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Tow Vehicle
1). Fully independent suspension
2). Extra-short rear overhang.
3). Rack & Pinion Steering (or equivalent)
That’s it in a nutshell. HP, Brakes, etc are non-starters.
The ideal tow vehicle is one specified for solo family duty that can also tow a trailer.
The American family sedan is still that benchmark. Dodge V6 Charger. A minivan right behind it.
The trailer is the important choice. The tow vehicle is relatively UNIMPORTANT.
The game is road-going stability. Why an Airstream (aero, low COG and independent suspension) is best. More stable at speed than any solid-axle tow vehicle (when it’s towed by a better design TV).
A Honda Odyssey can handle a 23’ AS easily.
So, trailer & tow vehicle of the right spec are equal in importance. THIRD, the hitch rigging is equal to those two.
The reason you’re getting lousy info is because 95% or more don’t have a clue of how to set a hitch.
I don’t know who makes crank-up (pop-up) trailers any more, but it’s not their weight that matters.
With all combination RVs, adverse winds are the primary cause of loss-of-control accidents.
Can Am RV in London, Ontario is your place to start. Videos, articles, etc. Owner Thompson is consultant to both SAE and Airstream re Towing. That dealership has set up more than 12,000 tow combinations.
He’s codified (formulated) what works and why. No different from what Id tell you, but with far greater depth and breadth.
The “new guys” who’ve been towing trailers the past twenty years still ain’t got nothing but experience with the worst trailers, use pickups, and can’t set a hitch. But think themselves edumacated.
GVWR or GCVWR are guidelines. Don’t want customers too far from “normal” (as they’re thoughtless drivers in the first place).
AVION, STREAMLINE, SILVER STREAK are the old upmarket brands from entry-level Airstream. All tow beautifully. And cheaper to buy and will need less work than a comparable Airstream. (Expect purchase price plus $10k over time). These trailers have an indefinite lifespan. 250k miles or more.
Today’s worse than 1960s conventionals MIGHT last ten years or 70k.
And, “a husband & father” wouldn’t ever travel the highways with his family in a 4WD. Not at the speeds I see. Top heavy and trip prone.
Get a dedicated trail rig. Someday.
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