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Old 04-04-2020, 06:09 PM   #21
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I do not...... care.

Why would I care if someone wanted to tow their 28 foot Airstream with a bicycle. I do not care.

When we pass any brand of trailer being towed, we look at how it is set up and tracking. We also look to see what kind of hitch is being used, and tow vehicle. If it looks like an accident waiting to happen, just get us away from a future accident in waiting. It will sooner than later if the experience is low and the safety risk is high.

There are idiots out there with light and heavy tow vehicles. We just keep our distance and increase our speed to pass, or decrease our speed and move to the right a bit more... so they can pass.

Same with tires. I do not care what kind of tires YOU use. People ASK for advice and then get their shorts in a bind when people call them out.

I do not care... and like to post because if I had something better to do, I would.

Advertising has the small print. Find it, first. Then proceed. Otherwise... I do......not...... care what you get. Myself... F350 Diesel 4x4 will blow you off the road, on the highway and stopping.

My 27 foot Airstream is longer than your 28 foot... read the fine print. If not the case any more... you do need a 3/4 ton.

Have fun... cause I know you do not care either. But is was fun.
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Old 04-04-2020, 07:27 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vintageracer View Post
PULLING a trailer is EASY!

It's that STOPPING part that can be a REAL PROBLEM!

I suggest you all hook up your truck/trailer go out and do a some of PANIC STOPS on a deserted road to understand the real braking capability of your tow vehicle/trailer combination & how to handle that situation when it arises. A couple HARD STOPS from 30 MPH and a couple from 40 MPH. Git on the brakes HARD, HARD, HARD & HOLD ON!

At that point you can then step back and make a real evaluation and truthfully answer that question that gits asked ALL THE TIME:

"Is my tow vehicle CAPABLE OF SAFELY PULLING & STOPPING my tow vehicle/trailer combination"?

I would suspect a lot of you will git the schidt scared out you when you find out how LIMITED your tow vehicle/trailer combination BRAKING ABILITY really is!

Oh and just remember that "Weight Distributing Hitch" you love so much transfers more of that total weight of your rig to the front brakes which typically already provides 60-70% of your tow vehicles braking ability WITHOUT a trailer hooked up and to the rear trailer brakes if you have them thereby limiting even more the braking capability of the tow vehicles rear axle brakes.

That makes things git squirrely much quicker under HARD BRAKING when that tow vehicle rear axle unloads do the limited weight it still has holding it to the ground as the WDH redistributed all that weight to the front tow vehicle axle and rear trailer axle/axles.

You might be in for a fun ride at the worst time!
One important fact you miss: the trailer also has brakes. It’s just like a semi truck. The entire stopping power is not limited to the tractor pulling it. The trailer the truck is pulling also has brakes. So your argument is a bit weak.
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Old 04-04-2020, 07:31 PM   #23
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ray Eklund View Post
Why would I care if someone wanted to tow their 28 foot Airstream with a bicycle. I do not care.

When we pass any brand of trailer being towed, we look at how it is set up and tracking. We also look to see what kind of hitch is being used, and tow vehicle. If it looks like an accident waiting to happen, just get us away from a future accident in waiting. It will sooner than later if the experience is low and the safety risk is high.

There are idiots out there with light and heavy tow vehicles. We just keep our distance and increase our speed to pass, or decrease our speed and move to the right a bit more... so they can pass.

Same with tires. I do not care what kind of tires YOU use. People ASK for advice and then get their shorts in a bind when people call them out.

I do not care... and like to post because if I had something better to do, I would.

Advertising has the small print. Find it, first. Then proceed. Otherwise... I do......not...... care what you get. Myself... F350 Diesel 4x4 will blow you off the road, on the highway and stopping.

My 27 foot Airstream is longer than your 28 foot... read the fine print. If not the case any more... you do need a 3/4 ton.

