by "shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
Published 01/28/2017 at 12:35
by "shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
Published 01/28/2017 at 12:35
Tags: NPoCP
STARS: 2
My wife and I have been wanting an Airstream for years, but it seemed as though prices had gotten out of reach. Beat down husks regularly go for thousands of dollars. Yesterday I stumbled on a listing out in the boonies for one that looks OK for $4000. Now, by OK I mean in definitely needs some work, but it looks well within my capabilities.
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Of course, that’s IF the rest of the thing looks like the pictures, and we all know how that goes. It’s not exactly around the corner, either. It’s a good 3-4 hours away, out towards Birddog’s neck of the woods actually.
Now the thing is, it pushes the boundaries of what my truck can tow. Airstream actually has a chart of all their trailer’s dry weights, and this one tops the scale at a touch over 4,800 pounds. Our last camper weighed a 1000 pounds less, and while my truck is rated to tow 5,700 pounds, frankly it was working pretty damn hard to move it along at highway speeds. What is unclear to me, is how much aerodynamics were a factor in that. That camper had the aerodynamics of a barn door, and Airstreams cut a much lower profile. So .... maybe I can pull it off? Either way, I think I could flip this for a tidy profit.
What say Oppo?
Be patient with Kinja folks, the link is there, you may have to wait a minute or two (aka, an internet eternity).
"wafflesnfalafel" (wafflesnfalafel1)
01/28/2017 at 12:41, STARS: 0
camper, like an in the bed camper?
"bhtooefr" (bhtooefr)
01/28/2017 at 12:43, STARS: 1
Note that a truck can be “working hard” to tow a trailer, but it’ll still be safe, and with correct use of the transmission, reliable.
Airstream clearly could be doing more to improve their aerodynamics, though, the back end streamlining isn’t right (should actually be more squared off, but sloping down into a teardrop shape) IMO. Improved aerodynamics will absolutely improve your towing performance at speed (more than reduced weight), though.
"E92M3" (E46M3)
01/28/2017 at 13:11, STARS: 1
Not bad for a 29'. Honestly I would just replace the flooring, update the appliances and upholstery. Enjoy it for a few years and move on.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
01/28/2017 at 13:28, STARS: 0
That’s the idea as long as it’s solid.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
01/28/2017 at 13:29, STARS: 0
No, we had a 21' hybrid camper trailer for a couple years.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
01/28/2017 at 13:31, STARS: 0
Yes, the truck was well within safe limits. I know this one would be safe as well, but it would really get right up to the limit.
"TheRealBicycleBuck" (therealbicyclebuck)
01/28/2017 at 13:49, STARS: 0
I’m sure you’ve seen plenty of graphs like the one below. The message is the same. Aerodynamic resistance increase as speed increases. You knew this.
The SHAPE of the object also plays a major role in the amount of resistance.
One of the big benefits of the Airstream is the more aerodynamic shape. If your old trailer was fairly square in front, the coefficient of drag was probably pretty high. The rounded front of an Airstream will lower that considerably, although as others have said, the back end could be improved to make it even more aerodynamic. More modern trailers accomplish this by providing less space (like a teardrop) or by mechanically transforming.
All that being said, a camper of a similar size will provide less drag at a given speed if the shape is more aerodynamic.
Your other option to make your truck work less is slowing down.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
01/28/2017 at 14:00, STARS: 0
I have not seen a graph like that actually, and that does help me visualize it. My old camper was shaped about as badly as possible aerodynamically. I while I could certainly slow down, if I can’t travel at highway speeds, I’m not interested :)
"TheRealBicycleBuck" (therealbicyclebuck)
01/28/2017 at 14:33, STARS: 0
I pulled a 6'x12' U-Haul trailer over 1,200 miles at freeway speeds with my wife’s Explorer. A local rental was cheaper than a one-way, so I hauled an empty trailer over 600 miles one way, loaded it, then hauled it back. Gross weight for this trailer is 1,920 lbs. I’d bet I didn’t put more than 1,000 lbs. into it.
I got about the same fuel mileage both ways. There was a significant headwind on the way back, so it’s hard to tell whether the slight decrease in mileage was due to the weight or the wind. I’m betting on the wind. The difference was about 2 mpg.
"nermal" (nermal)
01/28/2017 at 15:05, STARS: 0
What kinda truck do you have, and how far & often do you plan on towing the trailer?
The biggest factor in towing comfort for RVs and box trailers isn’t so much weight as it is size. Especially with longer trailers with a regular hitch, you’re gonna feel it at highway speeds, especially if it’s windy or you’re passing a tractor-trailer.
For something that size, going any measurable distance at highway speeds on a regular basis, a 3/4 ton diesel truck would be best. Yes, a smaller / gas truck or SUV will tow it, but it will be exhausting.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
01/28/2017 at 18:41, STARS: 0
My truck is an ‘06 Sierra crew cab, with a 4.8 and a 3.20:1 rear gear. That’s more or less what I was thinking. I do have an anti-sway hitch that I pulled off the last camper, but even so a day of towing on the highway sounds exhausting. I’m thinking more and more about buying it, going some nearby places for a year or two, and then flipping it. We’d ultimately like to take longer trips, but I know that will require a bigger truck.
"nermal" (nermal)
01/29/2017 at 09:53, STARS: 0
The sway hitch will help, and make sure you have good brakes on the truck & trailer obviously. Also, something to keep an eye on transmission temps to keep it from overheating.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
01/29/2017 at 16:22, STARS: 0
Thanks. It already sold, so I guess it’s not a problem now anyways :)