Choosing a new airstream

[ruleonard]

We are planning to move from our 17' casita to an airstream tradewind. The big debate is the 23 or the 25. While we will likely tow with a GMC, I didn't want to eliminate my R1T Gen2 dual by getting sometime too big.
Input? Thanks

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[evlavista]

Not sure if you've heard of the YouTube rs "the all electric family"
They don't post anymore but have a lot of videos in which they tow a longer Airstream with rivians.
Good channel.
Good luck, I'm anxious to see what you decide.

 

[DBL-R]

I have a keen interest in this thread, I contemplate moving from the R1S to a Sierra 1500 for the towing capability. We are only looking at a 20’ , but it is my understanding in that we would lose 30% of our range, which would really impact cross country traveling.

 

[TSK]

We pull a 2017 27FB Airstream Flying Cloud for most of our shorter trips. We still use our Ford F150 for longer trips (500+ plus miles) Our 2023 Rivian R1T, Dual/Performance., Max pulls better that anything that I have ever driven. The range when towing for us runs 170-230 miles. That is comparable to most trucks with 20 gallon gas tanks. Recharging when needed still is challenging!

 

[rhumbliner]

We tow our 27 FB Flying Cloud with our 2023 DM Max R1T. We’ve been up and down the west coast from Vancouver Island to Southern California and I love how it handles. As folks in other threads have mentioned, I occasionally check my rear view mirror to see if the AS is still there.

The only limitation is range but with Tesla’s SuperCharger network now available we don’t suffer from range anxiety. We tend to charge every 120-140 miles which coincides with our need for a bathroom/snack break. Our old tow vehicle was a RAM 1500 eco-diesel and I won’t ever go back to an ICE.

 

[DBL-R]

We tow our 27 FB Flying Cloud with our 2023 DM Max R1T. We’ve been up and down the west coast from Vancouver Island to Southern California and I love how it handles. As folks in other threads have mentioned, I occasionally check my rear view mirror to see if the AS is still there.

The only limitation is range but with Tesla’s SuperCharger network now available we don’t suffer from range anxiety. We tend to charge every 120-140 miles which coincides with our need for a bathroom/snack break. Our old tow vehicle was a RAM 1500 eco-diesel and I won’t ever go back to an ICE.

Just curious what you like better about the Rivian vs the Ram? I ask because I have been thinking about switching from my R1S quad to a GMC Sierra Denali 1500 3.0l Duramax.

 

[flybone89]

I have a 2024 Airstream 23FB international that I tow with a Rivian R1T with max pack. We moved up from a T@b 320S.

We picked the 23FB for 2 reasons: towing size and floor plan. For towing size, I didn’t want to go any longer for 2 reasons: width and tongue weight. The 23FB tongue weight is only 500lbs and I feel better on narrow roads with the 8ft width. The size is perfect for me! Big enough to have a good size trailer but easy to tow and park in small sites. Personally I wouldn’t go any bigger but I still get nervous on country roads with mailboxes sticking out .

For floor plan, we preferred the single large bathroom in the 23FB vs the split bathroom that is too cramped on the 25. However I admit the lounge area with windows is better on the 25. We had a custom cushion and smaller table made for the 23FB that improved the dinette considerably - more room around the table and it converts to a nice seating lounge. We also got the twin beds which makes for more room and storage in the 23FB.

For us the 23FB was the Goldilocks size - just right. If I were to go bigger I would jump to a 28’ Classic and would have to get a bigger truck.

Kevin

 

[flybone89]

Sorry tried to load a photo of Matar and Ariel at our last outing but didn’t seem to load on previous post. Trying again…

Also forgot to mention range, charging, towability etc. Range is just fine for us 150-200 miles comfortably which is the same frequency for us whether we have ICE or EV. Plenty of places to stop, though pull through is limited. But then I can find spots with room to maneuver. So after one year have not unhitched yet. Towability? Well I never fear the merge or hills! It’s not even there. So for me 23FB is the perfect size - not too big at all.

 

[rhumbliner]

Just curious what you like better about the Rivian vs the Ram? I ask because I have been thinking about switching from my R1S quad to a GMC Sierra Denali 1500 3.0l Duramax.

1) Stability. When the RAM encountered strong crosswinds or met a semi the trailer sway was enough that I was forced to slow down considerably — even tho I was always careful to observe the 60/40 rule loading the trailer. I believe this was largely due to the fact the R1T is heavier than the RAM. As others have said, I instinctively check my rear view mirror just to be sure the trailer is still there.

2) Acceleration. Merging onto the freeway with the R1T (or any EV really) the torque is instantaneous so accelerating up to speed is never an issue. And passing a vehicle on a 2-lane road was almost impossible with the RAM but never an issue with the R1T.

