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04-10-2018, 10:14 AM
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#21
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3 Rivet Member 
2018 23' Flying Cloud
Peru
, Illinois
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 187
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Get A Bigger TV
Quote:
Originally Posted by JAPrufrock
... 2019 Jeep Scrambler as a tow vehicle.... towing capacity at 6500 GVWR. What are your thoughts about pulling an Airstream Flying Cloud 23FB? 
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We are Jeep family. We currently have a Jeep Rubicon. We love Jeeps. I consider my Jeep as a status grocery shopper and off-road climber not a TV.
Before I even picked up our new AS, I traded my 2017 GMC Canyon Denali with a tow rating of 7000# to tow our 2018 AS FCFB because I knew it would struggle towing. 3.6L and 308 hp was not enough in my opinion. It just was near the top of the TV range.
The long-awaited release of the 2019 Jeep Scrambler is less than that on publicized tow rating. It appears from press release pictures, the frame will be a 1/4 ton mid size truck.
They should have provided the Hellcat engine in the Jeep Scrambler and you'd have a Screamer Scrambler!
Remember, we add stuff and extra weight to our AS and TV not subtract it.
I went back to a GMC 1500 to tow my AS. No regrets especially with mpg and towing up hills. You need hp and torque for towing and a stable platform.
With a TV, it's better to have and not need than to need and not have.
zoz
__________________
Cindy & Randy
2018 AS Flying Cloud 23FB
2018 GMC Sierra Denali 4x4 6.2L
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04-10-2018, 10:35 AM
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#22
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Rivet Master 

2017 26' Flying Cloud
Tampa
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 8,115
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The problem with the Jeep for a tow vehicle isn't the power, it's the short wheelbase.
Attaching a heavy trailer to the back of a short wheelbase tow vehicle makes everything less stable.
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04-11-2018, 06:05 AM
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#23
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Rivet Master 
Commercial Member

2019 27' Tommy Bahama
London
, Ontario
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,352
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The Wrangler Unlimited actually has among the shortest overhang to wheelbase ratios of any vehicle. Basically when they added the doors they lengthened the wheelbase but added nothing to the overhang. The Rubicon with the better axle ratio, shocks and LT tires actually handles quite nicely. I have personally driven on several hundred miles with a 25'.
The Wrangler Unlimited probably handles better than the Scrambler will due to the shorter overhang.
I hope this helps.
Andy
__________________
Andrew Thomson London, Ontario
"One test is worth a thousand expert opinions." Tex Johnston, Boeing 707 test pilot
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04-12-2018, 08:21 AM
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#24
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1 Rivet Member 
Clearwater
, 33759
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ZOZ
We are Jeep family. We currently have a Jeep Rubicon. We love Jeeps. I consider my Jeep as a status grocery shopper and off-road climber not a TV.
Before I even picked up our new AS, I traded my 2017 GMC Canyon Denali with a tow rating of 7000# to tow our 2018 AS FCFB because I knew it would struggle towing. 3.6L and 308 hp was not enough in my opinion. It just was near the top of the TV range.
The long-awaited release of the 2019 Jeep Scrambler is less than that on publicized tow rating. It appears from press release pictures, the frame will be a 1/4 ton mid size truck.
They should have provided the Hellcat engine in the Jeep Scrambler and you'd have a Screamer Scrambler!
Remember, we add stuff and extra weight to our AS and TV not subtract it.
I went back to a GMC 1500 to tow my AS. No regrets especially with mpg and towing up hills. You need hp and torque for towing and a stable platform.
With a TV, it's better to have and not need than to need and not have.
zoz
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Thank you. [emoji51][emoji1360]
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04-12-2018, 04:31 PM
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#25
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2 Rivet Member 
1967 22' Safari
1977 31' Sovereign
Narvon
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 62
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Keep Scrambler
Yeah, I have been waiting a looong time for them to arrive. Delay after delay, I almost gave up. Not sure what they will come in at
Towing capacity, but, who cares!!
I have a 67 Safari that should weigh in aprox 35-3700. I may be ok w/o trickery.
Sorry if I hikacked this thread. I plead ignorance 😂
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04-12-2018, 06:08 PM
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#26
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Rivet Master 
Currently Looking...
