[A/S] Re: Tow vehicles for 32ft. & 34ft.

["Maurice Riggins" <roadkingmoe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

2001 34' Airstream Limited

2002 Ford F250 XLT Extended Cab/Long Bed (158" wheelbase) with 7.3L 
Powerstroke Diesel, automatic, electronic shift 4WD, limited slip 
differential, and power adjustable pedals.

Hensley Arrow hitch and Jordon 2020 Brake Controller.  Had the 
Hensley/Masterbrake unit been out when we set it up, that's probably 
the route we'd have taken.  *I* want to be in control of trailer 
braking with my foot instead of having an accelerometer trying to 
decide what the truck movement means and adjusting the trailer 
braking after the fact.

IMHO, a diesel is the only way to go on a trailer this size.  It's 
loafing along at lower rpms when even a big-block gas engine is 
revved up high, and that gets on my nerves.  Driving the diesel is 
much more relaxing.

The Ford diesels have a large fuel filler that can take the large 
diameter high-speed nozzles at the truck islands, which are much more 
roomy than the combined gas/diesel RV islands at Flying Js.  This is 
important with a 57' long rig.  I also don't worry about leaving the 
refrigerator running on propane at an all-diesel island.  Gasoline 
produces flammable vapors at 44 degrees F below zero.  Diesel has to 
be well over 100 degrees for that to happen.

The Crew Cab/Short Bed is almost as long (156"), but only has a 29 
gallon fuel tank versus the long bed's 38.  The smaller tank isn't as 
bad with a diesel as it would be with a gas engine because the diesel 
gets better fuel mileage.

And also IMHO, a truck is the only way to go because of the things 
you don't want in the passenger compartment with you, especially in 
an accident.  Heavy things like generators, flamable things like 
gasoline for them or an extra propane tank for boondocking.  Nasty 
things like a blue tote tank.  Greasy things like a BBQ grill.  
Sometimes muddy things like a patio rug, leveling blocks, chocks, 
water hoses, and electrical extension cords.  You just can't beat a 
truck bed for these.

The Hensley and the Pullrite hitches are the safest you can buy.  
There are no other designs that eliminate the lever arm that severe 
sway acts upon.  All other designs, including the Equal-I-Zer, which 
is just a double friction sway control, oppose the truck turning the 
trailer as much as they oppose the trailer turning the truck.  This 
not only limits how much anti-sway force they can apply, but can also 
create an understeer condition especially dangerous on wet roads.  
Understeer is when you turn the steering wheel, the front tires slip, 
and the rig continues straight instead of turning.

Airstreams do tow much better than other trailers, but make no 
mistake about it... Airstreams can sway and they can roll.  One of 
the members of the Airstream forum is buying a 34 that rolled just 
down the road from the dealership, for a song.  He's replacing the 
Reese dual-cam that was bent up in the process.  These are big, heavy 
trailers and they need a big, heavy, powerful tow vehicle on the 
business end, and all the care you can take to make your towing 
experience uneventful.

Hope this helps,
--
Maurice
WBCCI 5446