Help Towing a 23' Airstream Travel Trailer

[LolaT]

I tried to revive an old thread with this issue but nothing much happened, so I'll just start fresh.

We have a 2006 LR3 SE V8.
We are buying a 2014 Airstream 23D
Hitch weight: 720
Base weight: 4,761
GVWR: 6,000

We are trying to figure out the best hitch system for this combination. Yes, I have read the advise against the a weight distribution hitch. However, the hitch weight is rather high on this trailer despite the 23' length. So still unsure about this. We would like some kind of anti-sway bars.

We will be driving about six hours to pick it up in a couple of weeks and it will be our first experience towing, much less in the LR3, so we would like to have the optimum setup.

I'd love to hear from anyone with personal experience towing something similar to this. Thank you in advance.

 

[johnsoax]

I would just use the factory tow hitch, and get a friction brake anti-sway unit if you need it.

And a brake controller.

 

[jwest]

ABSOLUTELY brake controller. Hopefully you knew this though. I use the Prodigy p3. It's nice. I hauled not an Airstream but heavier 6x12 tandem 3000 miles two summers ago. You'll feel the 23D even though it'll be 1500 lbs lighter and less TW but it's longer with nice push on the hitch.

I plan to try the ProPride http://www.propridehitch.com/products/ProPride-3P-Trailer-Sway-Control-Hitch-.html It's awesome. Just do it. Don't be a cheapskate. I've talked with them and it sounds like it will work well with the lr air suspension. Talk with them, the rating to choose is based on trailer. Call soon, there's often backlog to get one.

Also have talked with the Ontario group Can-Am.

Go on the Airforum, hardly anyone on here knows a darn thing about towing as these vehicles are mostly used to "overland" play without anything bigger like an Airstream. Just be ready for a few AS folks to say "buy a truck".

 

[johnsoax]

I did a 3000 mile road trip for spring break with my family of 6 pulling a 20' popup. It only weighs 1800 pounds or so.

I've been towing longer than I have been able to drive legally... I learned mostly with a 2500 Suburban and a Dodge 3500 Diesel, but have used everything from a Chrysler Pacifica, Pontiac Vibe GT and now my two Rovers.. I've never used a hitch that has cost that much before. But if that is what makes it comfortable for you, go for it...

 

[jwest]

Better design is simply better design. Just because you are fine with what you've done doesn't mean it cannot be improved upon. Also, pushing the limits is where something like I posted comes into being more useful.

 

[johnsoax]

Also, pushing the limits is where something like I posted comes into being more useful.

Ahh, when it comes to towing, I NEVER push the limits...... If you want to tow more, buy a truck built for it.

 

[jwest]

Ahh, when it comes to towing, I NEVER push the limits...... If you want to tow more, buy a truck built for it.

For christ's sake, if you have experience, be useful and share ideas not just one off "buy a new truck" replies!

They HAVE an LR3, they bought a trailer they will "feel" and could use some input. The overall weight is not so bad but the tongue weight on Airstreams is usually stupid for how it could be balanced better (they are for the European market, same trailer, axles moved, ****** me off)

Give that WD hitch I likned a good read. It's the ticket I think for our LR3 which is not a very long wheelbase and out long rear overhang also tends to get pushed around a little.

 

[johnsoax]

Sigh.... You seem to have a reading comprehension problem.

If you want to tow right at the LR3 towing limits, go for it. I will tell you that you are trying to tow too much with it.....

The LR3 is a fantastic towing machine inside it's capabilities. But if you are trying to tow something at 6800 pounds with a 1000 pound tongue weight, just changing your hitch isn't going to help you much....

From what the OP posted, I would use the factory hitch, with a brake controller (the one you recommended is a fantastic model), and a drop bar that put the height where it needs to be. It is well within the capabilities of the LR3 as is....

 

[jwest]

Nobody said 1000 lb TW or 6800 lb trailer....exaggerations like that aren't useful.


There you go, no need to "sigh". Was it that hard to be simply helpful ? Didn't it feel better

I do think a WD solution could help with their TW though.

 

[jwest]

Sigh.... You seem to have a reading comprehension problem.

No, I clearly comprehended your tendency for being an asshole.