Walnut Creek
, California
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 3,952
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Quote:
Originally Posted by overlander63
-- snip -- 23RB would be a better choice, for a variety of reasons.
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OL - Great respect for your contribution, so aside from the D/CB being slightly longer from ball to axle, what are the variety of reasons with respect to stability.
Certainly open to learn what is broken. Pat
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04-13-2018, 03:31 PM
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#27
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Rivet Master 
Currently Looking...
Walnut Creek
, California
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 3,952
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JAPrufrock
-- snip -- the 23CB seems to have the same specs other than a heavier hitch weight? How will that help?
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First, see Andy's post. An available solution that is worth considering.
Now, to your question. The heavier hitch weight gives the trailer a forward bias for stability. Rule of thumb is 10-15% of gross (600-900#s). However, the D/CB has a lot of weight on the tongue that is costly to back out if it's too much for your TV capacity. See Switz's comments.
The 23FB is a good compromise if the TV capacities are limited. Dual axle, light tongue weight, storage over/near the axles and the biggest tank capacity. It does not have a couch, but that's a layout consideration, not a towing issue. The towing issue is that the FB has about a foot shorter ball to axle distance than the D/CB. That is part of the reason there is less weight on the ball dry. Longer ball to axle distance is more stable.
As with all ASs, expect to actively manage your load out or the tongue weight will go up quickly. The 467#s is without fresh water. There is storage under the bed that can add quite a bit of weight to the ball. The key, is that you are in control of the load out and can hold it to 600#s. That should allow you to run a PPP hitch if you want. Running a full load of fresh water - tank is just in front of the axles - helps with stability (learned that from Andy). If you have other gear loaded forward, you can limit the water and back off the tongue weight to optimize the balance of your rig. Starting lower gives you flexibility, but requires attention to detail.
The FC20 is a real gem. Some would have no other. Lots of counter for cooking, an open living space, more foot room at the dinette and a great owner group. The negative is that it is single axle, but a lot of AS miles covered with a single axle configuration.
Do not overlook the 22 sport. Narrow is a good thing, unless you are buying the Scrambler only for it's looks, and who would do that?
Enjoy the investigation. Verify all of the above with your own research. It's your rig and it's very important that you understand why it's the right solution for your RV lifestyle. Pat
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04-15-2018, 01:00 AM
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#28
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1 Rivet Member 
Clearwater
, 33759
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 14
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2019 Jeep Scrambler as a tow vehicle
Quote:
Originally Posted by ZOZ
We are Jeep family. We currently have a Jeep Rubicon. We love Jeeps. I consider my Jeep as a status grocery shopper and off-road climber not a TV.
Before I even picked up our new AS, I traded my 2017 GMC Canyon Denali with a tow rating of 7000# to tow our 2018 AS FCFB because I knew it would struggle towing. 3.6L and 308 hp was not enough in my opinion. It just was near the top of the TV range.
The long-awaited release of the 2019 Jeep Scrambler is less than that on publicized tow rating. It appears from press release pictures, the frame will be a 1/4 ton mid size truck.
They should have provided the Hellcat engine in the Jeep Scrambler and you'd have a Screamer Scrambler!
Remember, we add stuff and extra weight to our AS and TV not subtract it.
I went back to a GMC 1500 to tow my AS. No regrets especially with mpg and towing up hills. You need hp and torque for towing and a stable platform.
With a TV, it's better to have and not need than to need and not have.
zoz
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Thanks... I’m starting to lean toward the Sport 22 or Flying Cloud 20FB. Too bad. I really like the 23.
But Giving up having a convertible to drive is a no starter for me, so... I’ll downsize.
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04-15-2018, 01:04 AM
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#29
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1 Rivet Member 
Clearwater
, 33759
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Andrew T
The Wrangler Unlimited actually has among the shortest overhang to wheelbase ratios of any vehicle. Basically when they added the doors they lengthened the wheelbase but added nothing to the overhang. The Rubicon with the better axle ratio, shocks and LT tires actually handles quite nicely. I have personally driven on several hundred miles with a 25'.
The Wrangler Unlimited probably handles better than the Scrambler will due to the shorter overhang.
