2018 Airstream Colarado dilema
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Seem to recall the Wildtrak had a towing capacity of 3350kgs and the ability to carry 1 ton also? You may need to check with the manufacturer but being a commercial vehicle, it may well be the only UK vehicle able to cope with your demands?
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I thought it would be ideal too but the Ford has a max weight of 2.19T and the trailer is 2.7T so a ratio of 122% in this case.
I can get my hands of a modified Wildtrak but would you guys recommend it with a 122% ratio.
The lady on the phone said 85% is the norm but that I could stretch to 90%; but even at 100% I'm still massively short.
Would any of you use the Wildtrak for this combo?
Cheers,
Andrew
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Still going, Ayf? I thought you gave up on the idea last night.🤔
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If you're determined to "live the dream" I would suggest relocating to a country big enough to cope with your proposed rig. Even assuming you manage to find a suitable tug, I fear you will find its size will preclude you from visiting a fair number of places.
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Especially around the South Hams
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Better to keep them wound up, eh?
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No matter how you load a vehicle, that will not alter the kerb weight.
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All weights are important. Some are statutory, some advisory.
Worryingly, I think you are confusing kerb weight (almost unladen) with gross vehicle weight and the 85% recommendation relates to kerb weight. Loading a towing vehicle will not increase its towing capability.
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Indeed. It was the good start that confused us.
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Turn up at any cattle market in the country and you will see 4x4's towing all sorts of trailers, complete with livestock and ask any farmer what weight he can legally tow....and he'll tell you 3.5 tons (in most cases) Those with a wry smile on their faces will be overweight (4 cows weigh approx 3tons, plus 1ton for trailer)
There needs to be some clarification on towing weights and whilst deducting 85% off the kerb weight of a vehicle may be good practice for cars and SUV's, commercial vehicles are different, due to their construction, differentials, brakes and tyres etc etc. Providing the all-up weight is not exceeded (6 tonnes in the case of Wildtrak) then you'll be legal to tow an outfit weighing 2.7 ton.
The question remains, would it be sensible to tow such a beast of a trailer around the UK? I think you've already made up your mind.
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That did make me wonder how closely the brochure had been studied.
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I've shown my wife these comments and she laughed aloud - she's the one that normally checks my technical work for spelling mistakes. It's a known issue so I'm not offended
I'm going to do some more research but in the meantime I would like to thank you all for your input. This thread has certainly opened my eyes to the various different mindsets on towing ratios which exist amongst the Caravan fraternity.
Very best to all,
Andrew
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I think I see the problem that is stalling your great idea. Simply, you are looking at towing with a car. Even the large American vehicles getting mentioned are "cars". Made to look big for show but not really up to the job you need doing.
The reference to circus and travelling showgrounds is the direction to look for inspiration. 2018 commercial vehicles are available that are well up to doing the job you need. Models designed for moving 38/40 tonnes, so your Airstream is a tiddler! Very well appointed interiors, good looks, none of the privations of ex-mod vehicles and many with cabs that are sprung on the chassis giving a very comfortable ride. If you have the necessary licence to drive one of them then you know this already.
They will also make you think the price of the Airstream is quite low!
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Have you considered a 5th wheeler. You get all the space you need, more in fact than an airstream. Can be pulled by an euro style pickup, massive payload, considerably cheaper than airstream and no problems about hitch weight etc
just a thought
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Morning All, I've done a whole load of research over recent weeks on the topic of pulling large UK/International Airstreams (not US variants though), so it's only right that I finish off this thread as a reference point to others.
Firstly, the most suited towing car is a Disco-4 TDV6 HSE which has a kerb weight of just over 2.5T; this equates to a 107% ratio.
But..........a number of large UK AS owners use Audi Q7, Jeep and Landy 110's and their van-to-car ratios average out at circa 125%.
I've been told that you need to get the hitch weight of the Colorado to as close to 150kg as possible but it could probably be OK at 135kg.
I hope this info helps someone in the future.
All the best,
Andrew
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We're off there tomorrow but I visited last weekend and spoke with Faye who is their Eriba specialist. It was chucking it down so I didn't get to see much but what did intrigue me was their comprehensive parts workshop for Airstreams. Michael (Director and Airstream specialist) certainly knows his stuff and we may get a chance to speak with him.
Thanks for the note - We will be checking out their whole range tomorrow.
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Thanks DD, I wonder if its chassis has been converted as an original specced US 30ft AS would have a tongue weight of about 550-600kg and would cripple any UK car/SUV.
I've seen one guy pulling a large UK AS with a heavily modded 110 expedition so he must weigh about 2.3T.
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A quick update: The missus and I have binned the idea of buying a new Colorado (too big, fat, heavy, cumbersome and problematic IMO) and instead we are looking at getting a secondhand Airstream 604 (mid range size) which is still a twin axle but just more manageable and cheaper to purchase.
The Ford Ranger Wildtrak will do the job nicely.
The big hurdle now is finding one on the market.
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Firstly, the most suited towing car is a Disco-4 TDV6 HSE which has a kerb weight of just over 2.5T; this equates to a 107% ratio.
The Discovery 3 was heavier at around 2.7T depending on fitted options.
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