Have fun... cause I know you do not care either. But is was fun.
And we do not care that you don’t care.
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Old 04-04-2020, 07:41 PM   #24
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Quote:
Originally Posted by uraljohn View Post
I might be crazy for asking this question, and I am sure others that monitor this site would agree, but here goes.

You have a 2019 28' Airstream. What do you tow it with? Maybe post some CAT Scale weight slip illustrating the proper towing setup. By your way of thinking that the weight of the tow vehicle exceeds the weight of the trailer, there are a whole bunch of folks towing incorrectly. No disrespect intended, just want a clarification on your process to determine what vehicle to tow with.

Stay safe in Florida. We left Melbourne, Fl. a month early to head back to N.Carolina and we are glad we did. Happy Travels someday.
I tow my FC28 with a Tundra 5.7L. It's virtually the same trailer as the FC27. (And neither of them are 28ft long) Likely never going on a CAT scale since the combination feels so stable. Don't fix it if it ain't broke...
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Old 04-05-2020, 06:32 AM   #25
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I like the extra payload capacity of my 3/4 ton over the 1/2 ton. It ads a lot of flexibility in what I choose to bring with us.

A previous post cautioned about braking but with a good brake controller, tandem axles or more and a WD hitch dynamic and static loads are well distributed to all axles in an emergency stop. The WD hitch ads load to the trailer axles, the torque moments around those axles during braking add load to the vehicle rear axle, and the WD hitch dynamically prevents over rotation on the vehicle front axle, keeping the load on the trailer and rear axle. Those who worry about the static effects of WD but miss the many times greater dynamic effects miss the forest for the trees.
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Old 04-05-2020, 06:56 AM   #26
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Originally Posted by Daquenzer View Post
One important fact you miss: the trailer also has brakes. It’s just like a semi truck. The entire stopping power is not limited to the tractor pulling it. The trailer the truck is pulling also has brakes. So your argument is a bit weak.
The trailer only has brakes if they are functioning. A little dirt or corrosion in the plug, a bump in the road to jostle the connector, and suddenly a kid on a tricycle rolls out in front of you. I don't care it your trailer has the best brakes in the world, if they aren't working, it's just like only having the tow vehicle brakes. I'm thinking of the newer F150 with the inverted trailer connector plug, where the plug loses connection if you run over a pebble in the road. By coincidence, one of the trucks espoused in this thread as being a great towing vehicle.

It has happened.
I have witnessed it.
It has happened to others on this forum.
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Old 04-05-2020, 07:14 AM   #27
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As to the relationship between weight distribution hitches and braking ability, it has been proven that an improvement in braking distance is only achieved if the hitch shifts load to the axle with the better brakes. If it shifts weight to an axle with lesser brakes then braking suffers. In any case the effect on braking is minimal.
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Old 04-05-2020, 08:15 AM   #28
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I appreciate the confirmation that WD improves braking response. The physics behind it indicates the effect is appreciable, 12-22% reduction in stopping distance for common tow vehicles. Not sure how you define minimal; it's not the word I'd use.
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Old 04-05-2020, 08:16 AM   #29
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Originally Posted by smithcreek View Post
Hopefully it will be better than the last twenty exact same threads over the past twelve months because those were all really lame by the second page.
I'm only quoting myself to admit I was completely off base. This thread didn't even make it to one page without becoming really lame.
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Old 04-05-2020, 08:17 AM   #30
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It’s nice to have a thread about religion at a time we can’t go to church.

Stay safe,
John
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Old 04-05-2020, 08:50 AM   #31
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Quote:
Originally Posted by overlander63 View Post
The trailer only has brakes if they are functioning. A little dirt or corrosion in the plug, a bump in the road to jostle the connector, and suddenly a kid on a tricycle rolls out in front of you. I don't care it your trailer has the best brakes in the world, if they aren't working, it's just like only having the tow vehicle brakes. I'm thinking of the newer F150 with the inverted trailer connector plug, where the plug loses connection if you run over a pebble in the road. By coincidence, one of the trucks espoused in this thread as being a great towing vehicle.

