Just thought I post the results of a recent trip towing my first Airstream.
To start off with the tow vehicle is a Japanese imported right hand drive 1990 Toyota Landcruiser HDJ-81 with the 4.2l 1HT-D turbo diesel engine producing approx 168HP at 3500rpm and 268ft-lbs at 1900rpm. Solid axles with final gearing of 4.10, full time four wheel drive, 33" tires with 2.5" OME lift. Not sure of vehicle weight but probably between 5000 and 6000#
The trailer is a 2005 Airstream 19' Bambi, single axle GVWR 4500#
Combined weight probably in the region of 10000#
For towing I've installed a tranny cooler, Jordan brake (electric) controller, weight distribution bars and a single anti sway bar.
The trip took us approximately 900km (600mi) thoughout S. Ontario. I ran in third gear (not OD), rpm's at speed were usually 2600-2800rpm, normally with OD they would be 2200rpm with EGT's of 600F at highway speed (100kph.)
Quick word on EGT's. From my reading a good "normal" reading is 600F, try to avoid going over 1000F too often and not for too long. At 1270F the tips of the turbine begin to glow.
The first leg was from London to Niagara Falls, ON, mostly 400 series highways running at approx 96kph (60mph). EGT's at this speed were around 900F for the most part with the occasional peak of 1250F. Distance was 175mi, terrain mostly downhill and smooth, fuel consumption was 16.8/14.1mpg (CAN/US)
Second leg was from Niagara Falls, ON to Bracebridge, ON again mostly 400 series highways but this time in pouring rain, terrain was uphill most of the way. This time I ran at 90kph (55mph), EGT's were again 900F but I was for the most part running 1000F and hitting 1250 much more often. Fuel consumption was 13.9/11.6mpg.
Final leg was from Bracebridge back to London, this time running back roads, hilly terrain but speeds around 80kph (50mph). EGT's were much better, usually around 700F with fuel consumption around 15.8/13.1 mpg. BTW on this section I went sailing past a new Forerunner towing a 3500# trailer up a hill....
Without a trailer on I usually get between 24 and 28mpg.
This was our first trip out with the trailer and I wasn't too sure how things would go. Overall I'd say we were quite pleased. truck performed great and no problems with handling or towing the trailer. As for the trailer, love it. Pic attached.
As for where we stayed.
In Niagara Falls it was Jellystone Park, lots of fun for our three year old (I enjoyed watching Yogi Bear cartoons again...) In Bracebridge we stayed at Santa's Villiage campground, was OK. Daughter had a great time there, which is what it's all about.
Thanks all.
To start off with the tow vehicle is a Japanese imported right hand drive 1990 Toyota Landcruiser HDJ-81 with the 4.2l 1HT-D turbo diesel engine producing approx 168HP at 3500rpm and 268ft-lbs at 1900rpm. Solid axles with final gearing of 4.10, full time four wheel drive, 33" tires with 2.5" OME lift. Not sure of vehicle weight but probably between 5000 and 6000#
The trailer is a 2005 Airstream 19' Bambi, single axle GVWR 4500#
Combined weight probably in the region of 10000#
For towing I've installed a tranny cooler, Jordan brake (electric) controller, weight distribution bars and a single anti sway bar.
The trip took us approximately 900km (600mi) thoughout S. Ontario. I ran in third gear (not OD), rpm's at speed were usually 2600-2800rpm, normally with OD they would be 2200rpm with EGT's of 600F at highway speed (100kph.)
Quick word on EGT's. From my reading a good "normal" reading is 600F, try to avoid going over 1000F too often and not for too long. At 1270F the tips of the turbine begin to glow.
The first leg was from London to Niagara Falls, ON, mostly 400 series highways running at approx 96kph (60mph). EGT's at this speed were around 900F for the most part with the occasional peak of 1250F. Distance was 175mi, terrain mostly downhill and smooth, fuel consumption was 16.8/14.1mpg (CAN/US)
Second leg was from Niagara Falls, ON to Bracebridge, ON again mostly 400 series highways but this time in pouring rain, terrain was uphill most of the way. This time I ran at 90kph (55mph), EGT's were again 900F but I was for the most part running 1000F and hitting 1250 much more often. Fuel consumption was 13.9/11.6mpg.
Final leg was from Bracebridge back to London, this time running back roads, hilly terrain but speeds around 80kph (50mph). EGT's were much better, usually around 700F with fuel consumption around 15.8/13.1 mpg. BTW on this section I went sailing past a new Forerunner towing a 3500# trailer up a hill....
Without a trailer on I usually get between 24 and 28mpg.
This was our first trip out with the trailer and I wasn't too sure how things would go. Overall I'd say we were quite pleased. truck performed great and no problems with handling or towing the trailer. As for the trailer, love it. Pic attached.
As for where we stayed.
In Niagara Falls it was Jellystone Park, lots of fun for our three year old (I enjoyed watching Yogi Bear cartoons again...) In Bracebridge we stayed at Santa's Villiage campground, was OK. Daughter had a great time there, which is what it's all about.
Thanks all.
