Towing Airstreams Sport 22FB

Hi, I’m a new member to Toyota World and have a 2018 Taco SR5 V6 equipped with the factory tow package. I’m getting ready to retire and looking at the Airstream Sport 22FB to tow with the Taco. The 22FB GVWR is 4500 Lbs. Looking for some insight if this package would handle well? Plan on heading into the Sierras and Rocky Mountains at some point.
Thanks!

 

All good! Have fun!! Enjoy retirement and the Tacoma

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Wait...it’s 11:30 west coast time. Didn’t matlock end a couple hours ago???

(I’m old too.....shhhhhh)

 

You’re probably good with that setup as long as you do the hitch and brakes appropriately. If you’re planning on towing regularly, it might get a bit old. If you’re planning on towing occasionally and expectations are set correctly, it’ll work.

 

Best thing to do is get a good test tow in. Rent something similar if you have to and take a 3 day weekend with it.

 

I have been trying to figure out the same thing. My Aim was Dry 4000 lbs. I think it will do it but keeping the payload in the truck low seems to be key. The Hitch weight will be in the range of 460 lbs. With two passengers, full fuel puts you in the payload range. So your within design but check for yourself. Let us know how things work out.

 

Same here. I’m targeting 4200lb dry max, but we tend to pack light. I’m OVTuned with gear lock options so that helps some. Honestly, up to about 55mph I have no complaints. It’s at 65 or more where you really start to see again the lack of low rpm grunt.

Let ‘er wind up and it’ll go. So will your mpg.

 

My rule of thumb is to stay at least 2000lbs under max tow weight rating. Yes you can tow more but the more weight the more problematic towing becomes. The other problem you have is the aerodynamics of the trailer. Head winds will slow you way down, even pos Prius will be passing you especially in the mountains. Cross winds will make driving/towing quite uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous. But it’s still mostly about weight. So keep total weight as low as you can and just go out and tow it and have fun.

 

All good points except he'll be pulling an Airstream so aerodynamic resistance will be minimal. I have one and can attest to this. Even cross winds have little affect on an Airstream trailer. They are truly unique in their design and shape and are one of the easiest trailers to pull.

 

Assuming you’re serious about some real travel over mountains and for decent distances I would 100% re-gear and add a set of bags out back. Do that and you’ll be 100% no worries. Yes the stock truck WILL tow that but it’ll be much more enjoyable with these simple mods.

 

That’s been the conventional wisdom for them. I haven’t had the experience yet: only the more flat nosed hogs. I’m hoping that it’ll really make a difference in the 65mph range.

 

It will

 

How set are on using the Tacoma? I personally would be looking at doing that with a 3/4 ton diesel. You are talking about travelling the highest passes in the country with high deserts in between. Areas such as that around Mammoth Lakes on 395 may not appear to be steep but you are near 8 thousand feet. Good thing is you will be retired so trying to get any where on a time frame should not be an issue. Sorry to sound negative but that is my .02. Gas mileage will be another issue.

 

Good to know. I wish I could get a double axle in the 4000lb range, but the new stuff in double is a bit more than that.

 

Matlock! I use to watch it, but only because my parents wouldn’t let me change the channel.

 

I've been looking into a similar situation myself. And I've came to the conclusion. . Airbags in the rear suspension and a brake controller will be recommended

 

Too big. You won’t be happy. Rent first, outdoorsy or rvshare.coms. If you’re stuck on that Airstream look at a Tundra. Or look at the 16 or 19 Airstream. I tow my T@b around the country and would never do that Airstream trailer with this truck.

 

The Airstream 22fb would tow better than a 19. Look at the specs or call Colonial Airstream.

 

That’s a cool t@b. How much did that trailer set you back?