On Mon, 02 Jun 2008 23:52:30 -0400, JG2U wrote:

On Mon, 02 Jun 2008 20:16:09 -0400, John H.
wrote:



Then I made the second big mistake. To show my wife how nice trailers could
be, I took her to an Airstream dealer. I should have taken her to a pop up
place first!


Yep, they can be nice. The downside is that you have to have
something larger than your 4runner to tow a decent trailer with.

With a class A motor home, you have the grunt you need to move it down
the road, only when you need it. You can tow a small, gas efficient
vehicle behind that can otherwise be used for everyday transport.
While driving down the road, your wife can use the bathroom, dry her
hair, make you a sandwich and drink, and relax while you drive her to
the destination.

With a trailer, you have to drive, or park, a big tow vehicle on a
daily basis while you're not using the camper. Big cost and burden
even when not camping. Your 4runner is not going to cut it. The
smallest Airstream is sneaking up on your 4runner's max towing
capacity.

Serious "campers" do the motor-home deal. If you're going to do short
distances a couple of time a year, try the trailer. If you are
serious about camping, the motor-home is the answer. On the plus
side, RV's are selling for cheap right now. Have fun.

The Airstreams we're considering are in the 4500lbs or less category. The
4Runner has a 7000lb max capacity, so I'm in the safe zone for the 4Runner.
I would definitely stay below 5000 lbs.

A small cooler in the 4Runner would cover drinks and sandwiches on the road
(I don't eat lunch), and rest stops would suffice for bathrooms. We are not
serious 'campers' but want to see the country. She's not seen very much of
the USA.
--
John *H*

"John H." wrote in message
...


The Airstreams we're considering are in the 4500lbs or less category. The
4Runner has a 7000lb max capacity, so I'm in the safe zone for the
4Runner.
I would definitely stay below 5000 lbs.

A small cooler in the 4Runner would cover drinks and sandwiches on the
road
(I don't eat lunch), and rest stops would suffice for bathrooms. We are
not
serious 'campers' but want to see the country. She's not seen very much of
the USA.


John, at the risk of inviting a bunch of arguments on this subject, I'll
still offer my opinion, as one who has done a considerable amount of towing
of various trailer types, ranging from a 37' fifth wheel, several boats,
loaded horse trailers, motorcycle trailers, etc.

There's more to safely and comfortably towing than the rated capacity of the
tow vehicle. It's braking, wheelbase, weight and weight distribution makes
a huge difference on how well it well tow and if you will feel comfortable
or be white knuckled doing so.

Your 4 Runner is too small to tow 4500lbs at highway speeds over long
distances. You really want a full sized, full wheelbase rig, preferably of
the F-250, (Ford) or 2500 series (GM) that have heavier duty suspensions.
Your 4 Runner may be fine for occasional, short distance towing, but not for
traveling long distances for hours at a time.

Just my opinion, based on many miles of experience.

Eisboch

On Tue, 3 Jun 2008 06:32:58 -0400, "Eisboch" wrote:


"John H." wrote in message
.. .


The Airstreams we're considering are in the 4500lbs or less category. The
4Runner has a 7000lb max capacity, so I'm in the safe zone for the
4Runner.
I would definitely stay below 5000 lbs.

A small cooler in the 4Runner would cover drinks and sandwiches on the
road
(I don't eat lunch), and rest stops would suffice for bathrooms. We are
not
serious 'campers' but want to see the country. She's not seen very much of
the USA.


John, at the risk of inviting a bunch of arguments on this subject, I'll
still offer my opinion, as one who has done a considerable amount of towing
of various trailer types, ranging from a 37' fifth wheel, several boats,
loaded horse trailers, motorcycle trailers, etc.

There's more to safely and comfortably towing than the rated capacity of the
tow vehicle. It's braking, wheelbase, weight and weight distribution makes
a huge difference on how well it well tow and if you will feel comfortable
or be white knuckled doing so.

