Re: [A/S] Trailer weight

[ericj@xxxxxxxxxxxx]

Hi Jim,

This is only my opinion so take it for what it's worth.

We have a 1976, 25' airstream.  This trailer weighs about 5500 when it's
loaded and ready to go on a trip.  We purchased the trailer this time
last year.  We had been pulling a smaller 17' camper for 3 years with our
full-sized Ford Bronco.  The Bronco did all right towing this 17" trailer
once I installed a fiction type sway control bar at the hitch.  When we
where shopping for our airstream we promised ourselves we would get a
trailer our Bronco could tow.  The owners manual for the Bronco says it
is rated to pull up to 7000#.

I am so disappointed with this set-up.  The short wheelbase of the Bronco
makes for a very squirrly setup.  I have to watch for trucks passing me
on the four lane and make sure both my hands are on the wheel.  The wave
of air that first passes over the rear of the trailer tries to push the
front of the trailer towards the inside lane.  When the wave of air hits
the front of the trailer the trailer wants to head for the side of the
road.  With the shorter wheelbase vehicle the trailer has more leverage
in this situation when compared to a tow vehicle with a longer wheelbase.

I could have taken care of this problem by installing a Hensley Hitch.  I
won't try to describe how this hitch works but I am convinced it could
have solved the sway control problems inherent with the short wheelbase
Bronco.  But I am also dissatisfied with the power the 5.0L has to pull
this trailer.  I know the manual says it can handle 7000# but IMHO not
well enough.

My solution.  I purchased a E350 (1 ton) 1984 Ford conversion van today
with a 460 motor.  The van only has 66K on it and will be used primarily
to tow the trailer.  The rest of the time it will sit in the shed next to
the trailer.  As I went with an older unit I can afford to have a tow
vehicle that is mainly only used to tow the trailer.

Please take this as just one persons opinion.  This was my experience
with a short wheelbased unit.

I would like to thank everyone for the input I specifically received
regarding purchasing a van for towing   Terry, Harvey, Jim, Jim, Gary
etc.....  Also, a thank you to everyone for the ongoing dialogue that
makes our owning our airstreams much more enjoyable.

Eric
#9497
76 International 25'
84 E350