[VAC] Re: towint vehicle

["Harvey Barlow" <harveybarlow@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Terri and Michael,

The factory owner's manual for my '66 Safari 22' trailer indicates a dry
weight of 3,360.  As you probably know, factory dry weight does not include
optional air conditioner, fresh water, propane, food, clothing, bedding,
tools, personal items, or tooth brushes and dental floss.  A fully loaded
travel weight is probably around 4,000 pounds with 500 pounds on the hitch,
a gross weight of about 4,500 lbs.

A 26 foot trailer, loaded for travel, will probably gross from 5,500 to
6,500 pounds, with 700 - 800 pounds on the tongue, depending on year.
Airstreams became heavier as new models of greater length and additional
features were offered.

26 foot trailers were not manufactured in '73 but my '73 Airstream
(official) Service Manual indicates that a '73 27' trailer had a gross
weight rating (GVWR) of 6,200 pounds with a gross allowable tongue weight of
920 pounds for a total of 7,120 lbs.  A 25' unit had a GVWR of 5,800 and max
tongue weight of 870 for a total of 6,670 pounds.

My advice, as always, is to buy more tow vehicle with a larger engine and
lower (higher numerical) rear axle ratio than you think you need.  That is
only a personal opinion and worth exactly what you paid for it.  Others on
this list will disagree.  Annual miles towing and terrain over which you
expect to tow should influence your decision.  Forget towing fuel economy
unless you purchase a turbo-diesel powered truck.  If you review years of
past test articles in "Trailer Life" magazine you will observe that 8 to 10
mpg towing is typical whether using a large truck to tow a huge fifth wheel
or a small towing vehicle and small trailer.  8 to 10 mpg is still about
what you should expect with a gas engine.  You will occasionally talk to
someone in a campground who claims much higher mileage but unless all your
towing will be downhill or with a tailwind, average fuel economy is not
going to get much better than 8 - 10 mpg.  Of course if you can manage 12
mpg with a modern small block V8 with a 4.10:1 gear and overdrive top gear,
that is a 50% increase over 8 mpg.  Under normal towing conditions, it
really won't matter much whether you tow with a small V8 in a 1/2 ton pickup
or a big block 454 Chevy or 460 Ford in a 3/4 or one ton p/u, Suburban, or
van.  Mileage will not vary much from that range.  If you will only tow
occasionally, you can certainly achieve fuel savings with a small V8 engine
when not towing.

If you state your interest in locating a trailer on this list, you may get a
good referral or referrals.  Also, many on this list are experts on vintage
A/Ss having owned and restored several.  Some are willing to inspect and
send you photos and recommendations on vintage trailers near their homes if
you are considering trailers at a distant location from your own home.

See the classified ads at http://www.vintage@Airstream as a starting point.

Best wishes on finding an excellent trailer.

Harvey Barlow
Lubbock, TX
WBCCI 1171, WDCU, VAC