Your 4 Runner is too small to tow 4500lbs at highway speeds over long
distances. You really want a full sized, full wheelbase rig, preferably of
the F-250, (Ford) or 2500 series (GM) that have heavier duty suspensions.
Your 4 Runner may be fine for occasional, short distance towing, but not for
traveling long distances for hours at a time.

Just my opinion, based on many miles of experience.

Eisboch



Thanks for the input. I may have to drop down to the 3500 lb range. That
keeps me in the 17'-19' range, in the Airstream category. I think that's
probably doable.

I'm not into 'highway speeds' like I used to be. I'm comfortable doing 63
mph in the 65 zone. Actually, it's a much more relaxing way to go. I've
even slowed down on the motorcycle. At 65mph I get about 50 mph, but at 80
mph it will drop down to about 40 mpg.

Thanks for joining the discussion! If I were presented with a 'super' deal
on a certain style Class B, I could still be tempted! It's funny, neither
the Sprinter based Class B's nor the Airstreams seem to depreciate a whole
lot.

How's the new boat?
--
John *H*

"John H." wrote in message
...

On Tue, 3 Jun 2008 06:32:58 -0400, "Eisboch" wrote:



Your 4 Runner is too small to tow 4500lbs at highway speeds over long
distances. You really want a full sized, full wheelbase rig, preferably
of
the F-250, (Ford) or 2500 series (GM) that have heavier duty suspensions.
Your 4 Runner may be fine for occasional, short distance towing, but not
for
traveling long distances for hours at a time.

Just my opinion, based on many miles of experience.

Eisboch





Thanks for the input. I may have to drop down to the 3500 lb range. That
keeps me in the 17'-19' range, in the Airstream category. I think that's
probably doable.

I'm not into 'highway speeds' like I used to be. I'm comfortable doing 63
mph in the 65 zone. Actually, it's a much more relaxing way to go. I've
even slowed down on the motorcycle. At 65mph I get about 50 mph, but at 80
mph it will drop down to about 40 mpg.

Thanks for joining the discussion! If I were presented with a 'super' deal
on a certain style Class B, I could still be tempted! It's funny, neither
the Sprinter based Class B's nor the Airstreams seem to depreciate a whole
lot.

How's the new boat?


We've decided we really like the Sprinter and will keep it. I am using it
more often for local trips, just to exercise it.
It's an amazing little vehicle .... lots of "pep", comfortable, yet still
gets relatively decent fuel mileage. Plus, it easily tows the Haulmark
trailer loaded with a motorcycle and other "stuff".

One thing I like is it's range. My little Ford Ranger gets 16-17 mpg
overall but because of the small tank it seems like I have to get gas every
week or less. The Sprinter gets 18-21 mpg, but because of the much larger
fuel tank I can drive it around for a month (locally) without having to
constantly stop to refuel.

The boat is still at the seller's marina on the NH/MA line. They are
supposed to be doing a couple of minor maintenance issues and replacing some
exhaust hoses, but they are at the peak of their "busy" season and it's
taking longer than expected to complete.
It should be ready this week for me to make the trip to Cape Cod.
Hopefully.

Eisboch

On Tue, 3 Jun 2008 07:03:17 -0400, "Eisboch" wrote:


"John H." wrote in message
.. .

On Tue, 3 Jun 2008 06:32:58 -0400, "Eisboch" wrote:



Your 4 Runner is too small to tow 4500lbs at highway speeds over long
distances. You really want a full sized, full wheelbase rig, preferably
of
the F-250, (Ford) or 2500 series (GM) that have heavier duty suspensions.
Your 4 Runner may be fine for occasional, short distance towing, but not
for
traveling long distances for hours at a time.

Just my opinion, based on many miles of experience.

Eisboch





Thanks for the input. I may have to drop down to the 3500 lb range. That
keeps me in the 17'-19' range, in the Airstream category. I think that's
probably doable.