It has happened.
I have witnessed it.
It has happened to others on this forum.
Well that can be true of any vehicle. Even an 18 wheeler. So what if's abound.
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Old 04-05-2020, 09:08 AM   #32
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I have little confidence in trailer brakes/controllers. I've had a few of failures. One time the brakes locked up as I was getting off the Alaska Ferry. I wound up dragging the trailer off the ship with skidding wheels. Another time the controller failed completely and left me with no brakes at all in the Canadian Rockies. A third time I blew a tire (Goodyear Marathon) that wiped out my wheel well and severed the brake wire on one side. Also, why does my trailer not have ABS braking and individually controllable brakes? Is the manufacturer living in the dark ages? Having a big enough tow vehicle makes me feel a lot better.
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Old 04-05-2020, 09:09 AM   #33
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Rocky Mountain BRAKES? Going UP, or Down?

Quote:
Originally Posted by overlander63 View Post
The trailer only has brakes if they are functioning. A little dirt or corrosion in the plug, a bump in the road to jostle the connector, and suddenly a kid on a tricycle rolls out in front of you. I don't care it your trailer has the best brakes in the world, if they aren't working, it's just like only having the tow vehicle brakes. I'm thinking of the newer F150 with the inverted trailer connector plug, where the plug loses connection if you run over a pebble in the road. By coincidence, one of the trucks espoused in this thread as being a great towing vehicle.

It has happened.
I have witnessed it.
It has happened to others on this forum.
******
I have a Thread concerning NO BRAKES with brake wiring not secured to the brake wiring. Also two wheels with NO Brakes, so replaced all four to be... safe?

The Ford's brake controller kept giving me No Brake notices. (Or whatever you would call it.)

I would believe that a 1/2 ton with 4x4 is capable of doing a fine job in the Mountains. Going UP.

I would believe that a 2x2 is probably not an issue in any other towing in flat country.

Monarch Pass, south central Colorado... hell with the 30/40mph brake test. This is the ULTIMATE TEST that convinced me our 2016 5.7L Tundra 4x4 was not the best tow vehicle for our 25 foot Airstream and Rocky Mountain travel. It is the trying to keep your transmission and brakes from coming apart at 65..., when the truck/tow package wants to do 90. Not a good time to be learning.

Another Test: Also not for pampered Glampers and Range Rover towing 30 foot Airstreams- Ouray, Colorado coming from the South and DIVING into town. The Million Dollar Highway 550. If you are not religious now... you will be praying to someone as you descend into town.

Try the Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming into Buffalo, Wyoming or heading west to Ten Sleep.

People traveling between Midland and Odessa, Texas... and think your tow vehicle and trailer are a prefect match... AVOID these, unless you want to be in the local newspaper...

Different needs for Different kinds of trailer owners. What works for you in Texas, may be a horrible experience in the Rocky Mountains.

Nothing like the smell of HOT Brakes from the vehicle in front towing.

Chances are you will not see an 18 wheeler on these passes. The runaway truck ramps are for... bad decisions. Utah and Colorado have plenty.

If you pass me, smoke coming from your trailer and tow vehicle brakes... I do care. Is your safety worth $10,000, or can you spare a leg or an arm and take a chance?

When I say I do not care. I do. I just want to make people aware that some of us have had the Pucker Factor in the past and learned.
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Old 04-05-2020, 09:36 AM   #34
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You people are over-thinking this. A truck is not required to pull an Airstream.



You’re welcome!
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Old 04-05-2020, 10:04 AM   #35
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You people are over-thinking this. A truck is not required to pull an Airstream.



