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Choosing The Right Size Airstream
- By Janet H
- Published 06/1/2008
- Getting Started
Janet H
Janet lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family and one neurotic Border Collie.
View all articles by Janet HWhat length is right for you?
For the first time RV shopper, deciding what size will be just perfect is a substantial dilemma. Many first time towers are inclined to buy the smallest trailer possible to ease into towing, only to discover that they need more space and after that initial learning period, towing is not the challenge originally anticipated.
Airstream measurements are generally stated to include the full length of the trailer, bumper to ball, and so the actual living space of the trailer can be on average 4 - 5 feet less than the stated length.
Some things to consider when choosing trailer length:
A trailer is a long term purchase. Chances are good that you will own your trailer for many years. Choose your trailer based on projected use, not the current capacity of your tow vehicle. Vehicles come and go, Airstreams last a looong time.
New vs. Used. Over the years the shape and width of Airstreams has changed. Older Airstreams are narrower and have a more rounded shape, thus reducing interior volume. In 1981 Airstream began to produce wider bodied trailers, increasing widths from 96" to 102" wide. In general, older Airstreams are also lighter weight, although beginning in 2008 the new Sport Editions are designed with an eye towards weight reduction.
How many axles? Most Airstreams under 22 feet have a single axle. Many believe that single axle trailers are slightly less stable to tow because there is less contact area (tire to pavement) and are a little more difficult to back. When being backed, a single axle trailer reacts more aggressively to small changes in vehicle direction. This said, the towing stability to a single axle Airstream still exceeds the tow feel of a double axle box-style trailer. Airstreams between 22 and 31 feet have 2 axles and 34' trailers have three axles.
Where will you take your Airstream? Almost all modern campgrounds can accommodate very long trailers, but some national forest camp grounds have length restrictions that will exclude all but the smallest (under 22 feet) trailers. These campgrounds were originally built with tent campers in mind and larger trailers simply don’t fit on narrow access roads or into short campsites.
How much time will you spend in your Airstream? The leap from tent camping to luxury camping in an Airstream is an eye opening change. For those used to packing only the bare necessities, the prospect of packing even the smallest Airstream is astonishing. “Look at all that storage space" is a common reaction for campers leaving behind sawed off toothbrushes and one pot meals. But for those planning for longer stays in an aluminum beauty, storage space is a substantial consideration. Think about what you want to take with you and where you will pack it.
Look before you buy. Visit with other Airstreamers at an Airstream rally and ask about their experiences. It’s not uncommon to see first time purchasers rethink their decisions after a year of use and be on the market again for the ‘new’ perfect length. Choosing a trailer that’s too small or too large is easy to do in the absence of trailering experience.
As a general guideline, trailers under 25 feet are best for an individual or a couple taking occasional short duration trips. Many with families opt for a trailer in the 24 - 28 foot range and couples camping for longer periods of time also often prefer this length range. For those spending extended periods of time on the road or ‘fulltiming’ the 28+ lengths many be a good option. No matter the length you choose, you should expect years of camping pleasure in your Airstream.
See you down the road.
Airstream measurements are generally stated to include the full length of the trailer, bumper to ball, and so the actual living space of the trailer can be on average 4 - 5 feet less than the stated length.
Some things to consider when choosing trailer length:
A trailer is a long term purchase. Chances are good that you will own your trailer for many years. Choose your trailer based on projected use, not the current capacity of your tow vehicle. Vehicles come and go, Airstreams last a looong time.
New vs. Used. Over the years the shape and width of Airstreams has changed. Older Airstreams are narrower and have a more rounded shape, thus reducing interior volume. In 1981 Airstream began to produce wider bodied trailers, increasing widths from 96" to 102" wide. In general, older Airstreams are also lighter weight, although beginning in 2008 the new Sport Editions are designed with an eye towards weight reduction.
How many axles? Most Airstreams under 22 feet have a single axle. Many believe that single axle trailers are slightly less stable to tow because there is less contact area (tire to pavement) and are a little more difficult to back. When being backed, a single axle trailer reacts more aggressively to small changes in vehicle direction. This said, the towing stability to a single axle Airstream still exceeds the tow feel of a double axle box-style trailer. Airstreams between 22 and 31 feet have 2 axles and 34' trailers have three axles.