I'm not into 'highway speeds' like I used to be. I'm comfortable doing 63
mph in the 65 zone. Actually, it's a much more relaxing way to go. I've
even slowed down on the motorcycle. At 65mph I get about 50 mph, but at 80
mph it will drop down to about 40 mpg.

Thanks for joining the discussion! If I were presented with a 'super' deal
on a certain style Class B, I could still be tempted! It's funny, neither
the Sprinter based Class B's nor the Airstreams seem to depreciate a whole
lot.

How's the new boat?


We've decided we really like the Sprinter and will keep it. I am using it
more often for local trips, just to exercise it.
It's an amazing little vehicle .... lots of "pep", comfortable, yet still
gets relatively decent fuel mileage. Plus, it easily tows the Haulmark
trailer loaded with a motorcycle and other "stuff".

One thing I like is it's range. My little Ford Ranger gets 16-17 mpg
overall but because of the small tank it seems like I have to get gas every
week or less. The Sprinter gets 18-21 mpg, but because of the much larger
fuel tank I can drive it around for a month (locally) without having to
constantly stop to refuel.

The boat is still at the seller's marina on the NH/MA line. They are
supposed to be doing a couple of minor maintenance issues and replacing some
exhaust hoses, but they are at the peak of their "busy" season and it's
taking longer than expected to complete.
It should be ready this week for me to make the trip to Cape Cod.
Hopefully.

Eisboch


You know, I may relook the Sprinter thing, and just get rid of one of our
other vehicles. You've had good luck towing the trailer. I wonder how the
thing would do towing a 3000lb boat/trailer and launching same. If I could
do that, I could get rid of the 4Runner. If not, then the Highlander would
have to go.

Decisions, decisions. Another advantage to a Class B is that I could park
it in front of the house. I can't park a trailer there for long or the
neighbors will complain. I don't like the idea of storing it in a lot where
it's subject to break-ins.

Hope the boat gets ready for pickup. Also hope to see lots of pictures!
--
John *H*

"John H." wrote in message
...



You know, I may relook the Sprinter thing, and just get rid of one of our
other vehicles. You've had good luck towing the trailer. I wonder how the
thing would do towing a 3000lb boat/trailer and launching same. If I could
do that, I could get rid of the 4Runner. If not, then the Highlander would
have to go.

Decisions, decisions. Another advantage to a Class B is that I could park
it in front of the house. I can't park a trailer there for long or the
neighbors will complain. I don't like the idea of storing it in a lot
where
it's subject to break-ins.

Hope the boat gets ready for pickup. Also hope to see lots of pictures!


It would easily tow it. Launching/retrieving might be interesting and
dependent on the design and condition of the launch ramp, but I don't see
why it would be a problem. The Sprinter is basically a European Van ....
similar in purpose to Ford's E-250 Econoline Van or GM's 2500 Van offerings.
It replaced the Dodge 1500, 2500 and 3500 series of vans.

I mentioned this before, but just to repeat, the newer Class "C" Sprinters
with the heavier (14,500 lb) GVW are rated to tow 3500 lbs. Ironically, the
one we have, with the single rear wheels and 8500 lb GVW is rated to tow
5000 lbs. The most I've towed is probably about 3000 lbs ( Haulmark
trailer loaded with motorcycle, and "stuff") and it handles it effortlessly.
I've done the same using the little Ranger (which is the heavy duty "Level
II" model) and there is no comparison. The Ranger is rated to tow up to
6000 lbs with a weight distribution hitch or 3500 lbs regular, but I'd never
try it. Something to keep in mind.

Eisboch

John H. wrote:
On Mon, 02 Jun 2008 23:52:30 -0400, JG2U wrote:

On Mon, 02 Jun 2008 20:16:09 -0400, John H.
wrote:


Then I made the second big mistake. To show my wife how nice trailers could
be, I took her to an Airstream dealer. I should have taken her to a pop up
place first!

