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JCWDCW · 06-08-2015, 12:03 PM

A half-ton is plenty for a 25ft.
If someone burnt out a tranny they didn't have enough cooling capacity installed!
I have 200,000 Km (135,000 miles or so) on my 4.7 '03 Dakota and the transmission fluid after each 50,000 km is like new when I take it in for a change. I added a 22,000 BTU cooler when I first got the vehicle.

If you are going to do a lot of mountain work then you definitely need the bigger engine. The base engines on Dodge, Chev and Ford are just OK. Mine is 235 HP 240 ft lbs torque. I believe about 300 HP and 300 ft lbs torque would be a better engine size for the 25Ft if you are doing serious travelling. Obviously more truck is better but there are other considerations such as accessibility for less nimble family members and back crushing rides in a higher rated chassis.

JCW

Norm States · 06-08-2015, 12:15 PM

I have found the Dodge RAM excellent for towing. My wife and I traveled for 16 years all over USA doing volunteer construction work (including trips to Alaska). I towed three different top end fifth wheels all in the 35-36 foot range and weighing from the lightest 14,000 lbs. to the heaviest 18,000. Owned four 3500 RAM Diesels - 2 dually 2 singles. Found the Cummins excellent. Due to health reasons we do not do volunteer work any longer and downsized to a 2014 Flying Cloud 27FB. I tow the Airstream with a 2014 RAM 1500 4X4 Longhorn Hemi (loaded) with the 8 speed transmission and air suspension. I use the Reese Strait-Line Dual Cam Sway Control hitch and find the truck handles the Airstream excellent. I have 30,000 miles on the truck and love the transmission and air suspension for towing. There is no sway when I pass or someone passes me. I travel expressway as much as possible and tow with the flow of traffic. My mileage - local short trips 18-19, long trips 22-23 and towing 12-13. A top of the line navigational system is a must. Love the one in the Longhorn.
Take a close look at what RAM has to offer.

AWCHIEF · 06-08-2015, 12:20 PM

The Ultimate Tow Vehicle. Anything less is willful negligence.

DeltaRon · 06-08-2015, 12:48 PM

Just don't do like me. We decided to go for the Bambi so bought a 2015 Tahoe. Then went to buy our FC. Only problem is I left the dealer ordering the 28 FC Rear Queen; to much for Tahoe to handle. With 3,000 miles on it, traded up to 2015 2500HD Duramax diesel. Local dealer really fell in love with us--OUCH. But now have the 28 and glad I went for more truck. Oh, forgot! The ProPride hitch added another $3,000 to the experience.

m.hony · 06-08-2015, 12:54 PM

...but you now have the best of the best and you won't have to trade anymore- unless you get a Classic 30-

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wavelength · 06-08-2015, 01:29 PM

Remember you won't be towing your AS every day. With that in mind a half ton pu or full size suv will do just fine. I tow my Classic 25 widebody with a Toyota Tundra equipped with the 5.7 v8 tow package. It does a great job and is a pleasure to drive without the AS behind it. We spent 4 months out west and never had a problem in the mountains. My sister tows her 27 safari with a Ford F-150 and has the same results. A 3/4 ton truck is overkill for a 25AS.

StillRod · 06-08-2015, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ckottum

Effortless towing is a goal for some, not all.

Gentle ride for passengers and our Airstream, maneuverability with and without the Airstream, safe handling during accident avoidance and that is less likely to harm you or others when you can't, stability and rollover resistance when it happens, a decent daily driver when we arrive at our destination or at home, expense of purchase and loan interest and tax and maintenance and fuel/additives, and no need for a truck rated to pull 17,000 lbs to pull our maximum loaded 7,300 lbs 25' Airstream (easiest towing travel trailer on the planet) are goals for others.

My 2012 BMW X5d with reinforced hitch courtesy of Can-Am in London, Ontario, does admirably well pulling our 7000# 2015 rear twin 25 footer, delivering an average of 15.5 mpg towing. We've towed to Arizona and DC from Minnesota without concern or problem. Folding bikes in the car, 800# on the hitch. Its a dream to drive, and easy to take into town after unhitching. Heck, its easy to take into town with the AS connected.

Kudos to Bold for his insightful and hilarious synopsis. Good luck with your decision.

Rod

bruharNV · 06-08-2015, 01:50 PM

Well this has been up and down the mountain with comments and advice both good and bad.

Just remember one thing. It is not just about having a vehicle that can pull your AS but its having a vehicle that won't get tossed around when things get rough like a blown tire, ruts in the road or high side winds.

The Airstream is heavy but balanced very well but it can become a nightmare to the tower if the vehicle is to light like a 1/2 tone or SUV.

I have had my 30 ft get caught in some severe side winds and start swaying back and forth and even with my 3/4 ton crew cab it was a battle to handle. I also have very good sway bars.

So keep that in mind if you have not already purchased a vehicle.

BruHarNV

andreasduess · 06-08-2015, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruharNV

Well this has been up and down the mountain with comments and advice both good and bad.

Just remember one thing. It is not just about having a vehicle that can pull your AS but its having a vehicle that won't get tossed around when things get rough like a blown tire, ruts in the road or high side winds.

The Airstream is heavy but balanced very well but it can become a nightmare to the tower if the vehicle is to light like a 1/2 tone or SUV.

