Re: [A/S] ?Astrovan and airstream

[Jack Canavera <jackcanavera@xxxxxxxxx>]

My previous tow vehicle was an '91 Astro EXT window
van (factory interior) with the HD towing package.  It
used a premium gas H.O. V6 engine with a 4.10 rear
end.  It's towing capacity was 6,000 lbs.

With that gearing and engine the towing capacity of
the Astro was great.  I pulled a 21' Hi-Lo 3,400 lbs.
dry.  The Hi-Lo sat right down in the profile of the
Astro and was a joy to tow.

In 1996 I bought a 28' Electra travel trailer (made by
Thor).  It was aluminum framed and had a dry weight of

4,800 lbs.  Because of its size and profile I also
installed a Reese dual cam sway control.  While the
performance of the Astro was adequate it wasn't
something that I would take into the Rockies, although
we dealt with the Ozarks in an adequate fashion.

The issues I did have was with the stability of
trailer and Astro.  While the Reese sway control kept
the trailer in line, I found that strong wind and the
80+ mph truck drivers on Mo. I-44 kept me working hard
to keep the entire package in the center of the lane. 
The Astro just didn't have enough bulk to deal with
wind and the trailer.

I traded out the Astro in '99 and bought a full size
Chevy Express van.  While I picked up only 500 lbs.
additional towing capacity, stability improved
greatly.  Now couple this van with my Safari and you
have a great package.  I can't get over how well this
trailer tows.

If you plan on keeping your Astro, but want something
better that a pop-up, you might to consider a Hi-Lo. 
It's not an A/S but it uses the same axle assembly
used by Hi-Lo and can give you many of the features of
a standard upright TT.  Note though that the Hi-Lo is
not a budget trailer...plan to spend some extra $$ due
to the lifting mechanism.  I kept mine for 14 years. 
Mail me offline if you would like to get into this
further.

Regards,

Jack