Where will you take your Airstream? Almost all modern campgrounds can accommodate very long trailers, but some national forest camp grounds have length restrictions that will exclude all but the smallest (under 22 feet) trailers. These campgrounds were originally built with tent campers in mind and larger trailers simply don’t fit on narrow access roads or into short campsites.
How much time will you spend in your Airstream? The leap from tent camping to luxury camping in an Airstream is an eye opening change. For those used to packing only the bare necessities, the prospect of packing even the smallest Airstream is astonishing. “Look at all that storage space" is a common reaction for campers leaving behind sawed off toothbrushes and one pot meals. But for those planning for longer stays in an aluminum beauty, storage space is a substantial consideration. Think about what you want to take with you and where you will pack it.
Look before you buy. Visit with other Airstreamers at an Airstream rally and ask about their experiences. It’s not uncommon to see first time purchasers rethink their decisions after a year of use and be on the market again for the ‘new’ perfect length. Choosing a trailer that’s too small or too large is easy to do in the absence of trailering experience.
As a general guideline, trailers under 25 feet are best for an individual or a couple taking occasional short duration trips. Many with families opt for a trailer in the 24 - 28 foot range and couples camping for longer periods of time also often prefer this length range. For those spending extended periods of time on the road or ‘fulltiming’ the 28+ lengths many be a good option. No matter the length you choose, you should expect years of camping pleasure in your Airstream.
See you down the road.
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38 Responses to "Choosing The Right Size Airstream"
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said this on 01 Jun 2008 10:45:10 PM CST
We were a lucky couple who found an 18ft Caravel in very good condition. We have owned it 18 years and love it. The longest trip we have taken was 550 miles one way and stayed a week. We have refurbished it and it looks nearly new, except where a back hoe backed into us and left a rather large dent. I was furious but short of a law suit it still has the dent. We pull it with a 2004 Dodge Dakota 4 door pickup. It is great for an old retired couple. We have been married 44 years and it is 43 years old.
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said this on 04 May 2009 7:11:19 PM CST
hello don and thanks so much for posting your articel on polishing techniques. we are new to this site, and i actually wanted to ask your advice, noticing your engineer background etc. i own a 1995 ford e150 van in good shape, with a 351 windsor engine, efi V8. Large engine, but could you advise us on what size airstream to get? We are now looking for our first one, and excited about using one this summer. Thanks and take care. James & Carolyn 12409
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said this on 12 Jun 2008 5:26:15 PM CST
Good article Janet
Which size trailer? New or used…. For years we have had a 31 foot AS Excella and found it was quite nice to take on extended trips. Today that is not the case as fuel cost have gone up and social events have decreased. We decided that we would give the 31 ft AS to the kids’ family so that they could use it more efficiently than we. Within 2 years after we decided that we wanted to get back into camping and traveling without taking a MH or staying in low class expensive motels. (There is just something about having your own trailer even with the family camping… better known as the escape clause when the kids are having a bad day) So the search was on for a new trailer that would suit our needs. Having had the 31 footer, we looked at 31 foot AS again that were older and more common due to low prices. Most of the people selling them were getting out of the RV lifestyle and were retiring to the rocking chair on the porch. (One was parked back in the jungle and you needed a guide to find it in their back yard. I later found it sold and always wondered how the guy got it out of their without cutting a new road, removing the junk out of the way, into where it was) Upon inspections we found that Most are JUNK as they sat in storage for years and not very well taken care of. Plastic parts are brittle and fragile to the point of where you touch them they break. This leads to parts search and cost of items that may not be made anymore. We also noted that almost ¾ of the ones we looked at had wood rot damage in and around the bath area and over by the refrig flooring. The expense of repair for dents, broken riveted in window, axel replacement, etc.. basically make the cost or repairs exceed the value of the trailers. After weeks of looking at just about everything for 100 miles around, it was decided that maybe new was