[A/S] Re: Airstream wannabe question

["overlander_64" <overlander64@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Greetings Cathy in CT!

>I really have two questions, would the Highlander pull a Bambi or the 
next trailer size up, I think that it is called a Safari?  
>
An easy way to answer your questions about towing a coach is to take 
the prospective tow vehicle's factory trailer tow rating and compare 
that to the Unladen Base Weight (UBW) of the coach plus the Net 
Carrying Capacity (NCC) that can be found via the Airstream corporate 
website at:

Airstream Safari Specifications:
http://www.airstream.com/product_line/travel_trailers/safari_spec.html

Airstream International Specifications:
http://www.airstream.com/product_line/travel_trailers/intccd_spec.html

Or if you are considering older, previously owned coaches, you can 
find similar information at:

Airstream Weights and Measures:
http://www.airstream.com/airstream/product_line/customer_service/docs/w
eights-1.pdf

On the Airstream Weights and Measures page, the information is listed 
a bit differently.  Only empty weights are listed for the oldest 
coaches -- you will need to add about 30% to 35% for options, fluids 
(water and LP) as well as personal possessions carried in the coach.  
For the newer coaches, you will find the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 
(GVWR) and that will give you a guide for the necessary factory 
trailer tow ratings for those coaches.

>Also, those of you that have these smaller Airstreams, do you find 
them roomy,etc? 
> 
I have both a 26' Airstream Overlander and a 6.0 Metre (19' 3") Argosy 
Minuet.  While both coaches are quite roomy, each has its own 
personality.  I find myself picking the Minuet for many trips for its 
smaller, more compact size -- yet it has ample lving area (it has the 
twin lounge floorplan rather than the dinette) with plenty of storage -
- it even has one full-length wardrobe and one 3/4-length wardrobe.  
Even though it is a single axle, its towing manners are every bit as 
good as those of my larger, tandem axle Overlander.

> Also, is there a good source for finding used Airstream trailers, 
> either in the Internet, via this group, etc?
> 
Finding previously owned Airstreams, especially the smaller coaches 
can be a challenge.  One place to start would be to find your nearest 
Airstream dealers via the Airstream webpage at:

Airstream Dealer Finder:
http://www.airstream.com/dealer_locator/index.html

There are also several Airstream websites that have classified 
sections.  If you perform a search for "Airstream Classifieds", you 
will likely find several sources.  Regional "Shopper" type 
publications can, in some cases, provide leads.

> Thanks, Cathy in CT

Good luck with your search!

Kevin D. Allen
WBCCI/VAC/Free Wheelers/Computer Club #6359
1964 Overlander International/1999 GMC K2500 Suburban (7400 
VORTEC/4.10 Differentials)
1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre/1975 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible (8.2 
Liter V8/2.70 Final Drive)