Towing a 30ft airstream 100 miles - Stupid?

[sam1]

I have a chance to borrow a 30ft airstream to take to a 24 hour bike race this weekend. 50 miles each way, primarily flat driving on highways.

My gut tells me I should not do it - I have not seen the trailer yet.

1994 with 442 transmission and 108k miles - if it makes any difference.

Any comments? Thanks....

 

[big worm]

i probably shouldn't, but i tow a double axle trailer sometimes that is filled with lumber, and i am sure it weighs more than an airstream. it tows fine, but i would be curious to get other input, because i dont know how safe this is for our trucks.

 

[cruiserdan]

A trailer of that size wil require an equalizer hich (not recommended to be fitted to an 80) and appropriate trailer brakes.

I would not do it.

 

[e9999]

first thing would be to find out how heavy the thing is. See literature or plaque.
Guessing at least 5000 lbs? That's a lot. Truck can probably pull it fine, but may not be able to stop it fine, unless you have the trailer brakes as mentioned above.
E

 

[Brentbba]

check the braking system on the Airstream. If surge, ok, if electric, you need a controller in your LC.

Check weight -over 5000, don't.

If double axle on the Airstream there may not be as much tongue weight transferred to the LC, depending on how balanced the Airstream is.

Dan's talking about a weight distribution hitch. If the Airstream has one, they do work. As Dan points out, our Owner's manual does state that Yota does not recommend the use of one. I did use one for awhile. They do work. I like the Airlift bags I have better for leveling my trailer.

You could probably get away with it for a weekend depending in the braking issue and your electrical connection.

 

[nakman]

Can't you also borrow the tow rig? Maybe that guy would like to drive an 80 for a weekend... that's what I'd do.

 

[timbercruiser]

I pull a camper all the time with my 97. I have brake controller and equalizer hitch, it does fine (but I would rather have a Sequoia!). You won't pass anyone.

Trailer brakes are necessary!

 

[Junk]

I pulled a 13k lb including trailer a little over a year ago, maybe 1-1/2 yrs ago. Was a rather intense ride. Would I do it again? Not fair, I didn't have much choice. If it was a choice, I would not.

Uh, 50 miles ain't but a thang dude. Suck it up and drive both ways (without the trailer). Don't be total 24/7 eh?

 

[sam1]

Going to try and swap with my neigbhor for his f250 for the weekend.

Thanks for the input!

 

[GXO]

Tow rig = good thing.

Trust me.

 

[92fj80]

i pulled a 6500pound camper to flordia and back 2 summers ago with my 92. had to pull over twice and let the trans cool down. probably wasnt the best idea i ever had.

 

[alaskacruiser]

92- did you get the "A/T temp" light?

 

[IdahoDoug]

92,

Sounds like you've got cooling issues rather than an issue with the '92. That's not above its capabilities.

DougM