better. After all we didn’t need a big trailer and thus we went looking for the ideal trailer to suit our needs. I looked at several of the new ones that the dealer has locally. I was not impressed with the new either. They appeared as cheaply made. Most of the outside skin was wrinkled where they overdrove the rivets or didn’t match the skins correctly. When I looked at the running lights and where they are thrown on, I just shook my head looking at the price tag. Wider or not the craftsmanship of the new ones just isn’t what it used to be for an Airstream. But, which one. We decided that somewhere around 25 foot would be quite comfortable. Then we had to decide front or rear bedroom. If you back into a spot that has a view the front bedroom would be nice but conventional otherwise would be better to keep people that are walking by from hearing you snore or looking into the bedroom. Rear or front door was also a question. Then where should the bathroom be? Rear or center? (I was not too thrilled about sleeping next to the bathroom wall.. and the privacy it gives while in use) What options should we buy with the trailer from the manufacture or have put on after market. (We went with a lot of aftermarket items not only because they were cheaper but also better construction we felt) We were not alone so it seems. While at the RV shows that AS bothered to show up at we ran into a lot of people who were turned off by the shabby work. Most told us that they were old time AS people. A lot opted to buy a toy hauler instead to accommodate the grandkids toys when they went out camping. After long discussions on which was better it was very hard to make points, other than towing, for the AS. One thing for sure, your going to be taking it back to the dealer several times to get things fixed that the factory ignored to get it out the door. It’s a fact of life these days even with the tow vehicle. |
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said this on 21 Jul 2008 11:40:37 AM CST
Going on 10k with our 22' SS and fortunate not to have the problems some have. The single axle is a blessing for us as we mostly boondock and the quick action backing is a must. We have not experienced any towing difficulties and find the MPG is a lot better than similar weighted two axle rigs. Low temperatures have not been a problem but we are minimalists and used to sleeping bags. Since there is just the two of us and two standard poodles we have more than enough room and the grand kids would rather stay in a tent anyway.
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said this on 25 Aug 2009 8:34:15 PM CST
Mr. Sad Story, maybe you should just stay at home where everything must be perfect.
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said this on 17 Jun 2008 5:25:46 PM CST
We, my husband and I, opted for a 2-yr old, 23 ft., 2-axle Safari and took it on a 4 months long road trip. After 11,500 miles I have to say, the towing was no problem. In hindsight, I wish we had a walk-around bed and more kitchen work space. Otherwise - awesome! Just the right size to fit on every state park campsite and in friend's driveways. We encountered all kinds of weather. With temperatures below 30' F, I found the heater to be insufficient. Once we stayed in an above 30' climate, we were good. Also we had to put insulation underneath our bed mattress to avoid mold. We greatly enjoyed our Airstream and are planning another adventure for next winter!
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said this on 17 Aug 2008 1:46:01 PM CST
i'm thinking of buying the same length and model and wonder if i can tow it with my v6 tundra 4.0 liter, the dealer swears i can but i thought i'd ask around. i think the towing capacity is 5500, what do you use to tow yours?
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said this on 01 Sep 2008 4:23:33 PM CST
We tow with a '06 Honda Ridgeline. It's rated at 5000#, our rig weighs just over 4000# all set to go.
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said this on 16 Aug 2008 7:17:11 PM CST
We traded a 2-year-old 16' Safari Bambi for a new 25' Safari and so far have been very pleased with the extra room, bigger fridge/freezer, separate shower, and twin beds. With the Bambi, 5 days was a long trip. Now we talk about "only going for 5 days," and did one 11-day trip (boondocking, at that) in comfort (except for the heat.) If we had bought a 19' bunk bed Bambi in the first place, however, we'd probably still be happy with that, and would still be able to get into the National Park & Forest Service campgrounds that we prefer.
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said this on 31 Aug 2008 12:30:13 AM CST
We are in the process of buying a 25' Safari, new. We have always camped and backpacked...going to remote areas with just the pickup. I take it from your posting that some Nat'l Park and forest service areas are off limits? Or are there just space considerations and limited sites available.
