Hi Murray Fraser,
Just read your note, followed by Roy Lashway's reply. I suspect you didn't want to
hear what Roy
said, but he's telling it like it is, especially if you plan to do some serious
traveling.
As I see it, there are three or more choices.
1 - Get a bigger, older truck with a substantial engine and strong rear axle ratio
which you can use
just for towing a 31' Airstream. Find a truck that's 25 years old and you can have two
restoration
projects going simultaneously.<grin>
It'll cost less in the long run than using your Dakota and paying the bills to fix it
after you get
cavalier and decide to tow it anywhere, including up mountains.
Unless your Dakota weighs more than the 7-8,000 pounds a 31' Airstream will weigh,
it's very easy
for the tail to wag the dog when the going gets dicey. If you want real excitement,
hitch up to a
trailer that's heavier than the tow vehicle and go play with 18 wheelers on the
Interstates.
The most exciting game is called "Fish Tailing." That's where the 18 wheeler tries to
pass you as
close as possible while going as fast as possible. If your Airstream weighs more than
your Dodge and
if your Airstream becomes out of control, then your Dodge will go wherever your
Airstream takes it
and there's not much you can do about it (in the 10 seconds you have before going off
the road).
2 - Get a smaller Airstream. They have all the amenities you'll need, plus with a
smaller one, you
can go anywhere and not be white knuckle tired when you get there. It's better to have
a successful
first experience than become discouraged by a truck that can't perform in a safe or
capable way.
3 - Don't buy anything yet. Spend the next year doing homework, visiting all the
websites relating
to Airstreams and staying active with this discussion group. The name of the game is
to have fun and
enjoy your Airstream. There's no point in spending good money and not having a good
time.
4 - 5 - 6 - You fill in the blanks.
Murray, you didn't say where you hoped to tow this Airstream. If all you are going to
do is tow it
home and use it as your backyard office or vacation cottage, then no sweat. Go buy it
and smile.
Terry
'77 31' Airstream Excella 500
'67 22' Airstream Safari
=====================
>> I have a 1998 Dodge Dakota with factory tow package a
>>318 engine and 3:55 rear end. I have been told by an
>>Airstream dealer
>======
>I suggest the dealer is telling you wrong. For a 31ft the minimum
>engine would be a 350 unless you are always on the level or going down
>hill.
>
>Roy Lashway
>'78 Argosy,'56 Bubble
>[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