Yep, they can be nice. The downside is that you have to have
something larger than your 4runner to tow a decent trailer with.

With a class A motor home, you have the grunt you need to move it down
the road, only when you need it. You can tow a small, gas efficient
vehicle behind that can otherwise be used for everyday transport.
While driving down the road, your wife can use the bathroom, dry her
hair, make you a sandwich and drink, and relax while you drive her to
the destination.

With a trailer, you have to drive, or park, a big tow vehicle on a
daily basis while you're not using the camper. Big cost and burden
even when not camping. Your 4runner is not going to cut it. The
smallest Airstream is sneaking up on your 4runner's max towing
capacity.

Serious "campers" do the motor-home deal. If you're going to do short
distances a couple of time a year, try the trailer. If you are
serious about camping, the motor-home is the answer. On the plus
side, RV's are selling for cheap right now. Have fun.

The Airstreams we're considering are in the 4500lbs or less category. The
4Runner has a 7000lb max capacity, so I'm in the safe zone for the 4Runner.
I would definitely stay below 5000 lbs.

A small cooler in the 4Runner would cover drinks and sandwiches on the road
(I don't eat lunch), and rest stops would suffice for bathrooms. We are not
serious 'campers' but want to see the country. She's not seen very much of
the USA.


off topic crap

"John H." wrote in message
...
On Mon, 02 Jun 2008 23:52:30 -0400, JG2U wrote:

On Mon, 02 Jun 2008 20:16:09 -0400, John H.
wrote:



Then I made the second big mistake. To show my wife how nice trailers
could
be, I took her to an Airstream dealer. I should have taken her to a pop
up
place first!


Yep, they can be nice. The downside is that you have to have
something larger than your 4runner to tow a decent trailer with.

With a class A motor home, you have the grunt you need to move it down
the road, only when you need it. You can tow a small, gas efficient
vehicle behind that can otherwise be used for everyday transport.
While driving down the road, your wife can use the bathroom, dry her
hair, make you a sandwich and drink, and relax while you drive her to
the destination.

With a trailer, you have to drive, or park, a big tow vehicle on a
daily basis while you're not using the camper. Big cost and burden
even when not camping. Your 4runner is not going to cut it. The
smallest Airstream is sneaking up on your 4runner's max towing
capacity.

Serious "campers" do the motor-home deal. If you're going to do short
distances a couple of time a year, try the trailer. If you are
serious about camping, the motor-home is the answer. On the plus
side, RV's are selling for cheap right now. Have fun.

The Airstreams we're considering are in the 4500lbs or less category. The
4Runner has a 7000lb max capacity, so I'm in the safe zone for the
4Runner.
I would definitely stay below 5000 lbs.

A small cooler in the 4Runner would cover drinks and sandwiches on the
road
(I don't eat lunch), and rest stops would suffice for bathrooms. We are
not
serious 'campers' but want to see the country. She's not seen very much of
the USA.
--
John *H*

4500# is too much for the 4 runner. I towed my 4500# boat and trailer with
a 96 S-10 Blazer. About the same size rig. Broke a differential, bearing
failure, and going over the Sierras to Tahoe, was at about 45 mph, and the
braking could add to grey hairs.

On Tue, 3 Jun 2008 10:18:41 -0700, "Calif Bill"
wrote:


"John H." wrote in message
.. .
On Mon, 02 Jun 2008 23:52:30 -0400, JG2U wrote:

On Mon, 02 Jun 2008 20:16:09 -0400, John H.
wrote:



Then I made the second big mistake. To show my wife how nice trailers
could
be, I took her to an Airstream dealer. I should have taken her to a pop
up
place first!


Yep, they can be nice. The downside is that you have to have
something larger than your 4runner to tow a decent trailer with.

With a class A motor home, you have the grunt you need to move it down
the road, only when you need it. You can tow a small, gas efficient
vehicle behind that can otherwise be used for everyday transport.
While driving down the road, your wife can use the bathroom, dry her
hair, make you a sandwich and drink, and relax while you drive her to
the destination.