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said this on 24 May 2009 7:06:00 PM CST
We purchased a 25 ft. Safari in spring of 2008. That summer my wife, 22 year old son, his girlfriend and I traveled over 10,500 from our VT home west to:
Rocky Mountain National, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, Sequoia National, Yosemite, San Francisco, Redwoods National, Vancouver, Bryce and Jasper Canadian National, Glacier National, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, and Black Hills. Only in Redwood National did we have a tight fit just on the campground road. We made it fine, but slowly. We had plenty of space in all the national park campgrounds - even with our 22 foot long Dodge Ram with a mega cab. The 25 ft. Safari was a perfect match for us. Oh... this spring (2009) just my wife and I enjoyed a 3000 mile spring break trip to the south eastern shores. |
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said this on 27 May 2009 3:32:39 PM CST
HI Ralph,
We, too have a 25' Safari 2005. We went to Ohio (2008,I had a class to complete) and we did it with 4kids 7-12. Even with us all inside for a couple of the nights it was very easy. This size is just perfect for us. Oh, we are in VT as well! |
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said this on 07 Jun 2009 10:45:20 AM CST
Hi Ralph,
My Wife and I are seriously looking at finally purchasing an AS. We also live in VT and were wondering if you could share any other thoughts you went through before buying your Safari? We're retired and would love to travel with our 2 big 8 year old Goldens. |
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said this on 02 Jul 2009 8:10:54 PM CST
Any leads on used Airstreams in VT? I'm in Middlesex and starting to look seriously.
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said this on 19 Aug 2008 1:02:33 AM CST
Well written Janet,
All your points are valid and hope everyone considering a purchase reads them. I started shopping for a used AS as a reaction to surviving a bout with cancer and the intent to show my three kids their country. After investigating a small late '40's trailer which had a well documented life of many crossings of the US but yet was still very solid I knew what I wanted. Eventually a 26' Argosy began appearing in various spots with the for sale sign listing a price twice what I could afford. After two years of this the owner had it painted a very ugly liver color on the bottom half and tan on the top. No takers resulted from the new color scheme. I bought it for my price and hauled it home. I immediately painted it fleet white with black frame and bottom roll under. I purchased some rusty chrome hotrod wheels which I sandblasted and painted white too. The following spring we built bunks in the middle area for the kids and we slept in the front bedroom/living room. I bought a used Suburban and a high performance engine with RV cam to tow. We left the week after school was out in '92 and spent the entire summer touring most of the states and 48 national parks with emphasis on historic sites. We stumbled onto many wonderful surprises unlisted in tourist info and made friends who still keep in touch. The kids came home with a new focus, improved grades in school and plans for their own futures. They all became fiercely patriotic and informed regarding their world. The Argosy stayed home except for a few weekend trips but became the "guest cabin" and play house until the kids all left the nest. Last year it hit the highway again to visit the AS dealer near Pittsburgh for a new front side window. I now has new LED lights, rock guards for the front, bigger new LP tanks and regulator, brakes and a new home office in the place of the bunk beds. It is set up with extra batteries, solar panels and a full ham radio shack onboard. The flooring is torn out to receive new vinyl and rugs. It has been primed and painted but want another coat before heading out for the big trip and a couple years full timing. I love my 26 footer, it was perfect for a family of 5 and it is still perfect for an old retired guy to enjoy the freedom still available to us in this country. After looking at the new AS trailers I'm glad I've stuck with what I have. It is worth every dime spent on keeping it alive and well. Those upgrades done one at a time fit the budget better too like satelite TV and internet and a brand new sound system. I honestly believe my "Great White Whale" will serve another generation after I am long gone. |
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said this on 15 Feb 2010 7:40:32 PM CST
Steve, I enjoyed your article ,story and experiences! Just starting to look at trailers and figure things out. My wife saw a 1986 Argosy 31' and loves it. (thru an ad). We would like to leave one on our land in Arizona and use it there. We are rual off the grid area and I thought the white paint may keep it a bit cooler in the sun. Even thou I like the shinney Aluminum ones. Also we only have a 1/2 ton truck now so we would just get it to our spot. Sooner or later get a bigger truck and be mobile. We also need to have solar for power / & plus a generator. How does your solar system work out? Don't have much to spend now but the search is on for a sweet deal. Catch ya later! G
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said this on 24 Aug 2008 1:26:23 AM CST
Hey we were out this last weekend and came across a group which not only had old airstreams and trailers but the cars to match. Seems that its becoming the in thing now to have a matching vehicle for the year trailer that your pulling. That being said on the way back home the other half said... why don't you try and see if you can sell the old 77 3/4 t PU that we used to pull the 31 ft AS with. Its got the 460 engine and you set it up to pull with. Its a shame that your going to give it to the good will only to be crushed. They felt sure that someone might be interested in matching up their AS to it like this group did.