3)Quiet. The R1T is soooo quiet — even when driving uphill. We routinely travel mountainous areas and uphill stretches were difficult for the RAM (keep in mind I had the small, eco-diesel) and the engine roar was enough to make conversation difficult. The R1T is whisper quiet traveling uphill. I should also add that with the RAM the slow lane was mandatory. Now I routinely pass other RV’s traveling in the slow lane.

4) One-Pedal Driving. With a trailer one-pedal driving is really nice. Especially on downhill stretches where I no longer need to constantly tap the brake to stay under control.

Of course the standard knock against EV towing is the lack of range but my wife & I find we can travel for about 2 hours before needing to charge which is about how long we can travel without a bathroom/snack break.

Hope this helps.

 

[ruleonard]

We've decided on the tradewind 23. I really appreciate all the input here, it really informed our decision. One thing that also was key was the ability to maneuver into more campsites, especially in national parks. We are going to check it out and put down a deposit this weekend.

 

[Marchin_MTB]

Sorry tried to load a photo of Matar and Ariel at our last outing but didn’t seem to load on previous post. Trying again…

Also forgot to mention range, charging, towability etc. Range is just fine for us 150-200 miles comfortably which is the same frequency for us whether we have ICE or EV. Plenty of places to stop, though pull through is limited. But then I can find spots with room to maneuver. So after one year have not unhitched yet. Towability? Well I never fear the merge or hills! It’s not even there. So for me 23FB is the perfect size - not too big at all.

This is so helpful. My wife and I are researching 23s and 25s and I have been encouraging her towards the 23 due to the size and tongue weight. Do you feel like you can skip the WDH in your current setup?

 

[DBL-R]

1) Stability. When the RAM encountered strong crosswinds or met a semi the trailer sway was enough that I was forced to slow down considerably — even tho I was always careful to observe the 60/40 rule loading the trailer. I believe this was largely due to the fact the R1T is heavier than the RAM. As others have said, I instinctively check my rear view mirror just to be sure the trailer is still there.

2) Acceleration. Merging onto the freeway with the R1T (or any EV really) the torque is instantaneous so accelerating up to speed is never an issue. And passing a vehicle on a 2-lane road was almost impossible with the RAM but never an issue with the R1T.

3)Quiet. The R1T is soooo quiet — even when driving uphill. We routinely travel mountainous areas and uphill stretches were difficult for the RAM (keep in mind I had the small, eco-diesel) and the engine roar was enough to make conversation difficult. The R1T is whisper quiet traveling uphill. I should also add that with the RAM the slow lane was mandatory. Now I routinely pass other RV’s traveling in the slow lane.

4) One-Pedal Driving. With a trailer one-pedal driving is really nice. Especially on downhill stretches where I no longer need to constantly tap the brake to stay under control.

Of course the standard knock against EV towing is the lack of range but my wife & I find we can travel for about 2 hours before needing to charge which is about how long we can travel without a bathroom/snack break.

Hope this helps.

Thank you, this is very helpful

 

[flybone89]

We've decided on the tradewind 23. I really appreciate all the input here, it really informed our decision. One thing that also was key was the ability to maneuver into more campsites, especially in national parks. We are going to check it out and put down a deposit this weekend.

I'm jealous . I would love the bigger inverter and power to run AC when boon docking. We have the solar package with lithium that helps at least with the rest of our power needs. You will love your Airstream! Hope to see you down the road at an Airstream rally someday...

This is so helpful. My wife and I are researching 23s and 25s and I have been encouraging her towards the 23 due to the size and tongue weight. Do you feel like you can skip the WDH in your current setup?

I skipped the WDH - I use a heavy duty B&W Tow and Stow. I realize I am on the border of Rivian's requirement for WDH at 5,000 pounds, but since I thought I may have to unhitch when charging I decided to try without. I have used it for over a year with no issues. The combination of the Rivian's weight, air suspension, and low profile / tongue weight of the Airstream seem to help. I have not had any issues with sway or control.

You do need to make sure to accurately measure the hitch height with the suspension in a fixed setting you always use to get the right angle / tongue weight - I always tow in standard height. I also never keep water in the gray / black tanks and if possible travel with a full fresh tank (empty ok as long as gray and black are empty too!). The 23FB is almost 50-50 balance dry on the axles, which is why it has a low tongue weight. If you have an empty fresh tank - which is over the axles - and a lot of water in the gray and black - which are at the rear end - watch out! You will get too light of a tongue weight. I confirmed this on scales. So at least keep your gray and black empty and it will tow very stable.

Kevin

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