Need Your Opinion - Just purchased a 2018 23CB Int'l Signature

[jcolema67]

I'm hoping for some opinion here. I just purchased a 23ft Airstream (4761 dry weight, 6000 GVWR, 672 Tongue/Hitch Weight) and I need a tow vehicle. I'm looking at 2 SuperCrew options:

1. A 2019 Ford Ranger Lariat SuperCrew 2.3L Turbo (7500 Tow Weight Capacity, 750 Max Tongue Weight)

2. A 2019 Ford F150 STX SuperCrew 5.0L V8 (10100 Tow Weight Capacity, 1,010 Max Tongue Weight)

Is the Ranger enough? I'd like to be able to tow cross-country at some point.

[PhxTrotter]

I’d say f150 for sure! Your tongue weight is an issue with the ranger. Good luck and congrats.

[Bobbo]

The Ranger doesn't have nearly enough payload capacity. The F-150, for sure. With a 6000# GVWR, the trailer will be pushing 900# of tongue weight.

[moosetags]

I also agree that a 23' Airstream is a bit much for a Ranger pick-up, especially if you are planning any cross country trips. I think that you will be much happier with a full size half ton pick-up.

Brian

[BayouBiker]

^
Ranger is definitely too small as they indicate and also the steep western mountain will tax the engine, transmission, cooling system and brakes. It will make it, but with little extra, it's not worth all the attention it will require to keep it in the margin.

[JWR]

Agree with all of the above. Better to have peace of mind than white knuckles.

[wulfraat]

Ranger too small. 150 ok.

[RickP]

I have a 23' International AS and towed it cross country first year with a GMC Yukon. The Yukon performed OK, but 2nd year I upgraded to a GMC Duramax and traveling became much less stressful and far more comfortable. When passing or getting passed by big trucks in the Yukon was frequently a white knuckle experience, the Duramax eliminated it. I'd go big if I were you, especially for cross country adventures. Confidence and comfort in the bigger trucks makes HUGE difference - did for me. Have fun out there!

[rdbagley]

No matter the ratings of vehicles, our assessment after 8 years of Airstreaming (a VERB) is that you need a vehicle that matches how you will use it. In our case, cross-country trips, often at elevations, influenced us to buy a diesel. The torque and fuel economics are superior to gasoline engines - but they are more expensive...

When you use an on-spec vehicle, the brakes will be just enough, the power will be just enough, and the engine performance will be just enough to meet the ratings.

If you drive tough, elevated, off-road/gravel, or other circumstances other than freeway, you may want "margin" of specifications - that is a more powerful, brake and transmission upgraded, etc. vehicle.

Use diesel pickup trucks are a great choice. They hold their value because they run a long time...

[Cahill20]

Hello jcolema67,

I have this same trailer and have a bit of a hybrid TV of the two you mention in your post that I feel safe and confident when traveling. Although not a Ranger, my Diesel Colorado pulls the 23D quite well and, for me, makes a great daily driver when not towing.

[greenflag]

Good advice above.
When considering a tow vehicle don't just look at manufacturers tow rating and hitch weight. Payload capacity is important as well as Gross Combine Weight Rating GCWR. Hitch weight comes off your payload. Add two adults, some gear, and the dog, you could be over payload in a hurry. Remember you have to be able to stop the trailer as well as pull it.
Never push the limits of your TV. I have in the past. You won't like the handling of the entire package. Especially when 18 wheelers pass you on the Interstate

[Taco Joe]

I agree with the other posts that the full size would be a better choice, but it is more complicated than that. It entirely depends upon what else the truck is used for.

