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Old 11-05-2014, 10:03 AM   #1
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Enough Truck

I'm looking at a '98 Chevy Silverado with a 5.7L gas engine and a tow package. I have a 28' Land Yacht circa 1978. Being new to RV'ing and tow vehicles, I welcome feedback as to whether this will be a comfortable tow.

Thanks,
Shep
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Old 11-05-2014, 10:31 AM   #2
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Shep the truck itself will be fine, if not a little underpowered. It needs to have trailer brakes. Lots of Airstreams are towed with SBCs just don't be in a hurry.
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Old 11-05-2014, 10:48 AM   #3
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Your biggest issue will be the hitch weight on your tow vehicle which counts towards your maximum payload that the tow vehicle can carry. Fortunately for you, older Airstreams have quite a bit lower hitch weights than do the newer ones. Still, if your trailer has a hitch weight of 600 lbs., for example, and your tow vehicle has payload capacity of 1,000 lbs., you are left with 400 lbs. for passengers and cargo in the tow vehicle. You'll probably need to do a bit of research to get the hitch weight of your trailer (check the Airstream web site) and the payload capacity of your tow vehicle.

And make sure to use a properly set up weight distributing/anti sway hitch. If you are not familiar with this, use the search function to find one of the many (too many!) threads on this subject. Most local hitch dealers in your area can get you set up. 99.99% of Airstream owners use such a hitch. The other .001% are taking a big chance.

Enjoy the road!
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Old 11-05-2014, 11:51 AM   #4
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The short story is to return the front axle weight when hitched to what it was when solo. FALR. Front axle load Restoration


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Old 11-05-2014, 07:14 PM   #5
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Thanks to everyone for their responses!

Shep
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Old 11-05-2014, 08:15 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OldShepster View Post
I'm looking at a '98 Chevy Silverado with a 5.7L gas engine and a tow package. I have a 28' Land Yacht circa 1978. Being new to RV'ing and tow vehicles, I welcome feedback as to whether this will be a comfortable tow.
Plenty 'nuf truck.

I tow a heavier Airstream than that with a 2000 4.2L pickup.

Tow for a while and see how it goes. I would focus on the drivetrain.....

- 3.73 or 4.10 gears in the differential will take a load off the tranny and make for a more comfortable tow.

- Service the tranny and replace fluid with High Temp Redline synthetic. Make sure the torque fluid is drained too. Add a tranny temp gauge.

- D or E range tires eventually.

- Coolant flush and add Water Wetter to new coolant.
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Old 11-05-2014, 09:30 PM   #7
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Thanks for the advice. The specifics are great!

Shep
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Old 11-06-2014, 07:59 AM   #8
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It looks like a 78 has these figures, depending on configuration:

1978 AMBASSADOR 28 TWIN 4630 550 19.5
1978 AMBASSADOR 28 DOUBLE 4690 575 19.5

So the dry weight is in the 4630-4690 range, and the tongue weight in the 550-575 range. Figure your truck requirements from there.


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Old 11-06-2014, 01:15 PM   #9
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Dang...this is about the most helpful forum ever!!!

Thanks everyone,
Shep
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Old 11-06-2014, 01:24 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OldShepster View Post
I'm looking at a '98 Chevy Silverado with a 5.7L gas engine and a tow package. I have a 28' Land Yacht circa 1978. Being new to RV'ing and tow vehicles, I welcome feedback as to whether this will be a comfortable tow.

Thanks,
Shep
Is it a 1/2 or 3/4 ton?
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Old 11-06-2014, 02:49 PM   #11
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3/4 ton. I also stumbled on a 1983 Chevy one ton diesel dually with only 165K for mileage. Looks to be in great shape (no rust, clean interior). They are the same price. Those are the best two in my neck of the woods that are under my wife's budget for me :-)

Shep
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Old 11-06-2014, 03:38 PM   #12
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You will have no problem with the 3/4 ton. I would stay away from the '80's diesel, as it is the 6.2L, which has very little torque or horse power. Had a friend that pulled a 1983 31' with that diesel. Even a slight hill on the prairies and he was down to 40 mph in second gear. Get a good hitch, brake controler, and you will be ready to hit the road.
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Old 11-06-2014, 03:42 PM   #13
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The 3/4 ton will be perfect. No worries. The 1 ton dually will work if you need it for some other purpose too, but my preference by far would be the newer 3/4 ton.
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