. I’ve been to Yellowstone to the Rockies to Graceland to the Florida Keys it can tow it easily with golf bags and a grill in the bed. You don’t need a 2500 or an F250. Just pick one with a towing package and have a good time.
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Old 04-12-2019, 09:15 AM   #58
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A person with a Tundra, an F150 and a GM 1500 all I believe said they had no issues towing a 25FB. I have the RAM 1500 Limited won’t get into its towing specs my favorite claim to fame is it has twice the leather of Ford or Chevy. My 2017 25FB has been towed from NH to Ca. I’ve been to Yellowstone to the Rockies to Graceland to the Florida Keys it can tow it easily with golf bags and a grill in the bed. You don’t need a 2500 or an F250. Just pick one with a towing package and have a good time.
Just curious; while your having a "good time", would be interested to know your RAM "payload" from the door sticker? Many of us here couldn't find a decent payload with a RAM 1/2T; nice truck, nice leather, but no payload.
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Old 04-12-2019, 06:56 PM   #59
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A person with a Tundra, an F150 and a GM 1500 all I believe said they had no issues towing a 25FB. I have the RAM 1500 Limited won’t get into its towing specs my favorite claim to fame is it has twice the leather of Ford or Chevy. My 2017 25FB has been towed from NH to Ca. I’ve been to Yellowstone to the Rockies to Graceland to the Florida Keys it can tow it easily with golf bags and a grill in the bed. You don’t need a 2500 or an F250. Just pick one with a towing package and have a good time.
Steven62, I’ll show you mine if you show me yours

We’ve got a ‘19 Ram 1500 Laramie Sport pretty well loaded and it’s payload is 1220#. Absolutely love the truck; comfortable and great ride. Our new 27’ Globetrotter arrived at the dealer Wednesday. I have no doubt it can tow with the 3.92 axle + HEMI. We’ll take it to the CAT scales and see how close/over the rear axle’s 4100# limit. Dealer promised if we’re over they’d buy it back (we leased it). BTW, he assured me the payload was 1840# at time of sale...
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Old 04-12-2019, 08:55 PM   #60
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Steven62, I’ll show you mine if you show me yours

We’ve got a ‘19 Ram 1500 Laramie Sport pretty well loaded and it’s payload is 1220#. Absolutely love the truck; comfortable and great ride. Our new 27’ Globetrotter arrived at the dealer Wednesday. I have no doubt it can tow with the 3.92 axle + HEMI. We’ll take it to the CAT scales and see how close/over the rear axle’s 4100# limit. Dealer promised if we’re over they’d buy it back (we leased it). BTW, he assured me the payload was 1840# at time of sale...
I'm not Steven62, but I am glad my payload isn't that low. My payload is 1895#. Between the tongue weight of my 23FB and our (fluffy) weight, I would have no payload left for generator or camping gear if it was only 1220#.
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