Should I tow my 1991 Airstream Classic Limited 34' with a 2013 Toyota Tundra Crewmax?

[auburns2003]

Hey guys,

I just bought a 1991 Airstream Classic Limited 34' and am thinking that I need to buy a new tow vehicle because it's dry weight is 7,300 lbs. and my current truck's towing capacity is 7,800. I've been looking at getting a 2013 Toyota Tundra Crewmax and would like to get some feedback on whether or not that would be a good choice or if I'll need something stronger.

The Tundra Crewmax has a 5.7L V8 with a 4.30 Axel Gear Ratio along with the tow package and has a 9,900 lb. tow capacity. I'm wondering if that's enough since the dry weight is already at 73.3% of the Tundra's max tow rating. I live in Birmingham, AL, so that's a somewhat mountainous terrain and I plan on driving the Airstream into Tennessee and the Smoky Mountains so please take that into account when giving advice. Should I just bite the bullet and buy a Diesel Truck or do you think the Tundra is sufficient?

Thanks!

Jeremy

[m.hony]

Yes. That would be an excellent choice. Se my avatar and signature.

[m.hony]

Se should be see...

[xrvr]

Get a good wd hitch with sway control and enjoy. Jim

[pmclemore]

One reason we like these big, honkin, trailers is that they have lots of room. Lots of room means lots of temptations as far as what to carry.

It will take more energy and smarts than you can imagine to avoid overloading your rig.

Aside from that, happy trails!

Pat

[Gene]

The Tundra has lots and lots of power and should handle the trailer easily. The CrewMax has, I believe, less cargo payload than the Double Cab. We have the Double and it has plenty or room inside and a bigger truck bed for toys, generator, tools, etc.

Gene

[m.hony]

There is most likely a little difference in payload from the Doublecab to the Crewmax.
There is a difference in towing capacity.
I have forgotten now, but it seems like:
Crewmax 10,400#
Doublecab 10,800#
Regular cab 11,200#
So, I would assume there would be a similar difference in payload.
The Tundra does a nice job towing our 30'
We attempted to buy a 34' and we were going to use the Tundra to tow it.
The previous owner towed the 34' with a 5.4 Lincoln Navigator.
Even though the Crewmax has the least payload and towing capacity in the Tundra family it is still overkill for any Airstream made. I would think it would be hard to put 3,000# of cargo in your trailer unless you are Lucille Ball in The Long, Long Trailer.

[Gene]

There are a lot of model and trim line variations with the Dbl. Cab and Crew Cab, but generally with the 5.7 l. engine the Dbl. Cab has 60-80 lbs. more payload than the Crew Cab. These are 2007 numbers and though the trucks haven't changed, the numbers may have. For some, those pounds may matter and for others, it may not. I suspect the Crew Cab is somewhat more expensive as top of the line vehicles seem to have a lot of extra profit added.

Gene

[m.hony]

I got the Crewmax for that "supersize" back seat. If you never have passengers a Doublecab or regular cab would have a little more payload and towing capacity just because the weight of the cab is reduced.
The only other backseat that might be near this big is the Dodge Megacab.
3 big tall grown folks can ride in the Crewmax backseat comfortably.
Also, the long, wide back doors open almost 90 degrees making entry/egress easy.
The steps and grab handles help, too. I miss them when entering a truck/van/SUV that doesn't have steps and grab handles.
Some other brands back doors only open to 45 degrees and are more narrow.
These same things probably apply to the Doublecab as well. The Tundra Doublecab probably has bigger doors and a bigger back seat compared to other extended cab trucks.