New To Airstream Need Advice on Pull Vehicles

[m.hony]

Smart ForTwo or some such as that-
Like saying Toyota Camry-

[Mollysdad]

This is a bad place to ask for unbiased advice.
However, without mentioning brands, I'd advise a lightly used truck that's a certified used car. You'll get a warranty without the first year depreciation.

Or:

[gr.austin]

Be careful, don't do what I did. I am towing a 27FB classic (9000#) with an F150 and 1850 max load rating. It worked fine except for big hills and narrow roads. I decided i needed a 3/4 ton truck (F250) to make me feel more comfortable (wrong). I spent $55K for a diesel F250 and never gave it a thought that the max load capacity would be less that the F150. After I got it home and $55K lighter I looked at the max load rating: it was 1850 #'s. I didn't get what I was expecting. I put it on the CAT scales fully loaded with the trailer and found that I was still overloaded. The front axle was at 95% rating and the rear axle was at 100%. The CAT scale said I was 11050 # with the trailer. 1050 overloaded. IMO the entire extra strength of the truck was sucked up by the diesel engine. If I had purchased the 5.0L gas I would have been better off. I would have unloaded both axles and given me that extra 500# I was expecting to get with the F250.
A friend of mine has an F150 and his max load rating is 2200 # 300# MORE than the F250. Here is the problem: every truck has a different max load rating based on the options and features of the truck. You have to look on the door column of every truck to see what you are getting. Don't assume that all F250's have the same max load rating they don't.
The diesel is fun but I don't need it. The 5.0L is now being rated as a better engine with better fuel economy than the diesel. My diesel with 8,000 miles is only getting 11-12 towing the trailer and 13-14 not. I sure the 5.0L gas will do better than that. I know empty my 5.4L F150 was getting 14-15mpg empty and 13-14 towing.

By the way don't forget to include that weight of the cap you put on the TV as well as the hitch for your load calcs. My Henley Arrow (a must to have) adds about 150# to the tongue; a small price to pay for the way extra benefits.

Happy Streaming

[Moflash]

Most people make the same mistake and do not spend the extra $600 for the F350 with 3200+ payload and they also don't realize that it has the exact same ride quality of the F250.For larger and heavier tongue weight trailers like our 28ft International there are no equals when it comes to ride quality and the overall towing experience.

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by Moflash

Most people make the same mistake and do not spend the extra $600 for the F350 with 3200+ payload and they also don't realize that it has the exact same ride quality of the F250.For larger and heavier tongue weight trailers like our 28ft International there are no equals when it comes to ride quality and the overall towing experience.

Hi

Indeed, about the only real difference between the 250 and the 350 appears to be a few tweaks to the springs.

When looking at payload numbers on the sticker on the truck, realize that it is *after* you have all of the passengers in the truck. If the sticker says 5 passengers, and you only have two that matters. You get the 3 x 150 lb back into the payload. Of course if you 2 passengers weight more than 150 lb each ... that matters.

Bob

[franklyfrank]

Originally Posted by djconnelly

My wife and I bought a 2016 25' FB Flying Cloud. We just completed a 500 r/t trek to the Roanoke area of the Blue Ridge (VA). Suburban did well on the highway; adequate towing up the steep portions of US 221.

We prefer the suburban because of its versatility as a family vehicle. We bring our dogs and children with us not only camping but on other outdoor adventures that include fishing, skiing, day trips and the beach. The 1500 Suburban 5.3 L will rev much higher while towing the Flying Cloud. The trailer mode switch does add some continent stability and gearing features.

Ideally my next vehicle will be the Suburban 2500 or Silverado 2500. The torque a diesel provides cannot be matched by a gas engine. However the initial investment and operating cost of the gasoline 2500 vs the diesel 2500 is much more palatable. When comparing both, initial cost and fuel cost, one would need to drive the diesel model over 100,000 miles to fully recoup the additional cost.

Consider how you will use your Airstream and the need versus want of a diesel. I'd rather invest the difference in a big screen tv, beer on tap and a couch.

Generally speaking, a more expensive vehicle will sell for more later on. Recouping cost difference shouldn't be major a consideration imho. . More importantly which one will serve you needs the best while you own it.

[davidrrand]

Originally Posted by gr.austin

Be careful, don't do what I did. I am towing a 27FB classic (9000#) with an F150 and 1850 max load rating. It worked fine except for big hills and narrow roads. I decided i needed a 3/4 ton truck (F250) to make me feel more comfortable (wrong). I spent $55K for a diesel F250 and never gave it a thought that the max load capacity would be less that the F150. After I got it home and $55K lighter I looked at the max load rating: it was 1850 #'s. I didn't get what I was expecting. I put it on the CAT scales fully loaded with the trailer and found that I was still overloaded. The front axle was at 95% rating and the rear axle was at 100%. The CAT scale said I was 11050 # with the trailer. 1050 overloaded. IMO the entire extra strength of the truck was sucked up by the diesel engine. If I had purchased the 5.0L gas I would have been better off. I would have unloaded both axles and given me that extra 500# I was expecting to get with the F250.
A friend of mine has an F150 and his max load rating is 2200 # 300# MORE than the F250. Here is the problem: every truck has a different max load rating based on the options and features of the truck. You have to look on the door column of every truck to see what you are getting. Don't assume that all F250's have the same max load rating they don't.
The diesel is fun but I don't need it. The 5.0L is now being rated as a better engine with better fuel economy than the diesel. My diesel with 8,000 miles is only getting 11-12 towing the trailer and 13-14 not. I sure the 5.0L gas will do better than that. I know empty my 5.4L F150 was getting 14-15mpg empty and 13-14 towing.

By the way don't forget to include that weight of the cap you put on the TV as well as the hitch for your load calcs. My Henley Arrow (a must to have) adds about 150# to the tongue; a small price to pay for the way extra benefits.

Happy Streaming

Agree totally. Previous truck was older F350 with diesel. Bought '15 F150 with 5.0 to pull FC25 since wife hated 350 (noisey, rough riding unhitched and manual trans) .
Got 13.0 mpg overall on 7000 mile trip to Rockies last fall and only limitation was slow and easy on the high passes. Payload of 2031 lbs with SuperCab 4x4 Lariat.

The new F250/350s are awesome but the Diesel engine is heavy and expensive. Go for 350 if payload is important. The 250 with 6.2 gas would be my choice if I ever decide I need more payload but would miss the economy of my F150 as it's my daily drive. Maybe the 6.2 with the 10 speed in the future?🤔

[Moflash]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi



Indeed, about the only real difference between the 250 and the 350 appears to be a few tweaks to the springs.



When looking at payload numbers on the sticker on the truck, realize that it is *after* you have all of the passengers in the truck. If the sticker says 5 passengers, and you only have two that matters. You get the 3 x 150 lb back into the payload. Of course if you 2 passengers weight more than 150 lb each ... that matters.



Bob

This statement is incorrect.

Ford only allows 150lbs for the driver only in the payload calculation.All passengers and gear are subtracted from the listed payload and if the driver weighs more than the 150lbs allowance that overage is also subtracted.