Hello, I�m new to the list, and while I don�t yet own an Airstream, I am interested in purchasing one. In order to help me with my decision, I�m wondering if I may pose a few questions to the community, and get your experienced feedback. I have a 1998 Ford Explorer with the 4.0L SOHC engine and towing package. It produces 205 horsepower at 5000 rpm, and 250 lb. ft. of torque at 3000 rpm. The stock bumper can support a maximum tongue load of 350 lbs., and a maximum trailer weight of 3500lbs. What is the largest Airstream that I can tow behind this vehicle? I realize that many people modify their Airstream, but assume that it doesn�t have oak with marble fixtures (i.e. all or mostly original). I also understand (from what I�ve read so far) that as the years progressed, Airstream seems to have gotten heavier, so I imagine the later the model, the smaller it must be. It seems like the older pictures often show larger, tandem-axle trailers towed behind passenger cars. I grant you that yesterday�s passenger car was probably stronger than today�s SUV, but does this imply that the older models are lighter, or more easily towed behind smaller vehicles? We plan to become �Continuous Travelers� and will be travelling and living in this trailer for the foreseeable future. I�ve spent the past few years living out of the Explorer with a tent and sleeping bag, but have since picked up a partner with a cat and dog, so I need something larger. We don�t really know where to begin, so does anyone have any tips, tricks, or advice to give the would-be vagabond living the trailer life? Thanks for your time, Ted Ted, I have a Ford Explorer and have used it to tow two Airstreams, a '66 TradeWind tandem axle which weighs about 4,000lbs empty and a '65 Caravel which weighs 2350lbs empty. My Explorer has the 3.73 axle and the 155 hp V6. It is a '97 and is equipped with a Class III receiver hitch, a Tekonsha electric brake controller and a transmission oil cooler, it is the 4 speed automatic. I have made numerous trips with the smaller trailer, most of the time I use a sway bar but don't use an equalizer hitch. Although I have not traveled in high Western mountains I have been in the eastern Blue Ridge up to about 6,000 feet. I tow with "overdrive off" selected by the switch on the gearshift lever most of the time unless I forget and it goes to default. My speed on Interstate is around 63, a little less if I want to conserve gas. I consistantly get 13.5 mpg on regular. I have had no problems and like the vehicle for its versatility and the ability to use it as a daily driver. I am not a mechanic and have no desire to keep up multiple old vehicles, I like having one late model vehicle that pretty much meet all my needs; the Explorer does that and tows the Caravel without a problem. Now, the bad news: The Tradewind can be a handful behind the Explorer. I towed it using an equalizer hitch with spring bars and at first it seemed OK, even maintaining 60+ mph with no problem in some hills around Chattanooga, Tennessee. But, the fast trucks would shake my rig and then I was passed by a bus which was moving really fast, I'd guess 85 or so and he was pushing an air wave that nearly blew me off the road. It was a frightening experience. No amount of driving skill would have helped, it was too fast and too violent. No way I would want to tow the Trade Wind out west or much on interstate. If I can stay on local two lane roads at 55mph it will be OK for an occasional trip but that's it. Somebody once commented that you can't always count on the condition that your most experienced driver will be at the wheel when the unexpected happens, and that sounds like reasonable advice. In summary, the Explorer/Caravel combination has worked for me. I would not be comfortable using the Explorer to do much towing of the larger trailer even though it is within the rated capacity of the vehicle. Glenn Link #3853 '65 Caravel 17', '66 Trade Wind 24' To unsubscribe or to change to a daily Digest, please go to http://www.airstream.net/vaclist/listoffice.html If replying back to this message, please delete all the unnecessary original text from your reply.