You’re welcome!
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OK... give me his current address. I would like to speak with him.
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Old 04-05-2020, 10:19 AM   #36
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Originally Posted by out of sight View Post
Yes, you can tow a 9000 lb trailer with a 1/2 ton truck, but you can't safely travel at highway speeds. For that you will need a larger truck. One rule of thumb is that the truck should weigh more than the trailer.
...52 years with big trucks....truck always weigh more than the trailer..loaded it is 55,500.....trailer is 43500... empty it is 27500 and 12500.....my ram is 8900 and our Classic is 7800... and all is good
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Old 04-05-2020, 10:28 AM   #37
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Here we go again...I suggest if you "have not" compared towing your 27' or larger AS with a 1/2T (no mater which engine/model 1/2T) and a 3/4T or 1T (diesel or gas), on the highway, especially in the mountains, you do so before spouting off on how capable your 1/2T is! I loved my 1/2T Echoboost 4x4 with my 25'. But, with my larger 28' FC, the 3/4T F250 KR 6.7L is "way" more capable in control, braking, (especially with the engine brake), power, and "payload" then the 1/2T.

If you haven't done a comparison yourself, no need to argue; you just won't know the difference! Sure, the diesel costs more to operate...but it sure is a tranquil feeling cruising up/down/around at 60-65 in the Rockies with cruise control on, in tow/haul mode, engine brake on "auto", with your TV maintaining distance from traffic in front of you...and when you do need to brake, having the stability of a larger TV is very nice also! IMHO...
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Old 04-05-2020, 10:37 AM   #38
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Ditto that!
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Old 04-05-2020, 10:38 AM   #39
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ray Eklund View Post
******
I have a Thread concerning NO BRAKES with brake wiring not secured to the brake wiring. Also two wheels with NO Brakes, so replaced all four to be... safe?

The Ford's brake controller kept giving me No Brake notices. (Or whatever you would call it.)

I would believe that a 1/2 ton with 4x4 is capable of doing a fine job in the Mountains. Going UP.

I would believe that a 2x2 is probably not an issue in any other towing in flat country.

Monarch Pass, south central Colorado... hell with the 30/40mph brake test. This is the ULTIMATE TEST that convinced me our 2016 5.7L Tundra 4x4 was not the best tow vehicle for our 25 foot Airstream and Rocky Mountain travel. It is the trying to keep your transmission and brakes from coming apart at 65..., when the truck/tow package wants to do 90. Not a good time to be learning.

Another Test: Also not for pampered Glampers and Range Rover towing 30 foot Airstreams- Ouray, Colorado coming from the South and DIVING into town. The Million Dollar Highway 550. If you are not religious now... you will be praying to someone as you descend into town.

Try the Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming into Buffalo, Wyoming or heading west to Ten Sleep.

People traveling between Midland and Odessa, Texas... and think your tow vehicle and trailer are a prefect match... AVOID these, unless you want to be in the local newspaper...

Different needs for Different kinds of trailer owners. What works for you in Texas, may be a horrible experience in the Rocky Mountains.

Nothing like the smell of HOT Brakes from the vehicle in front towing.

Chances are you will not see an 18 wheeler on these passes. The runaway truck ramps are for... bad decisions. Utah and Colorado have plenty.

If you pass me, smoke coming from your trailer and tow vehicle brakes... I do care. Is your safety worth $10,000, or can you spare a leg or an arm and take a chance?

When I say I do not care. I do. I just want to make people aware that some of us have had the Pucker Factor in the past and learned.
The brake disconnect issue is not specific to Ford, I am told, but it sure can cause a "pucker factor" to see the warning light come on while towing, I agree! (another plus for having a larger TV...)

The trailer plug connector being used on the newer AS, (at least in my case) did not mate well with my TV receptacle. AS was aware when I was in Jackson in November, and they simply put a different pigtail plug on the AS and no more issues. Prior, I was using good old "duck tape" wrapped around the connector when towing...worked fine, but not needed now.
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Old 04-05-2020, 10:46 AM   #40
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Quote:
Originally Posted by brad1 View Post
This ought to be a good thread ‘cause I know that some think that them’s fighting words!
For serious Aistreamers, debating towing vehicles during a pandemic is like eating good comfort food, brings our minds back to the important stuff... ;-)
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