2 questions

[pjmarkham]

Newbee here. Long time rver, no airstream yet but close to purchasing a flying cloud 25 rb twin 2017. Had anyone removed the curbside dinette seating and replaced with a chair? If so, advice, comments and how did you like the results? And, how is it going to tow with my 2014 Toyota Tundra with 5.7 and tow package Thanks in advance for any advice \ comments you can offer

[Hans627]

Originally Posted by pjmarkham

Newbee here. Long time rver, no airstream yet but close to purchasing a flying cloud 25 rb twin 2017. Had anyone removed the curbside dinette seating and replaced with a chair? If so, advice, comments and how did you like the results? And, how is it going to tow with my 2014 Toyota Tundra with 5.7 and tow package Thanks in advance for any advice \ comments you can offer

Here is a thread showing what I did with my 2009 25' International. It worked pretty well but I ultimately bought a 27' Globetrotter and returned the International to the original condition before it was sold.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f39/...le-155382.html

[Piggy Bank]

Can't address #1
As to #2, we have a 2018 RB twin Flying Cloud and tow with a 2014 Tundra 5.8 extended cab short bed.

We have an equalizer hitch.

Tows great. Tow/haul works well. The lower gears give great control in mountain driving.

My 1 piece of advice would be to spend the money to buy the McKesh tow mirrors for both sides, with the convex spots on both sides. This is really important to see around the trailer.
You can buy these on the Hensley Hitch website. We used lesser tow mirrors at first, and that was a bit stressful. Once we got the McKesh mirrors it made all the difference. The convex spots are really great for seeing merging traffic in on-ramps or changing lanes to your left.

[billrector]

Originally Posted by Piggy Bank

Can't address #1
As to #2, we have a 2018 RB twin Flying Cloud and tow with a 2014 Tundra 5.8 extended cab short bed.

We have an equalizer hitch.

Tows great. Tow/haul works well. The lower gears give great control in mountain driving.

My 1 piece of advice would be to spend the money to buy the McKesh tow mirrors for both sides, with the convex spots on both sides. This is really important to see around the trailer.
You can buy these on the Hensley Hitch website. We used lesser tow mirrors at first, and that was a bit stressful. Once we got the McKesh mirrors it made all the difference. The convex spots are really great for seeing merging traffic in on-ramps or changing lanes to your left.

On the Tundra, just look at the payload capacity on the door sticker and then see what your tongue weight would be with the Airstream fully loaded with water, etc. See how much room you have for other things and if that is acceptable. Tundras don't have a large payload capacity.

[DBSteed]

Originally Posted by pjmarkham

Newbee here. Long time rver, no airstream yet but close to purchasing a flying cloud 25 rb twin 2017. Had anyone removed the curbside dinette seating and replaced with a chair? If so, advice, comments and how did you like the results? And, how is it going to tow with my 2014 Toyota Tundra with 5.7 and tow package Thanks in advance for any advice \ comments you can offer

You are going to love Airstreams! To question 1: We made the dinette change and love it! So much more comfortable. We purchased the Lambright Lazy Relaxor Recliner. We love it and it sits 3 inches from the wall and swivels. Great chair. We made other changes too. Our 2008 Airstream has l a lot more storage and suits our needs much better now. Here is a link to our remodel: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f468...se-186848.html

[ATTACH]326912

[uncle_bob]

Hi

I would second the idea of hanging on to the "stuff" you pull out when you do the mod. Going back to "stock" (or at least offering the new owner that ability) if you re-sell is a darn good idea. If this is a "sure thing" for the next 20 years .... don't bother ... At least my life is never that predictable ....

Bob

[aftermath]

PJ, I have a very similar set up and have been pulling it since 2009 with my Toyota. First it was a 2008 but just upgraded to a new 2017 last year. I can speak from experience to all the critics out there. First of all it has plenty of power to do the job. We are approaching 48,000 miles of towing and have been all over the western half of the states. I do wish it had better compression braking like a diesel but it doesn't and neither do all the other gassers. I downshift on the really steep hills and am careful with the brakes. Going up hills you will have to downshift and let it run. Haven't found a hill yet that we couldn't get up at 50 or 55. Usually we climb at 60+.


Those that want you to get a 3/4 ton (diesel too) always point out the small payload numbers. This is a half ton issue not just a Tundra problem. Yes, you have to load lightly but that will depend a lot on how you plan to camp . It is just the wife and I and we are both small people. We do pack a generator, a small BBQ, some chairs and occasionally some firewood. Other things go in the trailer.


I also second the use of tow mirrors. I added them from the factory on both of my Tundras. You really shouldn't tow without them. You can get OEM mirrors through various distributors. Expensive but I never liked having to strap on mirrors. I did this years ago when I had a different trailer.

Enjoy your trailer. This will be a great combination.

[Overstreet]

Before you commit to the plan investigate what's under the dinette seating. Nothing? Then it is likely a good move.

My classic has a lot of plumbing, and electrical under the dinette seating.