Tongue Weight Increase on 2018/2019 Sport
 

Hi, I'm getting ready to purchase a 2017 or a 2018 Sport 16RB model as soon as I can sell my 2015 T@B 320. This will be my first Airstream. I'm going to be almost maxing out the tongue tow capacity of my vehicle. I noticed that 2017 and earlier models have a tongue weight of 350, but the 2018 and 2019 model have increased to 378. Does anyone know what caused the weight increase on the newest models? I believe there are 2 propane tanks, so for sure I'm going to be taking one out to save some tongue weight. Any other ideas on ways to save on tongue weight?

Thanks,
Robyn

Welcome Aboard!! 🥂👍
 

Robyn,

Your TV vehicle is?

Someone who actually owns one is sure to chime in, but in my experience the 'factory' TW is always optimistically low.🥴
I would expect a loaded increase of 150-175 over factory, might be even a tad higher.🤔
Bob
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My tow vehicle is a 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited JL. 3500/350 tow capacity or 4000/400 with the weight distro system. I know I'm pushing the limits of the Jeep, but I have done exhaustive research and I'm comfortable towing up to the limit. I have the factory tow package and it has "trailer sway damping" built in....but of course I would still use a weight distribution system with added sway control.

I travel alone and VERY light, so I don't expect to add more than about 200 pounds inside at the most. My biggest concern is the tongue weight.

I also meant to ask if anyone thought it was possible to remount the spare tire to the rear of the RV?

If I just move about 50-75 pounds behind the axle I would feel comfortable towing with the Jeep.

Based on the numbers, you will be close if not over the rating of the Jeep. The hitch will add to the tongue weight. If you were able to move 50 - 75 pounds to behind the axles, this would create a very unstable and dangerous trailer.

Robyn - did you get your kitty a Rubicon? If so, ditch that 60lb anchor hanging off your tailgate. Those KO2 tires are practically bulletproof and your probably going to call roadside assistance if you do get a flat. (Or make a “need a spare” sign and a fellow jeeper will stop and help. Guaranteed!) If you have a different model, you need to swap your street tire for some KO2s and you will still save 50 lb and greatly increase your Jeep’s capibility. (It is embarrassing to have a Jeep that cannot make it up a wet grassy hill. Ask me how I know)

It is possible the Airstream dealer can weigh the tongue weight on the trailer you have in mind.

I would think a dealer would have a scale to do so.

This is something I wish I had asked to be done before I picked up my 19, as the stated tongue weight can be inaccurate, according to some reports here on Airforums.

The 2018 16 Sport that I weighed had a tongue weight of 347, with two full LP tanks, and empty water and waste tanks, with nothing in the trailer.

Literature Tongue Weight versus reality
 

As a personal example, our new 2013 25FB International Serenity had a literature tongue weight of 833 pounds. The dealership installed a street side and rear awning, a Hensley hitch, a 155 watt solar panel in the middle of the roof and a Tekonsha Prodigy RF brake control on the "A" frame. The dealer filled the propane and fresh water tanks. I had a brief case at the back of the trailer. The tongue weight now was 1,150 pounds with no personal stuff, food and bedding aboard.

So the Bambi tongue weight will definitely be higher than the literature number.

One must have at least 10% of the total weight camping ready of the trailer on the ball for proper control of the trailer. The GVW of the Bambi is 3,500 pounds, so the minimum tongue weight has to be 350 pounds. The empty weight of the trailer is 2,860 pounds. It was weighed empty and that 378 pounds was measured in that condition. The tongue weight typically will only go up as stuff goes in.

Did I really hear the advise ..."ditch your spare tire"?😲

Absolutely not...especially on a single axle, yours is a single, correct?
You will be at a standstill with a single axle flat, emergency towing with a single axle flat can get very $$$$ very rapidly, plus very dangerous on the side of an interstate...no thank you. 🤓


We towed 18 Seasons with a '63 Safari single and needed the spare more than a few times in remote areas. BSTS👍

Bob
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I think the writer was referring to the Jeep spare tire, but I agree that I wouldn't ditch it either. It is a full sized spare and can be included it in a five tire rotation.

Ahh...another case of brain not catching up with thinking.😂

But I agree, a spare tire is advised...TV or AS. :wally:
I know our first TV needed a lot of spares...🥴
https://i65.tinypic.com/2l8w2vl.jpg
Bob
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That's a classic, sexy combo! ∆

2017 Sport 16
 

Greetings,
I have a 2017 Sport 16. I took out dinette, have a recliner in its place and put in a lagun articulating table. Took out interstate battery and put two 6 volt golf cart batteries. With propane full and 1/2 fresh water tank of water tongue weight is pretty close to 425 lbs.
I emptied water from tank and have it under under 400 now. At that time I had used some propane too.
I tow with a 2005 Tacoma Prerunner sr5 two wheel drive. It’s rated to tow up to 5000 lb trailer 500 lb tongue wieght.
Hope that helps.
Safe travels, Kevin

Did anyone mention Aluminum propane tanks?
9lb. savings on a 30lb. tank

Sport models have 20# tanks.

So then what is the savings for a 20lb tank? I used the 30 as reference because I have both steel and aluminum 30's and looked at the tare weight engraved on each.

Yes...it did look pretty good, but the GW left a lot on the side of the road.😘
Not much poop even with the 23' Safari. Heavy, solid axles, smallish fuel tank' sorry mpg.

But it was 'old school' for sure.👍

Bob
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30 pound aluminum tank weight is about the same as 20 pound steel steel tank. That is important for me in order to handle the tanks for filling. I hate to admit the oomph I had just two years ago is but a fond memory.

So when full, the theory is that a 30 pound aluminum tank weighs just 10 pounds more than a full 20 pound steel tank.

You may be able to buy a new hitch with a higher weight rating or have your current hitch reinforced to increase it's capacity. To consider that option you need to know the axle weight ratings. If your axle weight ratings are past max with a loaded vehicle and trailer hooked up then that's not an option.
Contact Andy at CanAm, he may be already know whether this is an option and generally how good a tow vehicle the Jeep would be.

Another thing to remember...the 'built-in sway control" is built into the Jeep not the AS.
The Jeep will not prevent the sway from starting, it is activated when the AS starts swaying.
Anti-sway prevention is always a good place to start.👍

Bob
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