Ok so I went to the web and nada... no listing for PU trucks or pull vehicles. I wonder if they might open a section to accomidate the groups which are trying to find vheicles of they years that their trailers are. It looked like they were having fun showing off both. Which brings me to the same point of which trailer... and what vehicle Depending on the year of the AS you might find that you need more hp of a pull vehicle. Of course the new trend it to go diesel but ever park next to one... they stink... and don't expect to sneak out using one.. they rattle... vibration is the biggest objection to one when they are idling. One thing we have also found in compairing diesels to gas. The fuel is more costly, the maintenance is more costly and the purchase cost if way out their. You can buy a lot of gas even today for the price difference between a gas power or diesel power. While most think they are better off with diesel actually gas power is cleaner (less carbon footprint) and better when the wx outside gets cold. We watched some people try to start their PU in 10 below weather. The famous words.. nice try came to mine. Yet we went out to leave and our gas PU started right up and no problems. At the other end of the spectrum is the heat... here again diesel does not like high altitudes (unless turboed) or hot temps. When your engine depends on compression pre ignition to make it run you may find its not puttting out the power you thought you had. As to going to big engines... fords 460, dodges 440 of yester year, were the better engines to pull with.. most would go all day long no problems. Todays engines we think just are not made to haul contenously with. Chevys 454.. well they still can't keep one cool. Pulling trailers.... todays AS are much more pull vehicle frendly unless your go for the big ones (with slide) and all the fancy wood work. Checking the scales... the newer ones seem to have gone on a diet compaired to the 70-80's ones. For those you need a big hauler. For the smaller lighter AS you can get away with smaller engined vehicles. Check the vehicles ability to tow in the manufactures owners manuals or ask the dealer to read off what your vheicle will tow. Most are surprised that its less than what they thought... Of course most new vheicles standards are rated on the ability to stop the towed item. Jackknifing is not a good idea when the trailer brakes fail to work. Thus a nice heavy vheicle with matched fraimwork is idea. One other issue that should also be mentioned is tires. Here most people never think about the tire weight and its ability to tow. If you have too much weight and enough hp going up a hill you can litterly pull the tires apart. Check ratings to match the item towed. Heavier trailers need more robust tires and axels to match the job. A lot of pasenger vehicles today are not up to the job. Again check the vheicles owners manual and see what the manufacture states. So selecting a trailer needs to be more than just, what are we going to sleep in... you need to look hard at the tow vehicle also.. as the old saying goes... be kind and don't abuse your horse for it pulls your waggon down the roadway. If it dies your on your own. (not to mention the frustration of a ruined vacation) gmas@inreach.com |
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said this on 01 Dec 2008 7:34:06 PM CST
I have a 2006 Toyota Tacoma w/ tow package. (6500 gvw). Would towing a 23 ft safari be a problem?
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said this on 15 Dec 2008 6:30:08 PM CST
I, also have a Toyota Tacoma w/towing pkg and want to be an Airstreamer so I have been doing some research. Please go to www.rvtowingtips.com It's an eye opener.
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said this on 21 Jan 2009 10:51:11 AM CST
I have an '06 Tacoma Crew 2x w/ towing pkg and tow an '06 19' Bambi with much success. I've put over 13K miles on the A/S and have had occasion to be on several 6% grades. I plan to upgrade to a 23FB and have no fears about the Tacoma's ability to handle it, but, when it comes time to trade the Tacoma (currently 80K miles), I do believe I'll add a 4:10 limited slip Differential.
