Towing a 5300 lbs Airstream

[LimaMike55]

We have found a great deal on a very nice used Airstream. Does anyone see any problem towing an Airstream at 5200 lbs and probably another 400 lbs in additional weight with a Ridgeline?

Thanks in advance.

[kanji]

max limit is 5000lbs....you may strain your RL and other components, the hitch on the RL is only class 3 right..max is 5000lbs, but if you need to tow something heavier than 5000lbs..you may need to use another vehicle.

[qlake]

I would not be concerned at all about the weight, I have pulled a much heavier trailer than that without any problems. Make sure the trailer has good functioning brakes and be prepared to spend a fortune on fuel.

[wrenrj1]

Like Kanji said, #5,000 is you maximum tow weight. Also consider tongue weight, weight on your rear end and any additional people, gear etc. in the RL. You could be seriously over GVWR between truck and trailer. You could put yourself in others in a dangerous situation, and put yourself in the position of liability in the event you lose control.

[ROTORRAY]

So I guess the good deal on the Airstream isn't such a good deal if you have to buy a larger truck to tow it. It's a great trailer, in my book, and it might be worth the additional investment in a more capable towing vehicle if that is your lifestyle. Good luck, and let us know what you end up doing. You could always purchase the AS and park it on the side of the house, using it as an extra "apartment" until you replace the RL, then you are ready to go. Just another option.

[bluvalley]

Here is a pic of the Airstream I tow. It's a 22ft with a UBW of 4000 lbs, it tows beautifully but I think 5300 might be too much, check the numbers closely, the GCWR especially.

Best of luck,

James

[Ahab]

Here is a pic of the Airstream I tow. It's a 22ft with a UBW of 4000 lbs, it tows beautifully but I think 5300 might be too much, check the numbers closely, the GCWR especially.

Best of luck,

James

I'm sure it tows great, but I'll bet your over 5000# wet. Our 22' Safari Sport has UBW of 3600# but weighs over 4000# when ready to go. Add a Honda genset, passengers, dogs, extra beer and we're maxxed out. Weigh yours and see for yourself.;)

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=28375&stc=1&d=1203607586

[arteegee]

I would not be concerned at all about the weight, I have pulled a much heavier trailer than that without any problems. Make sure the trailer has good functioning brakes and be prepared to spend a fortune on fuel.

Nothing compared to the $ in liability when something happens. :eek: Please don't endanger others with irresponsibility.

[LimaMike55]

Thanks for the responses. We just checked with Airstream and this model actually weighs 4900 lbs dry. Really wish Honda had added a little more towing capacity to the Ridgeline.

[kanji]

Thanks for the responses. We just checked with Airstream and this model actually weighs 4900 lbs dry. Really wish Honda had added a little more towing capacity to the Ridgeline.

That's cutting it close to tow...adding provisions and drinkable water supply you've maxed out before you can put other stuff in your RL.

I too was looking into getting an airstream..since i camp alot and gotten tired of the noisy neighbors :mad: with their million $$$ motorhomes who keeps all electronics on at night and bothers people who likes to tent camp. :o

I was looking into either the Airstream Basecamp or 17' Safari Sport, but leaning more torwards the Airstream Basecamp.

[SoCalmikey]

That's cutting it close to tow...adding provisions and drinkable water supply you've maxed out before you can put other stuff in your RL.

I too was looking into getting an airstream..since i camp alot and gotten tired of the noisy neighbors :mad: with their million $$$ motorhomes who keeps all electronics on at night and bothers people who likes to tent camp. :o

I was looking into either the Airstream Basecamp or 17' Safari Sport, but leaning more torwards the Airstream Basecamp.

i know how you feel about the noisy neighbors with there million $$$ motorhomes...one solution i do now, i try to find a camp site on foot a few hundred yards away, if possible! i still enjoy the old style camping! but this summer i'm going to hike a few miles to set up camp, which means, i gotta leave the ridgeline a few miles away from the camping grounds! :confused: oh, btw...go with the airstream basecamp! i hear they are better then most other trailers!

[Dr. Decent]

That's cutting it close to tow...adding provisions and drinkable water supply you've maxed out before you can put other stuff in your RL.

I too was looking into getting an airstream..since i camp alot and gotten tired of the noisy neighbors :mad: with their million $$$ motorhomes who keeps all electronics on at night and bothers people who likes to tent camp. :o

I was looking into either the Airstream Basecamp or 17' Safari Sport, but leaning more torwards the Airstream Basecamp.

I visited the Airstream factory last Summer (great experience).
I do not recommend the basecamp. If you are taller than 5' 10" you will not be able to stand up straight and have NO headroom (and, it was designed by Nissan, not Airstream, looks like a horse trailer if you ask me). I highly recommend their 16' Bambi that weighs around 3200lbs dry or an older one under 20'. I am currently restoring an 18' 'Traveler'. btw 18' is tip to tail, interior length is 15'. It weighed 2560lbs dry BEFORE I replaced the vintage cast iron drain pipes, so I think I lost about 60 lbs just by replacing those with ABS. If you can find a pre '65 Airstream under 20', they were actually lighter and used higher quality aluminum, granted you will be doing some restoration, but well worth the time...
Also check out egg campers...

[ToyTruck]

Originally Posted by LimaMike55
Thanks for the responses. We just checked with Airstream and this model actually weighs 4900 lbs dry. Really wish Honda had added a little more towing capacity to the Ridgeline.

Mike--There are plenty of lighter units out there. Yeah, they won't look as cool as the AirStream but I'm sure you can find something you like. You also might want to look at hard sided pop ups like Hi-Lo, Tow Lite and TrailManor, which will save you a LOT on gas consumption, and are very easy to tow believe me. I now average 14.5 to 15 mpg towing my 2900 pound 17' Hi-Lo. It's around 3300 pounds loaded up.

Switching from an 18' long, 8' wide and 8' high box made a big difference in the gas department. Was driving 02 Ram at time of switch. Went from 8-9 mpg to 11-13 mpg with the Hi-Lo.

Were you not planning on towing when you bought your Ridge?

[livefaith]

The RL will handle the weight including your gear (normal). Have towed similar amounts for tens of thousands of miles in the southeast. RL handles it well.

Brakes are of course mandatory. The RL will not jump outta the hole like a rabbit. More like a turtle. Expect to drink enough fuel to kill dozens of polar bears. ;) I would expect 9-10mpg at highway speeds, better at lower speeds, even in mountainous driving.

RL structurally solild as a rock at these weights as long as tongue weight is managed well. Good luck.

[tigertom1965]

Just a quick question. Can't you actually tow 6000 lbs by using a weight distributing hitch? And I imagine if the trailer has its own brakes.