Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 10-11-2014, 11:15 AM   #1
Rivet Master
 
DeltaRon's Avatar
 
2015 28' Flying Cloud
2018 33' Classic
Cumming , Georgia
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 518
Tow Vehicle Woes

OK, ordering my 2015 FC 25 Twin in two weeks. Own a 2015 Tahoe V-8 with max towing package. Folks on here are close to convincing me that I have the wrong (underpowered) TV.
I want assurances that this rig configuration will work safely and efficiently. Should I keep what I have OR trade to a pickup (which I hate). If trade, what recommendations do you have for me ( brand, model and power plant)?


Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums
DeltaRon is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2014, 11:33 AM   #2
Rivet Master
 
TinTin's Avatar
 
2009 23' FB Flying Cloud
Canmore , Alberta
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,762
Images: 6
Your Tahoe with max towing, and a decent weight distribution hitch, should be perfectly capable of towing your new FC safely, IMHO. I have the 5.3 engine in my 2014 Sierra, and have been very happy with it's power and fuel economy.
__________________
Bob and Nancy
https://www.rwcphoto.smugmug.com
Cheer Up, Slow Down, Chill Out!
TinTin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2014, 11:34 AM   #3
Rivet Master
 
GeocamperAS's Avatar
 
1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre
Currently Looking...
Wauwatosa , Wisconsin
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 810
Go to Can-Am RV Centre | #1 Airstream Dealer in Customer Satisfaction Worldwide | Your Full-Service RV Dealer and click on towing. You will be amazed.
You could also post your question to Andy Thomson at that same site.
__________________
Judging a person does not define who they are, it defines who YOU are.
GeocamperAS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2014, 11:35 AM   #4
Rivet Master
 
AnnArborBob's Avatar
 
2014 27' FB Eddie Bauer
Chelsea , Michigan
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,792
Images: 12
You are going to be fine with the 2015 Tahoe. You have plenty of torque (383 ft.lbs.) to move a 25 foot Airstream up just about any hill.

Just make sure you use a weight distributing/anti sway hitch that is properly set up. Get an expert to help you with this in person with your TV and AS, don't try and do it yourself or rely solely on advice you get here or anywhere else online.

Also, keep an eye on your hitch weight in relationship to the total cargo capacity of the Tahoe. Depending on the specific model and options, your total cargo capacity is about 1,700 lbs. The hitch weight on the trailer is about 835 lbs leaving you with about 865 lbs. for driver, passenger and cargo in the Tahoe. You might be able to increase that a bit with some beefier tires on the Tahoe (again, consult an expert such as Andy Thompson at CanAM for this.)

I would not trade in the Tahoe right now. Get it set up properly, mind your cargo capacity and try it for awhile. I would not go up or down Tioga Pass on my first trip, but with some real world experience you will know whether or not the Tahoe will work for you.

Some people on this forum will insist that you need a 3/4 ton pickup to tow a 25 foot AS, but I know people who use Explorers, Jeep Grand Cherokees and the like so just take it easy the first few times out and get used to the rig.

Have fun!!!

__________________
Bob Martel
WBCCI# 5766
AnnArborBob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2014, 12:35 PM   #5
Rivet Master
 
SteveH's Avatar
 
2005 39' Land Yacht 390 XL 396
Common Sense , Texas
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,319
Your tow vehicle is fine. The hitch and it's setup is the tricky part. As has been stated, get someone experienced in your area to help with the setup, and do NOT trust the dealer to get it right, they just want your money and you off the lot.

Contact a WBCCI unit in your area, and I'm sure they will have a member that is experienced and more than willing to help you.
__________________
Regards,
Steve
SteveH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2014, 01:34 PM   #6
Rivet Master
 
