Towing an Airstream Trailer

[pickerdd]

Does anyone have experience towing an airstream trailer with their 4Runner? I'm in the market for a travel trailer and I like Airstream trailers best, but they are pretty darn heavy at 7k pounds and higher. I know that my V6 shouldn't pull something that heavy, but I'm wondering if you folks with v8's have pulled an Airstream trailer.

Thanks,
David

 

[boston_kevin]

I have the V6, but I think most people would stay away from this in a medium sized SUV like the 4Runner. Airstream makes great travel trailers, but pricey and heavy. Best to be towed with a full sized SUV or a large truck - go for the Tundra!

 

[cruzmissile]

Don't even think about it....

I've towed a 5k# for years with both the Tundra and now my 4runner v8 and I found the 4runner to do a better job (after the air bags were installed). In either case, I couldn't imagine that going up to the 7k# limit advertised would feel stable nor would the suspension comforably tow such a beast.

If you want a big trailer, go with a real full sized truck like a Chevy 2500.

Don't get me wrong, I won't trade my runner in for any other truck, but then again I won't need to tow anything larger than what it's capable of pulling.

 

[Colemanfu]

With a set of these your forget that AS's back there!

Answer: Never did - never would.

 

[racedirt1]

I don't think I would do it, and I pulled my 3,000 lb. pop-up over 1,500 miles this summer(41 nights camped so far ). You will need a class IV hitch, and I think you would struggle at the smallest of incline.
Maybe if it was just you(wouldn't put my family in that situation) and just going a short distance it could be done. But I can't imagine anybody thinking towing a 7k trailer with a vehicle that is rated at 5k is a good idea.
I know you were asking about with the V8, and I still don't think I would do it. Once you pack up with all you need you get a lot more weight than you think(trust me it adds up quick). So if you have 7.5k tow capacity, pulling an empty 7K trailer with nothing else (camper weights don't usaually account for options such as a/c, propane, bike racks, water((fresh, grey or black)), and everything else you need). You will be far outside of "safe" towing.
Try a hybrid or maybe a Jayfeather TT. Seems like a much better fit.

 

[pickerdd]

Yes, but the V8 is rated at pulling 7500 pounds. I'm not considering pulling an Airstream trailer with my V6. I'm asking if folks have pulled an Airstream with a V8 4Runner. One option I'm considering is finding a used V8 Tundra to pull the trailer. Not really interested in selling my 4Runner.

David

 

[charlier180]

Yes, but the V8 is rated at pulling 7500 pounds. I'm not considering pulling an Airstream trailer with my V6. I'm asking if folks have pulled an Airstream with a V8 4Runner. One option I'm considering is finding a used V8 Tundra to pull the trailer. Not really interested in selling my 4Runner.

David

Before buying a V8 Tundra double check the tow rating for the vehicle you are looking at. Back in 2004 when I was shopping, the Tundra I looked was rated to tow LESS than the 4Runner. The higher tow rating, better ride and better price made the 4Runner the choice for me.

 

[TexGX]

This is a great option. It only wieghts about 3000lb loaded.

 

[007Runner]

You forgot to tell us the model and brand of the trailer. We can't see it from the picture. I want something comparable to the quality of the air stream, because the air stream models are simply too heavy.

 

[TexGX]

The trailer is called Casita. It is a fiberglass trailer. The build quaility is very high. Here is a link to how we fixed ours up. It cost very little to make it look like this.

http://www.casitaclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=6867&hl=Mutt+Hutt

It has a full bathroom and kitchen. They only sell factory direct out of Texas. PM me if you want more detailed information.

TexGX

 

[4RNR-LOVN]

Here is a good thread to read through as it dicusses many of the issues being rehashed in this thread. While it isn't specific to Airstream it is still informative for anyone contemplating towing with a 4Runner.

Towing thread

Karl

Yes, but the V8 is rated at pulling 7500 pounds. I'm not considering pulling an Airstream trailer with my V6. I'm asking if folks have pulled an Airstream with a V8 4Runner. One option I'm considering is finding a used V8 Tundra to pull the trailer. Not really interested in selling my 4Runner.

David

 

[TeryT]

Here is a good thread to read through as it dicusses many of the issues being rehashed in this thread. While it isn't specific to Airstream it is still informative for anyone contemplating towing with a 4Runner.

Towing thread

Karl

Here's a follow-on to that thread where I give my experience towing a new (at that time) 27' ultralight travel trailer. We've had it over a year now, and done several trips - no problemo. Biggest issue is sway, so mandatory to have a good sway control - weight distributing hitch!

I will say 7,000 lbs is too much, unless the biggest hill you were towing over is about 10 feet high. Is 7,000 the dry weight or the gross?

Towing a 27' Ultralight

 

[LV4R]

I would not recommend towing anything over 7,000. Once you have your gear and everything you will probably be close to 8,000. Another thing to consider is the GCWR which is 12,000 when you combine the 4runner and the trailer. You have to deduct your weight, any other passengers weight, gas, any gear etc. from this. You will find that all of this adds up pretty quickly. Also should you get into an emergency situation, if your trailer weighs that much you will be putting yourself in extreme danger as well as everyone else on the road.

I do not recommend exceeding the 7,000 pound mark. Just my .02!

 

[racedirt1]

I agree, I think the tail will be wagging the dog with that kind of weight.