Towing Airstream (AS) 25 fbq

Hi all.
I am new to Tundras.com. I read comments regarding towing an AS 25 fbq. I purchased a 2021 AS 25fbq in May. I currently have a 2017 Land Cruiser (LC) and assumed that it would tow the AS. When I picked up the AS, I was told that the AS exceeded the Tonge weight by about 40 lbs. Also, the rear sagged a bit. I have been looking at purchasing a Tundra to do the towing but I have fears that I will get the same result of the LS. I love Toyotas and want to stay with that brand. Is there a setup for the Tundra that will work and not harm the Tundra or the AS?

 

You will likely get similar results with the 2021 or older Tundra (not sure about 2022+ yet). That trailer has a tongue weight of around 900 lbs with batteries and propane which is heavy for any half ton truck.

Tundras have some good options to eliminate squat (like airbags) but payload is about the same as the LC at around 1300 lbs or so. So 900 lbs on the end, even with a good WDH, is going to eat the majority of your payload before people go into the truck.

 

I am renting a tow vehicle from Enterprise (Ford F-250). Don't want to change brands but if that is the only option, I may have to purchase a Ford.

 

Wait a bit before you make any big decisions. We might get pleasantly surprised by the payload of the new Tundra. At least everyone is hoping we will be!

 

It will work, our AS28 has approx the same tongue weight. (850lbs measured, due to the 2nd AC in the back causing the unit to level out a bit.) But if you're in doubt, go ahead and test drive a USA-brand HD truck, no one will fault you for getting a 3/4ton instead. The Tundra is certainly a compromise.

Note: you should use a weight distributing hitch, this will eliminate any 'squat' and provide a more controlled towing experience

In fact we're going from Austin to Corpus Christi today, expecting a smooth ride the whole way.

My mods:
https://www.tundras.com/threads/my-tundra-mods-for-stable-towing.84197/

My trailer:

 

Got back from another 500-mile trip! Weather included some stiff winds from tropical storm "Elsa", we tried to go fishing but the boats all turned back. Forecast had said 3-5ft waves, turned out to be 8-10ft waves with some reaching 15ft.

Anyway it was breezy on the way back. I was able to drive the speed limit without issues. Encountered an F250 'Tremor' towing a no-name travel trailer and it was whipping all over the place, but he wasn't running a WDH. A Tundra with a correctly installed WDH and properly weighted trailer will tow better than an HD truck with an imbalanced trailer. The truck itself is not the problem.

And also saw a Tundra pushed beyond its limits! Massive trailer, and massive sag even though he ran a WDH. Trailer even had a fresh 'Sold' sign on it!
(pic from gas station stop)

 

Yikes! Hope no one got too close to him on the highway in the wind.

 

Get a one ton and be done. You have not even loaded up the camper and vehicle for a trip yet. Will be too much for a half ton IMO.

 

You can probably do it, but will almost surely be at or a little over the limit. I would get a 3/4 ton.

 

Hi All,
I finally broke down and purchased a 2021 Tundra SR5 to tow my AS 25 FBQ. I was reassured by a towing specialist at Toyota that the Tundra would handle the AS with no problem. My scheduled vacation will be on the 18th thru the 23 at the Resort at Masseys Landing in Delaware. Fingers crossed that all will work out.

 

I think the 25 is borderline for tundra. I’ve looked at the Bambi and caravel line to try to stay within weight ranges. That 25 is nicer for sure.

but in the end I’ll probably just buy a cheap trailer that costs 1/4 the airstream and just replace it every 6 or 7 years

 

Don't over think this, I have a 1977 23 foot Airstream Safari. Started towing it with a 1976 Jeep Cherokee, the Chief model without the decals, 360 cubic inch engine and 4 speed, Towed it over 48,000 miles that year all over the US. No issues, Jeep weighted in at 6400 pounds, trailer at 6340 wet. Traded up to a 1985 Chevy Suburban, 6.2 liter diesel, then 1989 Ford F350 crewcab diesel long bed automatic, then to a 2006 Dodge 3/4 ton Cummins 6 speed manual, and now a 2018 Tundra Crew Max TRD. All have handled the Airstream just fine, its been over 100,000 miles behind these trucks. Airstreams don't tow like the box trailers, less drag and less impact of outside air flow. You will enjoy the investment.

 

So the dealer? Or from the factory? Either one wants to sell you a truck. But If it was a "towing specialist" at the dealer, that's funny.

Well good luck, hope it works out for you and hope you have a safe and fun trip!

 

Towing specialist lol

I remember asking how much torque you would need to move 10,000 lbs and a salesperson told me about 350 lbs. Sometimes saying I don’t know or I’ll find out is better than talking out of your ass.

 

Congrats! Get a WDH and just try to pack most of your stuff in the trailer rather than the truck bed. Airstreams tow very well.

 

OP's trailer weighs 5500lb dry and has 837lb tongue weight in factory configuration - that's about 16% so very close to ideal.
https://www.airstream.com/travel-trailers/flying-cloud/specifications/?floorplans=25fb

Use the Excel sheet from Post 8 of this thread for your specific truck and load:
https://www.tundras.com/threads/tow-ratings-guide-how-to-be-safe.39211/

I highly recommend the rear sway bar, it greatly improves Tundra handling. And of course a good WDH. Other mods are optional. If sticking with the factory tires, pump them up before towing.

 

Agree, if set up properly with WDH, Rear Sway bar, the Tundra will handle the weight of this trailer just fine.

 

I am in the same boat I have been trying to find out if my 2021 Platinum 4x4 can tow a 25fb Flying Cloud