A W Warn's Avatar
 
2000 25' Safari
Davidson County , NC Highlands County, FL
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,493
Your Tahoe is going to do a great job for you. Like other's have said, get the right WD hitch and get it set up properly. Think about passengers and cargo and plan your loading to suit the two vehicles' capacities.
When you get the trailer go to the Cat Scale and weigh the whole rig LOADED TO CAMP, with weight distribution, then without. Then weigh tow vehicle separately. This will give you all the weight information you need to know.
It's inexpensive, $10 for the first weight, then $2 for as many additional weighs as you want during the next 24 hours. So, if you need to tweak the hitch setup or move weight from the TV into the trailer to adjust tongue weight, allow time for a couple extra weighs while you are there.
While you are waiting for your trailer, it is a good time to search in this forum about how to weigh.
And, I say it's best to install your hitch yourself. This way you will be educated in how it works and know that it is installed correctly. Read the instructions, read the instructions, read the instruction, and understand them before you install. Get help for the installation if you do not feel confident, but still take part in the install.
__________________
Alan
2014 Silverado LTZ 1500 Crew Cab 5.3L maximum trailering package
A W Warn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2014, 02:13 PM   #7
Rivet Master
 
Road Ruler's Avatar
 
Currently Looking...
St. Catharines , South Western Ontario
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,367
Images: 38
No problem... the folks at Cam Am may have some tips to make it better but get the connection right and hit the road. Enjoy!
__________________
Airstreams..... The best towing trailers on the planet!
Road Ruler is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2014, 03:10 PM   #8
Rivet Master
 
Ahab's Avatar
 
2008 22' Safari
Oracle , Arizona
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,174
Your fine, as the posters above are recommending. Don't listen to morons.
Ahab is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2014, 04:04 PM   #9
Rivet Master
 
dkottum's Avatar
 
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake , Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
You have the power needed to tow your Airstream but use the transmission by selecting the gear as needed for climbing/descending grades. That's what it's there for, use it and you will be fine.

The 116" wheelbase will require a skilled hitch setup or a sway elimination hitch (Hensley or ProPride) for effortless, comfortable towing under all road, traffic, and weather conditions.

It will have similar payload limits to a 1/2 truck. That means light loads in the Tahoe when the Airstream is attached.
__________________
Doug and Cheryl
2012 FC RB, Michelin 16, ProPride 1400
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 Ecodiesel 3.92 axles

The Truth is More Important Than the Facts
dkottum is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2014, 04:20 PM   #10
Rivet Master
 
jdalrymple's Avatar
 
2009 27' FB Flying Cloud
1982 31' International
1991 35' Airstream 350
Jay , Oklahoma
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,706
You will be happy with the Tahoe.

Tow vehicle and hitch threads bring out the absolute worst behavior on this forum.

I like a Reese dual cam hitch.

I don't want to sound like the old grump that walked up hill to school both directions with 2 feet of snow everyday, but I grew up on a ranch have pulled trailers most of my life.

If that is true for you, you will probably be happy with any good weight distributing hitch with some form of anti-sway device.

If you have less towing experience, a Pro Pride or Hensley may add a level of comfort.

I have never towed with one, but those that have them seem to like them.

They are certainly not required to have a safe, stable rig.


Enjoy your beautiful new trailer, and go to a rally!


Regards,

JD
__________________
Jeff & Cindy
'09 27FB Flying Cloud;'82 31 International
'91 350 LE MH; '21 Interstate 24GT


jdalrymple is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2014, 04:31 PM   #11
Rivet Master
 
dkottum's Avatar
 
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake , Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
I guess he's referring to me. My apologies for bad behavior, but I also grew up in rural America helping my dad with his farm trucking business. And do have a Hensley/ProPride hitch, you will like it.
__________________
Doug and Cheryl
2012 FC RB, Michelin 16, ProPride 1400
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 Ecodiesel 3.92 axles

The Truth is More Important Than the Facts
dkottum is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2014, 06:38 PM   #12
Builder of Diesel Jeeps
 
westernjeep401's Avatar
 
2014 28' International
Sedona , Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 226
Quote:
Originally Posted by DeltaRon View Post
OK, ordering my 2015 FC 25 Twin in two weeks. Own a 2015 Tahoe V-8 with max towing package. Folks on here are close to convincing me that I have the wrong (underpowered) TV.
I want assurances that this rig configuration will work safely and efficiently. Should I keep what I have OR trade to a pickup (which I hate). If trade, what recommendations do you have for me ( brand, model and power plant)?


Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

Great TV. Capable and balanced.
__________________
14 Serenity 28'
15 Grand Cherokee EcoD
#5261
westernjeep401 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2014, 05:56 AM   #13
Rivet Master
 
jdalrymple's Avatar
 
2009 27' FB Flying Cloud
1982 31' International
1991 35' Airstream 350
Jay , Oklahoma
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,706
My comments were pointed at no one in particular.

I am glad you like your setup.


Regards,

JD
__________________
Jeff & Cindy
'09 27FB Flying Cloud;'82 31 International
'91 350 LE MH; '21 Interstate 24GT


jdalrymple is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2014, 06:01 AM   #14
3 Rivet Member
 
2014 25' Flying Cloud
New Ashford , Massachusetts
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 236
Towing is more than power to move forward. BRAKES are a more important issue, Can your tow vehicle stop itself and your trailer if the trailer brakes fail?? This does happen for the stranges reasons. Lots of people over tow their vehicles braking capacity, but not the motors ability to pull the trailer down the road. 3/4 - 1 ton vehicles have the same engines availible in 1/2 ton vehicles (diesels not included), but what a 3/4 and 1 ton have that a 1/2 ton does not is MUCH larges brakes and heavier frames. A longer wheel base helps too. That being said if you understand any possible short comings and tow approprietly your vehicle will tow safely. I personally prefer atleast 20% cushion on the capacity of my vehicle and the trailer I tow. I currently tow with a 2009 Dodge SD2500 Cummins mega cab.

Joe D
Dexterpix is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2014, 08:41 AM   #15
Rivet Master
 
AWCHIEF's Avatar
 
2006 23' Safari SE
Biloxi , Mississippi
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,278
Images: 33
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ahab View Post
Your fine, as the posters above are recommending. Don't listen to morons.

LOL, brilliant.
__________________
MICHAEL

Do you know what a learning experience is? A learning experience is one of those things that says "You know that thing that you just did? Don't do that."
AWCHIEF is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2014, 11:29 PM   #16
Rivet Master
 
J. Morgan's Avatar
 
1972 31' Sovereign
1975 31' Excella 500
Currently Looking...
Benton , Arkansas
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 5,868
Images: 11
Tow Vehicle Woes

More than capable for the task, brakes are more than good enough too.

Period.

Trailer brakes are pretty reliable, a simple rule regarding them is to test them every time you start driving, and if they don't work, stop and fix them.

Even so, I haven't seen a vehicle made in the last few decades that was not capable of locking every tire down under any condition. If you were to lose trailer brakes, the limiting factor is not going to be lack of brakes, but lack of traction.

In this regard your Tahoe is as good as any 3/4 ton truck and many one ton trucks.
__________________
The fact that I am opinionated does not presuppose that I am wrong......

J. Morgan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-13-2014, 04:13 AM   #17
Rivet Master
 
Wayward's Avatar
 
2006 25' Safari FB SE
Broadway , North Carolina
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 838
enjoy - no worries

Plenty of truck!

I tow a 25' FB with a old 1/2 ton. It has a 4.2L V6 which requires use of 3rd gear in the mountains.

It was a stock truck when we bought the Airstream. I put on a good brake controller then towed for a while to see how it did. Ended up adding larger diameter load E range tires. Then changed the rear axle gear to 4.30 and put on Monroe sense-matic shocks.

The rear gear change was a huge improvement.

It runs Redline synthetic lubricants.

I also tow it with a 3/4 ton truck which has a bigger motor but is definitely a bit more truck than the Airstream needs.
__________________
2006 Safari SE FB
2000 F150 4.2L (retired), 2011 F250 6.2L, 2010 ML550, 2000 Excursion 7.3L
Broadway, NC
Wayward is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Tow Vehicle/STOW Vehicle for Full-Timers Foiled Again Full-Timing 13 06-28-2014 12:55 PM
Can you tow a 31' with 12 a bhp tow vehicle? goatfarmer Member Introductions 6 06-30-2010 10:40 PM
Tow, tow tow your Airstream Hhthorny Towing, Tow Vehicles & Hitches 11 04-12-2008 12:06 AM
Armstrong A/C Woes on 71Sovereign MikeT Furnaces, Heaters, Fireplaces & Air Conditioning 1 06-14-2002 12:09 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 02:22 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.