Anyone Towing an Airstream Trailer?

Howdy,

I'm curious about towing a 22 foot long Sport model with a 2013 TRD Sport 4x4 with towing package. Looks like I can make it come in weight wise (more on that below) but I'm curious if it tows nicely and how it handles.

I bought it with "tow package" but dealer lied to me about other stuff so how can I tell for sure? It has a 7 pin plug, a round plug with 6 on outside and one inside. The trailer dealer said that's an indication.

The trailer dry weight is 3600lbs and Toyota literature says W/ optional V6 Tow Prep Package I can tow 6500lbs...again IF tow package.

Model is grn245l-cradka. Has stock 2" ball hitch and tranny cooler as well as plug described.

Thanks,

A

 

I would have a brake controller installed as it probably does not have one. Weight distribution hitch would not hurt either.

 

I don't tow an airstream but I do tow a 23ft, 4,500lb Jayco dual axle travel trailer. Dual axle trailers will tow better than single axle of the same weight.

The truck does fine if you have realistic expectations and aren't afraid to make it work. In addition to a trailer brake controller and weight distribution hitch it recommend an ultragauge or scangauge to monitor your transmission temps.

The towing forum here has a lot of helpful information.

 

If you have 1 of these, more than likely you have the factory tow package. Can with 2 hoses.

 

Thanks!

So much to learn!

A

 

You need to know what weight your towing to be safe. Take it to a weight station and get the number.
Then you can actually make calculations and decisions on your next towing equipment that will work.

 

Yea!

Thanks. This is why I'm leaning towards buying from a dealer. One I spoke with goes over everything and won't sell if your rig is unsafe. They demand all the brakes and equalizers etc.

Being a complete novice I think the extra couple $1000 will be well spent to have experts dial me in.

I like the Airstreams as there is so much documentation and since I'm looking for a more stripped down version can use the factory weight numbers to find a safe range.

A

 

You're willing to pay thousands of dollars to avoid some cursory Google searches & casual YouTube video watching? Where do you live? I'll come do it for you. lulz

 

They also want to sell all the hitches to make more money! Most dealers i come across couldnt care less about if its safe. Take a ride on the highway this holiday weekend and look at the rv's being towed and vehicles towing them, then get past them so youre not in an accident.

As someone else said, be realistic in what you want to do with it. There are plenty people here that tow some big rigs and are fine. They have no problem upping the rpm's and with people passing them. I have vacationed twice out in the rockies and one thing is common no matter the size of rv, full size trucks. That tells me something. I am looking for an rv and have been all summer. I want to stay under 4000 loaded at the very top, 3500 if possible. Thats just me from everything ive read here. Thats also because i plan on taking some longer trips.

 

pedal to the medal and let it roar
I have towed a 3500lb camper with my 99 taco with i4 5 speed. It did well. Slow starting off but maintained speeds on highway hills in 3rd gear close to redline

Same camper with my 09 taco V6 and it was a lot better on take off but had same feeling of it being back there.

Same camper behind my 95 F350 CCLB turbo diesel and barely felt the camper back there