RE: [A/S] [Airstream] what does it take to tow a 26 footer??

["Scott & Lise Scheuermann" <schrmnns@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Oliver,
First a comment on towing the Coleman trailer. When a trailer fishtails it
is screaming for you to put more weight onto the tongue. A trailer needs 10
to 15% of its total weight on the tongue to properly behave at highway
speeds. You probably believed that you were doing your tow vehicle a favor
by packing the heavy stuff to the rear of the trailer, actually you created
an unstable trailer that was now difficult to tow.

Off the soap box.

Congratulations on the Overlander. It is a very nice sized trailer. My wife
and I traveled in our '60 Overlander for 2 months this summer. Never felt
cramped, never wished for more storage. Even thought of taking the 8 year
old God-daughter next summer.

Having towed my trailer for 20 plus years I offer some suggestions on
choosing a tow vehicle.

Wheel base, the longer the better (more stability and control)
Weight, the more the better (more stability and control)
Engine, V-8, or a Cummins 6. Don't try a 6 cyl gas engine with your
trailer. It will be very marginal. I have towed with 8 cyl gas       engines
ranging in size from a 318 to a 460. All did the job,       the 460 did the best
job. A gas engine will give you 9-12 mpg       while towing, Diesel will provide
better mileage. Ford diesel I       have heard of 12-14, while Dodge diesel I
have heard of 14-16.
Rear end gear ratios, look for something in the range of 3:40 to 4:10.       The
wrong ratio will take an otherwise great tow vehicle and make       it totally
unsuitable. It can be expensive to switch ratios.
If you buy something that already has a factory towing package on it you
will simplify things greatly. If not, at minimum you will need to add a
transmission cooler (if auto tyranny), a hitch receiver, wire a plug for the
trailer lights etc.
You will also need a trailer brake controller installed on your vehicle.
Also, be sure to get a good hitch, and have it properly adjusted. I suggest
a Reese hitch due to quality and low cost. Be sure that you have weight
distribution bars, you may also want sway control. This comes in 2 varieties
on a Reese, Dual Cam or a friction bar. Both can be used together.

I'm tired of typing now, so I'll shut up!

Scott