Has anyone pulled an Airstream?

I recently picked up a 2020 Caravel 19cb and have towed it a few times with my 2017 Taco. My truck is mostly stock except for 33's and OV Tune on premium gas. The 19cb is 4000 lbs empty with a 5000 lb max. The trailer is usually around 4500 lbs loaded up. Up to this point our trips have been up and down Utah with a fair amount of hill climbs.

The Taco has handled it very well with average mpg's at 12-13 (60 to 70 mph). With myself, wife, (2) kids, and hitch weight there's not much cargo capacity left in the truck... maybe a cooler, small generator, and some firewood in the bed. I use a weight distribution hitch which helps with the Taco Squat and overall towing stability. With the WD hitch, torsion axle and rounded profile the Airstream/Taco package tows nicely. Initially I thought a re-gear would be needed, but after a few trips its become more of a "want".

Regarding your 23' FC... I would be a nervous towing that trailer with a Taco. When looking at Airstreams I had several people tell me extra weight isn't as big of a deal due to the aerodynamics. I have no "real world experience" with different size Airstream trailers... so I can't comment on how weight and aerodynamics correlate. My advice is stay 20% (or more) below the truck's rating.

BTW... The smaller Airstreams look sweet behind Tacos... especial Cement Pros on 33's.

 

Nice. I’m considering the 16’ Caravel. Shouldn’t be a problem then. This thread had me re-considering.

 

I had an Airstream, 26 feet I believe, towed it with an 08 Titan with no problems. They do pull well.

 

i pull a 10k lb goose neck trailer with my taco. put the ball on the reciever and off to the races. 2.7 4 banger pulls great

Im kidding, thats dumb. but look at this cute picture i found.

 

It is also rated for a specific cargo capacity. Don't focus on the tow rating...it is meaningless. Seriously. You need to read the yellow door sticker and find your truck's max cargo capacity. From that number (it will be lower than my SR 2.7) you need to subtract the hitch weight (at least 600 lbs) your body weight, the weight of everyone riding in the truck, your tools, etc.

You will end up overweight and with the weak engines/transmissions and dinky drum brakes you will not be a happy camper. No pun intended.

Second, if you read the owner's manual of your truck it will say it is not designed for towing. Hauling, but not towing. Tacoma's are great for some missions, but for towing it is the wrong tool for the job.

In three, two, one second I predict that someone will chime in saying they tow 6,500 lbs all the time without any issues ;-)

 

Found them
Show us what you tow.

Show us what you tow.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/show-us-what-you-tow.27460/page-202#post-16764568