I hope this helps.
Andy
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I may rent a 23 to check out what you’re saying... if it works for me, I’d kick myself a hundred miles if I didn’t check and see how it handles before buying my 2nd choice...
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04-22-2018, 11:08 PM
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#30
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1 Rivet Member 
Clearwater
, 33759
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JAPrufrock
I may rent a 23 to check out what you’re saying... if it works for me, I’d kick myself a hundred miles if I didn’t check and see how it handles before buying my 2nd choice...
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So, bearing in mind that I’d like to go up and down the East Coast one year and cross country to LA the next, is it reasonable to consider the upcoming 2019 Jeep Scrambler Diesel Rubicon JT as a TV, providing it specs out as expected with a 6,500# GVWR? I’d love to go with a FC 23FB, but a Sport 22FB would work too.
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04-22-2018, 11:19 PM
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#31
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1 Rivet Member 
Clearwater
, 33759
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ZOZ
We are Jeep family. We currently have a Jeep Rubicon. We love Jeeps. I consider my Jeep as a status grocery shopper and off-road climber not a TV.
Before I even picked up our new AS, I traded my 2017 GMC Canyon Denali with a tow rating of 7000# to tow our 2018 AS FCFB because I knew it would struggle towing. 3.6L and 308 hp was not enough in my opinion. It just was near the top of the TV range.
The long-awaited release of the 2019 Jeep Scrambler is less than that on publicized tow rating. It appears from press release pictures, the frame will be a 1/4 ton mid size truck.
They should have provided the Hellcat engine in the Jeep Scrambler and you'd have a Screamer Scrambler!
Remember, we add stuff and extra weight to our AS and TV not subtract it.
I went back to a GMC 1500 to tow my AS. No regrets especially with mpg and towing up hills. You need hp and torque for towing and a stable platform.
With a TV, it's better to have and not need than to need and not have.
zoz
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Thanks, ZOZ. Then it’s a 20 or 22. That’ll put me 1,500# under max GVWR.
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04-23-2018, 07:34 PM
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#32
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Retired.
Currently Looking...
.
, At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JAPrufrock
Thanks, ZOZ. Then it’s a 20 or 22. That’ll put me 1,500# under max GVWR.
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The 20 has the advantage of having more of the features that appeal to people, like ducted air conditioning/heat pump, a more separated bedroom area and "real" Zip Dee awning, and others. And, it's 6" wider than the 22. Important if you're tall, and are planning to use the East/West bed.
__________________
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
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04-28-2018, 04:31 PM
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#33
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Rivet Master 
2018 30' Classic
Jacksonville
, Florida
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 745
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mollysdad
The problem with the Jeep for a tow vehicle isn't the power, it's the short wheelbase.
Attaching a heavy trailer to the back of a short wheelbase tow vehicle makes everything less stable.
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And light weight.......
Of course I tend to go heavy. I used to drive full size 4x4 pick ups in a Chevy 1500 with 5.3 L gas engine and GMC 2500 with 5.3L gas that pull a 7,000 # trailer over a Florida interstate bridge or ICW "ship" bridge and have to down shift and rev the engine (4,000 + ) to maintain hwy speed. They both got around 8 to 10mpg.. I can't imagine what a 3.6l gas or diesel would do. Then there's cross winds and semi-truck-bow waves.
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04-28-2018, 05:27 PM
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#34
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Living Riveted since 2013

2016 Interstate Lounge Ext
Winter Garden
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 8,240
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Sounds like you need a Bambi, a Nest, a Basecamp, a Casita, a small Oliver, or an Escape 15.
__________________
Rocinante Piccolo is our 2016 Interstate Lounge 3500 EXT
(Named for John Steinbeck's camper from "Travels With Charley")
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05-02-2018, 10:28 AM
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#35
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Rivet Master 
Commercial Member

2019 27' Tommy Bahama
London
, Ontario
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,352
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The 23 is a nicer unit to tow than the 20. The tandem axle more than makes up for any weight difference. The 23D handles better than the FB but neither will be an issue.
__________________
Andrew Thomson London, Ontario
"One test is worth a thousand expert opinions." Tex Johnston, Boeing 707 test pilot
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