I have had my 30 ft get caught in some severe side winds and start swaying back and forth and even with my 3/4 ton crew cab it was a battle to handle. I also have very good sway bars.

So keep that in mind if you have not already purchased a vehicle.

BruHarNV

A vehicle with a lower centre of gravity and a modern independent suspension setup is far less likely to get "tossed around" than a vehicle with a solid axle and a higher centre of gravity, such as a large truck. In fact, especially if the hitch setup isn't perfect, the truck can easily be the cause of the problem, rather than the cure.

Add to this that the average van or SUV weighs around 6000lbs these days and you've got all the stability you can hope for. We have never experienced any sway, even in really bad weather, but then we're towing with a Hensley hitch.

Wayne&Sam · 06-08-2015, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skater

What is it with this website where everyone feels they have to snipe at each other all the time? It's like there's a rule or something requiring it.

That may have occurred on other threads, but on this one I see only tongue-in-cheek comments (laughing at those threads) and simple statements of opinion.

There is no right answer.

BoldAdventure · 06-08-2015, 04:00 PM

I only made my comment to relieve the pressure before the beating each other over the head could start, in good humor and not as an insult to anyone.

AWCHIEF · 06-08-2015, 04:11 PM

agree, this has been an amazingly polite and civil thread compared to others. Just a little fun and no one being nasty.

Hophead · 06-08-2015, 04:16 PM

We have 25 ft. year 2012 Flying Cloud 7,300 lbs. gross wt/spec. We have towed 20,000 miles with a 2012 Tundra, V8, 5.7L---with ease. Tundra is rated for 10,000 lbs. See Twoairheads | TwoAirheads camping adventures and seeing the sights while living and traveling on an Airstream trailer to see where we have traveled, plenty of mountains in the west.

GailMac · 06-08-2015, 05:07 PM

I pull my 25' AS with a F-150 EcoBoost Super Cab with a tow package and built in brake controller and love the backup camera. Carry all I need in the bed with a roll up and lock cover. Pay load is 3100 lbs and 11,300 towing capability. 365 HP & 5,000 rpm and 420 Torque @ 2500rpm. Getting 12+ towing and 15+ solo on regular gas. I have toed with a 3/4 and 1 ton diesel and still think the F-150 is the best overall for towing the AS.

TerraYacht · 06-08-2015, 05:31 PM

Rod;
Thanks for the posting. I already have a X5d, 2012 with rear air suspension but not the full active suspension. If we decide to move from a/s Class A to something silver I will need at least a 25, probably a FB, and, probably a visit to CanAm. there's a long +/- list to a possible change in configuration but the X5 is sure nice to drive now when not towing.

DoublTrouble · 06-08-2015, 09:18 PM

Like many others before me, I too went looking for the answers to these questions. Before we purchased our 27FB, I looked online at dozens of forums. We went to a local AS unit event and interrogated everyone there... the best TV?
... best hitch?
.... best model?
.... AC ducted?
Before I replaced my 2000 F250 with 275000 miles, I researched Ford, Chevy, GM &Ram.
The Wisdom of others was in their questions of me. In the end you must choose what you will be comfortable with and what is within your reach financially. One man said" why sweat it?" About the hitch. "You are buying a 75,000 trailer and pulling it with a 55,000 truck, Blue Ox or Propride, what's $2000 more if it makes you feel safer as you travel with $130000 worth of equipment."

So personally, I believe in as much truck as I can handle. The way I see it it's not just towing, it's stopping too. 3/4 ton diesel, backup camera, Propride and I'm at ease and peace with my decision.

And so, what we can learn from others, is what they chose to do and possibly their thought process in making their decisions. In reality it's their opinion. But since we all went through this process we have "pride of ownership" in those decisions we made. So what's right for me may not be right for anyone else.

My AS dealer told me that I didn't need a 3/4 ton truck and that the Propride was "overkill".
I chose to ignore that advice and I have no regrets. btw, F250 diesel, 20mpg hwy this weekend, 15 towing 27fb 7200lbs plus a bedload of gear.
Not fully broken in yet, only 2500 miles.

PaulnGina · 06-08-2015, 09:23 PM

DoublTrouble.... a man after my own heart.

We think alike!........ Nice choices!

merchantmm · 06-08-2015, 10:37 PM

Many things to worry about life. The safety and capability of your tow vehicle shouldn't be one of them. Buy as much truck as you can afford. I'm very happy with my F250 Diesel 4x4. No worries towing my FC 27 FB Twin no matter what the grade...ascent OR descent. JUST HAVE FUN!!!

ROBERTSUNRUS · 06-08-2015, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by merchantmm

Many things to worry about life. The safety and capability of your tow vehicle shouldn't be one of them.

Buy as much truck as you can afford.

I'm very happy with my F250 Diesel 4x4. No worries towing my FC 27 FB Twin no matter what the grade...ascent OR descent. JUST HAVE FUN!!!

Hi, well if that's the case, maybe I should have bought a Kenworth instead of my F-150.

SteveSueMac · 06-09-2015, 05:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBERTSUNRUS

Hi, well if that's the case, maybe I should have bought a Kenworth instead of my F-150.

Perfect quote because it demonstrates the absurdity at the extremes. You wouldn't tow a 25 with a Kenworth on one end of the spectrum or a Smart car on the other. So somewhere in there is a range of acceptable TVs based on weights, axle ratings, payload, etc.

Good food for thought!