RE: [A/S] Airstream or less-expensive others?

["David & Bret" <dtbw_1999@xxxxxxxxx>]

Ken,
The allure of Airstream is a factor, as you are aware, that no other RV
in the industry even begins to approach.  Airstream is truly one of the
American icons and part of the justification when purchasing one is how
much such factors weigh in your balance.  Airstreams are well built and
as history has attested, most every Airstream built today will most
likely still be in use 30-40 years from now.  Are other trailers a waste
of money, not necessarily, but by and large, you get what you pay for
and the construction techniques used in typical box trailers simple will
not stand up over time. If you are looking at a new Airstream, you will
find that in some cases the "other" brands are really not all that much
less expensive, if you compare size, features, quality, etc.  If you are
fancy yourself as a DIYer (do it yourselfer), then look into vintage
Airstreams.  Vintage models can be found for far less money, but forget
finding a bargain in the smaller sized vintage Airstreams.  The older
Bambi's, Caravels, Bubbles, etc are bringing premium prices today almost
regardless as to their condition.  Still, you can buy a smaller vintage
Airstream, replace the axle & tires (most older axles are long since
shot), repair/replace appliances, polish the exterior and restore the
interior typically for far less money than a new 16' or 19' Bambi.  You
might also find a recent model used Bambi that would be price
competitive to going down the restoration path.

As for your Jeep Cherokee, you have a problem, and it has nothing to do
with an Airstream.  The 4.7L V8 is fine from a power and torque
perspective, but the many owners have reported engine cooling problems
when towing on even flat terrain.  The I6 engine is simply too shy in
both horsepower and torque to be considered for towing anything beyond a
utility trailer or lightweight popup.  Also the unibody construction
that the Cherokee uses is far from ideal for towing (you really need a
body on frame construction).  The extremely short wheelbase (105") makes
the Cherokee very marginal (potentially dangerous) for even a 16' Bambi.
In any, less than ideal, situation when towing, wheelbase is often the
difference in maintaining vs loosing control. Finally, the Cherokee's
max recommended towing weight limit is 5200#(2WD)/5500#(4WD) which
leaves little margin above the GVWR of most trailers, but the weight
limit is actually the least of the worries of towing with a Cherokee.
Do some people tow with a Cherokee, sure, but the overwhelming group
experience and wisdom, make this rig far from an "recommend".  I am not
trying to rain on your parade, but while the Cherokee is a great SUV and
off road vehicle, it is a poor tow vehicle.

Could you overcome any of the Cherokee's deficits with aftermarket
products?...some, but not all.  The short wheelbase can be somewhat
compensated by using a hitch technology such as a Hensley Arrow or
Pullright, but these will NOT be a fixall for the fact that the Cherokee
is simply lacking even close to adequate wheelbase (110" and up is the
rule of thumb/experience minimum for small trailers....longer is
better).  The engine cooling issue can be helped by adding the largest
Hayden tranny cooler, an external engine oil cooler and having the
factory radiator replaced with a larger capacity unit.   The unibody
construction is what is it is and nothing can be done.  Lastly, the
towing weight limit is pushing things.  Rule of thumb/experience has
shown that you should adhere to the 80% guideline (ie the trailer's GVWR
should not exceed 80% of the tow vehicles max towing limit.  The GVRW of
the 19' Bambi is 4500#, but the 80% guideline on the Cherokee 2WD would
put the safe limit at 4160#, the same rule on the 4WD would put the safe
limit at 4400#.  You could tempt fate and overlook the 80% guideline,
but coupled with the other marginalized factors of the Cherokee, you are
just stacking the deck even more against yourself.

The issues with the Cherokee as a tow vehicle would exist with any
trailer you might decide to pull.  Does this mean that you need a 1ton,
diesel dually?...certainly not.  We tow our 2002 19' Bambi with a 2002
Ford Sport Trac.  But our Sport Trac is a body on full frame
construction, it has a 126" wheelbase and a full 5 speed tranny coupled
to a 4:10 rearend.  I still opted for the Hensley Arrow and installed a
separate Hayden tranny cooler in addition to the factory external
cooler.  

Lastly, we love our Bambi.  It is just the right size for weekends and
vacations. It is easy to tow and we can put it just about anywhere.  I
would not recommend it if you have kids or for fulltiming (unless you
are single), but otherwise it is a great rig.


david