Visit our Popular Forums

SilvaStreama · 09-12-2019, 08:11 PM

I'm a relative newbie to the Airstream. It is a trailer I have always admired but wasn't really ready to jump into. A little about my experiences. So, after some prodding from my camping friends, I took the leap and bought a really nice (so it seemed), Class B+ camper. It ended up in the shop more times than I got to take it camping, and ruined two planned trips within the first 3 months of ownership. So, when driving home from the east coast of Florida to the west coast, I pass by the new Airstream dealership. Side trip. I go and look inside and outside of every one they had on the lot. My current tv at the time was a 2018 Ford Raptor, that years entry at the SEMA show. So, BIG knobby tires, short bed, gas engine (that only took premium gas), all sorts of bells and whistles. It was a beauty to behold, if you like that sort of thing. So, I wanted something about 25'. I decided on the 25' Globetrotter. I really wanted the 27', but at the time, I didn't want the twin beds, and that is what they had in stock. So, I had one built and it arrived this past April, on my birthday! It was a white knuckle drive home (90 minutes), from the dealership. Totally wrong tv for me. I put in an Andersen hitch, that didn't help, I changed the tires to more road worthy ones, but they looked silly with the truck and didn't really make that much of a difference. So, I traded the truck in and bought a 2019 F250 Platinum Crew cab, diesel. Can't even tell it is back there now. A few camping trips later and fast forward 6 months. I hate the size and configuration. I'll admit, I like comfort, I like luxury, and so far, I love Airstream. Just days ago, AS announced it was introducing a 30' Globetrotter. I do like the clean lines and the brightness of the GT, and the new configuration was appealing. Then I visited the Classic. Needless to say, a new one is on order. The bathroom suite in the 33' sold me. So, after this long, drawn out description of my idiocy, questions. Is the F250 still good to tow this beast (I have a Hensley hitch), (I will be upgrading to the lithium batteries), and does anyone do this solo?? Thanks for any advice!

SteveSueMac · 09-12-2019, 08:23 PM

Wow! What a journey!!

Welcome to the forums.

Love your story but! My wife and I bought one 7 years ago and are loving it. I get tempted from time to time - a friend bought a new Globetrotter and it’s gorgeous - and there’s the 33’ now too that you’re diving in to - but our 27 works for us and it’s our home on wheels.

My $0.02 - a 3/4T diesel and Hensley hitch are perfect for your new baby. Enjoy and happy camping!

Daquenzer · 09-12-2019, 08:29 PM

Yes. F250 gas will work.

https://www.ford.com/cmslibs/content...DtyPU_May4.pdf

Your base weight is 8261lbs. Max weight is 10,000lbs.

pcskier · 09-12-2019, 08:49 PM

You're gonna need a bigger truck. I'll give you $35,000 for the old one. CASH!

LOL. Welcome to the club. You got the bug...big time!

turk123 · 09-13-2019, 06:42 AM

I have the F-250 Platinum diesel and it should be fine for your new trailer.

I did add one more leaf spring in the rear and a set of Sulastic shocks for the rear hanger. Improves your rear stability and rides like a Cadillac.

http://sulastic.com/sa-06f-sulastic-...&viewmode=list

paiceman · 09-13-2019, 07:29 AM

I have done it in the past, F250 - F350 with 30' Airstreams as well as a 30' Classic.

Only thing to watch is payload, which should be fine. Add in occupants, stuff and hitch weight.

It will do the job as the engine and transmission are exactly the same on the F250 - F350 the difference is in payload.

switz · 09-13-2019, 07:34 AM

Note that adding the rear spring did not change the weight ratings label on the truck door jamb nor increase the load capacity of the axles or tires.

The only way to get a legal increase in the load capacity label is thru an after market shop that provides a new door label after their modifications.

Some folks ignore the door label and do what most DOT officers do. They look at the axle ratings and tire ratings. If the tire capacity exceeds the axle rating, and the vehicle actual weight numbers on the axles are equal to or lower than the ratings, a ticket typically is not issued.

Our 2012 Ram has a GVW of 9,600 pounds with front axle weight rating of 5,500 pounds and rear axle weight rating of 6,010 pounds. So one could say that the vehicle could carry a total of 11,510 pounds. I don't worry if I scale 10,200 pounds as I have 11,000 pound plates the truck.

chickenrx · 09-13-2019, 07:53 AM

We tow our 33 with a RAM 2500HD and a Hensley without issues. You should not have any problems towing with the F250. As Paiceman said, be aware of your payload. I will say, unlike the GT, you will know the 33 is back there. (We went from a 27 Classic to the 33 and could really feed a difference).

**moosetags** · 09-13-2019, 08:59 AM

First off, welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

As to your journey into Airstreaming, that's quite a trip for a relatively short time. As to your tow vehicle, any 3/4 ton Diesel pick-up will handle any Airstream travel trailer. I'm sure that the Classic 33 will meet your needs.

Brian

LiLNomad · 09-13-2019, 09:12 AM

To answer your last question..yes there are lots of us Solo Airstreamers...especially women!
LilNomad

uncle_bob · 09-13-2019, 10:26 AM

Hi

Unfortunately there are a lot of F250's. Some are F350's in all but name, others are mighty close to being an F150. Assuming you have the max towing package and the camper option on the F250 it should tow anything AS makes. I've towed my 30' Classic all over the country for several years now with an F250 (gas) and have no complaints at all.

Bob

SilvaStreama · 09-13-2019, 07:10 PM

Thanks everyone for your responses! I am so glad I don't have to get a bigger truck! This one only has 5000 miles on it. Basically a designated tow vehicle, with a little driving to keep it in shape. Planning a trip to Key West in November, hoping it will be ready by then!

uncle_bob · 09-13-2019, 07:27 PM

Hi

No matter what your tow vehicle, you still have to watch how much you load it up. There is no such thing as an infinite capacity tow

. There is a door sticker that will give you some numbers for payload. Best to knock about 20% off those numbers as a target. Then watch what you load up. If you think you are close to the 80% point, go over to a CAT scale and see. Even if you are not close, doing a run once just to have a benchmark is well worth the few dollars it will cost.

Bob