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said this on 18 Jan 2009 7:10:30 PM CST
Will a 2009 Toyota Tacama w/towing pkg and Supercharger safely tow a 23' Flying Cloud FB?
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said this on 01 Mar 2009 9:31:17 AM CST
We have just purchased a '66 airstream #18324. Where can we find more info on it ?
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said this on 30 Apr 2009 6:30:24 AM CST
In regards to what GMAS wrote. I have pulled with both gas and diesel tvs and the diesel wins hands down. Never had problems with cold starts and diesels love the higher operating temperatures for better combustions. Driving up hills they pull at a constant speed and oil drain intervals are twice that of their gas counterparts, so the maintenance is actually cheaper. The diesel fuel may be a slightly more expensive than gas; however, I get nearly twice the mileage on a gallon of fuel than some of my gas counterparts, so the operating cost is much less. Longevity is also something to be considered as a typical diesel engine can last 300K to 400K which is about twice the life of a gas engine. Their is really no comparison if you are pulling a large trailer the diesel is hard to beat, but smaller lighter trailers can be managed quite well with a lighter duty tv.
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said this on 04 May 2009 1:01:20 AM CST
What kind of truck or suv do I need to tow a 31' classic? Im interested in getting an airstream this summer, but I might need to buy a truck to tow.. My suv GVW is 5900 pounds
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said this on 10 Jun 2009 10:53:34 PM CST
I tow our 31' Classic ('05) with a GMC 2500HD pickup. It does great. We average just over 10mpg. Dennis is correct about the diesels. They have way more torque and get 30-40% better mpg than we do. If I were doing a lot of mountain towing I would like the diesel. But we are likely to put a lot of miles on this truck. Alaska in 2010.
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said this on 14 Sep 2009 10:08:54 PM CST
I'm heading to Alaska next year. I'm about 10 days from purchasing a 23' FB Flying Cloud. Any advice you can give me? My tow vehicle is a 2008 Chevy Avalanche, V8 engine, tow package. I am also looking to upgrade my transmission in anticipation of hills out west. Although the AS is 4757 unloaded, and my max tow on the Avalanche is 8300, I want a light trailer...for any hills I may encounter out west.....
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said this on 19 May 2009 12:34:43 PM CST
We bought a used '07 25' front bedroom Safari Special Edition which we tow with an '07 Yukon with the flexfuel 5.3 l engine. Having owned shorter and considering longer, we feel we have the happy combination.
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said this on 03 Jun 2009 8:52:36 PM CST
I just purchased a1965 27ft airstream ,planning to really make it look nice .This airstream has split rims on the tires. I'd like to keep it original if I can . But just in case ,what other rims will fit the the trailer. Also going to make the dark wood interior a lighter color.
I really am excited about this project and bitin at the bits to hit the road . |
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said this on 27 Jul 2009 5:58:55 PM CST
I have a 2008 Chevy Avalanche LTZ with towing package. I am considering purchasing a 23 FB or 25 FB Flying Cloud? Any suggestings.
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said this on 15 Aug 2009 8:55:31 PM CST
My 67 Globetrotter 20' had the front sofa which doubled as a bed. I am looking for plans to make a perm. bed and not have to unfold a sofa. Any great ideas will be appreciated.
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said this on 24 Aug 2009 6:21:19 PM CST
MY 99' FORD F350 DIESEL PULLS A 31' AS LIKE A SCALDED DOG. 220K ON IT AND IT HAS BEEN BULLET PROOF. 12MPH IN THE MOUNTAINS. HAVE HAD CHEVYS AND FORDS, GAS AND DIESELS, THE GAS DOESN'T HOLD A CANDLE TO THE DIESELS FOR PULLING, MILAGE, MAINTENANCE, OR LONGIVITY.
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said this on 08 Oct 2009 11:05:45 PM CST
How true the diesels are. but, when one figures out that they are not going to do it full time is the diesel really worth the extra expense. We had one and we went back to the gas engine. (460 ford) Now one can pay almost 50, 000 dollars for a diesel TV or one can pay less than 5,000 for a good used TV truck that will do the same thing in getting down the road. So where is the savings for the diesel.