We have towed our 2012 23FB (lower hitch weight than yours) but GVW about the same nearly 10k miles with my 2016 Toyota Tacoma LB sport. We have driven from San Diego to upstate New York. We used AAA to map out the least evaluation change in the route. The Tacoma performed well, except the dismal gas mileage with hills and poor mileage on the flats. I've added upgraded shocks, brakes, brake controller, Airride bags, and a WD hitch to the Tacoma. Most of that isn't really needed on the RAM. It already had the towing package. I've also added a monitor for various drive train temperatures and will be adding a Magnuson supercharger once it become available. For short trips, I even have the ability to put my small 250 Kawasaki on my front hitch carrier. We also like the Tacoma for its ability to go off-roading once the Airstream is parked.

We also have a 2016 RAM 2500 Cummins diesel. The Ram pulls the airstream effortlessly but is a poor choice for drivability and parking in the city. Gas mileage, range, and safety (especially downhill with engine braking) is excellent.

If you live in a part of the country where parking and crowded freeways aren't an issue then go with the larger option. I suggest diesel if you can afford it, although I would love to have a Ford with the eco-boost engine. Good luck on your choice.

For mostly towing with the Tacoma, some posters would give me grief for running near the edge of my truck's limits. We just take our time. It also keeps my wife from driving too fast like when she tows with the Ram :-)

[emelaich01]

Agree w/all. Plus, you'll find that you can get into the 150 for not too much more than the smaller Ford and you'll be a lot happier with the ride and amenities.

We tow our 25' Flying Cloud with a 2019 F150 and previous to that, with a 2014 F150, both with the 5.0.

We've made a couple of trips from Texas to the NE corner of Iowa without a hitch and yes, sometimes going up some of the grades drops our speeds to the 50's. Outside of that, the truck performs admirably, generally staying in 9th gear.

[uraljohn]

We had a 2017 23D (same as a 23CB) and I would not even consider towing with the new Ford Ranger. The actual tongue weight of the 23CB is going to be around 800 LBS. Not enough truck. Get the F150. You will be glad you did the first time you go down some steep mountain pass road.

We now have a 2019 FC 25 RBT and tow with a 2013 Ford E150 XLT Premium van with max tow and payload package. Handled the 23D with no problem. When we go bigger than the 25, and we will, we will upgrade our tow vehicle. Handles the 25 fine but any bigger would be slim safety margins.

Get the F150 because in a couple years your going to want a 25 or larger AS. Happy travels.

[sherrylynne]

Get the larger truck. I first had the 2006 Tundra to tow a 23' International...fine towing...coming out of the Sierra Nevadas....YIKES....there was a lot of praying trying to stop the rig coming down off those mountain. Upgraded to the 2013 Tundra (in 2013) and the difference was amazing...great towing capacity...great braking...just get the bigger one. Yeah the big 2013 Tundra is not as cute as my 2007 white Tundra, and it is big for driving around town, but it is so much better when towing.

[Bill M.]

I do not think there is much a Ranger will do that a full sized 150 will not do better. With or without a trailer.

[bibbs]

Since you haven’t bought a truck yet. Take a look at a full size van. You would enjoy all that extra room. Especially on a cross country trip.

[SilverWind]

F150 is OK. I moved from a RAM 1500 to a RAM 2500 diesel to tow my 23D to Alaska. The extra cargo capacity of the 3/4 ton over the 1/2 ton is a real advantage when carrying a lot of gear. The larger truck has a clear advantage in handling in mountain terrain and windy areas.

[Bauerg]

Had a 23 and pulled it with a diesel Colorado. Worked ok but my wife was concerned about subtle pushing on bumpy roads so we ended up getting a Duramax 3/4 ton diesel. Much more than needed but great economy and extra safety factor. But here is the real reason to get the bigger truck- we traded the 23 for a 28 in Decamber. With the 3/4 ton, no problem. You MAY very likely trade up some day soon and when you do, guess what? You will be in a position to trade up without hesitation. Upgrading to a larger truck and trailer might make it a much harder decision so you put up with smaller than ideal. How many first purchases with Airstreams end up going larger later. More than you think.

[Rak187]

And remember you will always have extra weight in the bed and gear in your camper.