Re: [VAC] question re towing

[Kevin Allen <kallen@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Greetings Elizabeth and welcome to the world of Vintage Airstreaming!

The 31' is definitely a nice family rig, but the penalty for its comforts is
weight.  Using the rule of thumb formula for estimating an Airstreams weight
found at:

http://www.airstream.net/qa/faq.html#general

your 31' Airstream would likely weigh about 7,960 pounds including the
trailer and its cargo.  A second rule of thumb formula published in
Airstream Owner's manuals of the time was:

(Loaded Trailer Weight + Loaded Tow Vehicle Weight) / Tow Vehicle Horsepower
= Towing Coefficient (pounds per horsepower)

60 pounds per horsepower upper limit for safety
30-40 pounds per horsepower very adequate power
25 or fewer pounds per horsepower = "hot rod"

The only modern automobile that might approach being able to handle your
trailer is the late model Cadillac Brougham with 5.7 liter V8 and full
factory towing package - - and that would likely be a bit of a stretch of
the factory trailer towing rating.  The big block equipped, full-size
automobiles that disappeared during the 1970's are among the last of the
truly proficient travel trailer towing automobiles.  I tried towing smaller
4,000 pound trailers with 1980s full-size cars with the 5.0 liter V8s and
full trailer towing packages with less than favorable results.
Realistically, in today's environment, a 3/4 ton pickup or van is the most
likely the safest trailer towing candidate for your rig.

Good luck with your new purchase!

Kevin Allen
WBCCI/VAC #6359
1964 Overlander International/1999 GMC K2500 Suburban