As to problems, most diesels require you to start and warm up. Most diesels put out high levels of NOX. Gas engine on the other hand can be started and run to the store a couple miles away. Who waits for a warm up...with todays oils in the gas engien. Its fire it up and lets go. Want to kill a diesel fast go do that to it too and see how much it cost to fix. Oil changes will last almost twice as long but cost twice as much when you put ALL 12 Quarts in. then you have the problem of fuel filtering on the diesel... add water and watch it really get smoked. Of course the smell becomes the trademark of a diesel driver too. We have seen campers almost go fist to cuffs due to the guy starting up his diesel pu and letting it warm up while gassing the next door camper out... no thanks, I'll stick with the poor old gas engine. May not move mountains but its cheaper and for our use better than the diesel was. (we had to replace the fuel pump, calif new diesel killed its seals, I could have bought a whole V8 for the 3,000 it cost to repair the diesel) One thing we will say.. if you have a turbo diesel it does haul.. but then again its more expensive to buy, maintain and put up with the rattle and smell that some find offensive. We have seen the new prototype dual injection engines that run on gas and meth...ouch look out diesel this puppy is one power producer and makes good gas mileage too from all the test data. Low in NOX, CO and other emissions. It will become the green engine of choice we think. As to pulling trailers.. the limit is 25 ft in some federal and state parks. We went with the 25 AS and found it works just fine. those that ask which vehicle to pull a 31 footer with, I highly recommend a good 3/4 T PU truck that has good pulling and stopping ability. A lot of the smaller trucks will work but, the 3/4 T gives you the bigger brakes and running gear so that you don't have any problems. I know some will say the trailer has brakes on it too... well we have had them fail too and the TV is the only thing... that then... has to work to get everything stopped. That extra breaking ability of the bigger TV then is worth it. As to tow gas mileage... we go with acceptable values... around 10 is good.. below 8 isn't.. but consider the overall cost and don't spend dollars to save pennies. May we recommend that you attend a AS rally or meeting and walk up and down looking at what others have and in talking to them make your decision as to what is best for you. All the rest , even here on the blog, is only someones opinion... which may not be of your interest. Happy trails |
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said this on 14 Oct 2009 10:32:45 PM CST
I have just purchased a 2009 23'FB Flying Cloud and I am pulling it with a 2008 Jeep Liberty, I know I am at the max for the Jeep but I have driven all over VT so far and I have not had any problems. The Jeep has the tow package with heavy rated cooling and oil and the temperature did not budge and the Jeep kept constant speeds on the hills without over revving. I am going to see how next season goes, worse case scenario I may upgrade to the Jeep Cherokee diesel (it has a higher GVWR and better mileage) although I will consider the noise at campsites, especially for the early morning starts.
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said this on 01 Nov 2009 5:05:56 PM CST
Janet,
Great articles. I used to own a '64 22' Airstream. I'm thinking about purchasing an Airstream Motorhome, probably an '82 with a 454 Chevy V8 gas engine. Do you have any info on mileage for similar motorhomes, or are you strictly a trailer girl. |
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said this on 05 Dec 2009 5:13:58 AM CST
I want to know which model and length with a queen sized bed are most efficient for heating and cooling-- that could be a major cost for longterm camping
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said this on 11 Dec 2009 12:32:57 AM CST
We are considering purchasing a 1969 23 footer. Does anyone know what the weight is of this vintage and if we could tow it with our 5,000 lb capacity jeep cherokee?
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said this on 27 Dec 2009 5:23:53 AM CST
Wife and I wanted something small for short weekend trips in New England and Eastern Canada that we could pull with a Ford Crown Victoria. After considering all options (and a bit of good fortune) we decided on a very nice 17' 1968 Caravel with the front dinette option. Our family consists of three people, including our 11 (going on 18) year-old daughter. I run a radio hobbyist event for "hams" and other enthusiasts twice a year in NH and need something that will accommodate my family and afford some privacy so they can attend the event. I cannot leave the grounds for the 54 hours we occupy the fairgrounds.
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