With a trailer, you have to drive, or park, a big tow vehicle on a
daily basis while you're not using the camper. Big cost and burden
even when not camping. Your 4runner is not going to cut it. The
smallest Airstream is sneaking up on your 4runner's max towing
capacity.

Serious "campers" do the motor-home deal. If you're going to do short
distances a couple of time a year, try the trailer. If you are
serious about camping, the motor-home is the answer. On the plus
side, RV's are selling for cheap right now. Have fun.

The Airstreams we're considering are in the 4500lbs or less category. The
4Runner has a 7000lb max capacity, so I'm in the safe zone for the
4Runner.
I would definitely stay below 5000 lbs.

A small cooler in the 4Runner would cover drinks and sandwiches on the
road
(I don't eat lunch), and rest stops would suffice for bathrooms. We are
not
serious 'campers' but want to see the country. She's not seen very much of
the USA.
--
John *H*

4500# is too much for the 4 runner. I towed my 4500# boat and trailer with
a 96 S-10 Blazer. About the same size rig. Broke a differential, bearing
failure, and going over the Sierras to Tahoe, was at about 45 mph, and the
braking could add to grey hairs.


Depending on the year, engine, etc. there is quite a difference between the
towing capacities of the S-10 Sonoma and the V-8 4Runner.

http://tinyurl.com/3mlkgz

Luckily, with a travel trailer, at least Airstream, I'd have electric
brakes which wouldn't have been immersed twice a week or more.
--
John *H*

John H. wrote:
On Tue, 3 Jun 2008 10:18:41 -0700, "Calif Bill"
wrote:

"John H." wrote in message
...
On Mon, 02 Jun 2008 23:52:30 -0400, JG2U wrote:

On Mon, 02 Jun 2008 20:16:09 -0400, John H.
wrote:


Then I made the second big mistake. To show my wife how nice trailers
could
be, I took her to an Airstream dealer. I should have taken her to a pop
up
place first!

Yep, they can be nice. The downside is that you have to have
something larger than your 4runner to tow a decent trailer with.

With a class A motor home, you have the grunt you need to move it down
the road, only when you need it. You can tow a small, gas efficient
vehicle behind that can otherwise be used for everyday transport.
While driving down the road, your wife can use the bathroom, dry her
hair, make you a sandwich and drink, and relax while you drive her to
the destination.

With a trailer, you have to drive, or park, a big tow vehicle on a
daily basis while you're not using the camper. Big cost and burden
even when not camping. Your 4runner is not going to cut it. The
smallest Airstream is sneaking up on your 4runner's max towing
capacity.

Serious "campers" do the motor-home deal. If you're going to do short
distances a couple of time a year, try the trailer. If you are
serious about camping, the motor-home is the answer. On the plus
side, RV's are selling for cheap right now. Have fun.
The Airstreams we're considering are in the 4500lbs or less category. The
4Runner has a 7000lb max capacity, so I'm in the safe zone for the
4Runner.
I would definitely stay below 5000 lbs.

A small cooler in the 4Runner would cover drinks and sandwiches on the
road
(I don't eat lunch), and rest stops would suffice for bathrooms. We are
not
serious 'campers' but want to see the country. She's not seen very much of
the USA.
--
John *H*
4500# is too much for the 4 runner. I towed my 4500# boat and trailer with
a 96 S-10 Blazer. About the same size rig. Broke a differential, bearing
failure, and going over the Sierras to Tahoe, was at about 45 mph, and the
braking could add to grey hairs.


Depending on the year, engine, etc. there is quite a difference between the
towing capacities of the S-10 Sonoma and the V-8 4Runner.

http://tinyurl.com/3mlkgz

Luckily, with a travel trailer, at least Airstream, I'd have electric
brakes which wouldn't have been immersed twice a week or more.


So...why don't you get the hell on the road already...or move...or
something.