How much can she pull?

OK, I am looking to buy an Airstream, to, of course, pull behind my 1969 Chrysler T&C. She is a 440/4bbl/727 auto/ 8&3/4 w/3.23 sure grip. Providing all mechanicals are in good order, how much can she pull?

BTW the Airstream is a 1972 24' Tradewind/5800 pounds gvwr. MPJ

 

If the suspension and driveline is in good shape, it should be fine pulling a trailer of that weight. I'd recommend adding an auxiliary transmission cooler if it doesn't already have one and install a 2" receiver and use a good weight distributing hitch and sway control. I have a Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller installed on both of my tow vehicles and they're great.

That ought to be a good looking rig!

 

Should be no problem, moparjohn. whjco has mentioned some things that you should have but that rig should pull that Airstream fine. I assume it has good rear springs and shocks.

 

As far as I know, the only hill you'll have trouble with is that 5-state viewpoint mountain is Vermont. 10 MPH is the maximum speed, and that's if there's no semi rigs backing down! Its hard on 392 Hemi in a 1958 Crown Imperial with 370 HP and no trailer, but 8 passengers and luggage for 4 weeks. Those big Mopars like to breathe at higher speeds.

 

Hey moparjohn, Congrats on the new Airstream!

whjco is right-on with the info! Check out the Airstream Forums...airforums.com (in case you haven't already )

I have a 1976 25' Trade Wind and someday I hope to tow it with my '72 Buick EW.

5800 lbs is max gross weight, they start out about 4200 lbs with basic amenities.

This one is mine:


Here's some '72's:
http://www.vintageairstream.com/archives2/72TradeWind/index.html

David

 

ok, the plaque on the front bu the tounge says gvwr of 5800 pounds, are you saying she weighs less? The trailer looks just like you pic.MPJ

 

Yeah, they can handle being loaded up with gear, supplies and water up to a max gross weight of 5800 lbs, but a TW only weighs 4200 or so...maybe 4500 with normal things added. Search "weights" on airforums.com for info. I'm excited for you! David : )

 

Nice rig. Break out the aluminum polish.

 

That's almost as bad as spit-polishing new army boots!

 

. . . . . or have some fun and paint it to look like a big sausage!

 

Considering that driveline powered lots a class A motorhomes I see no problem at all.
What I definately would do is install a shift kit to firm up the shifts a little, an oil cooler for the tranny and perhaps an oil temp gauge for the trans just to monitor things.

 

My bone stock 318/904a (with tow package) towed a 4000 lbs camper for many years without an issue. All it had done to it aside from factory tow package was an external cooler in addition to the in rad cooler.
Your car should be fine towing a camper not much heavier with a 440/727.
Make sure you get a load leveling hitch (has 2 "outriggers" that run to the tongue). It'll even out the load, and get the back end of the car up where it should be with the load on it, and it helps prevent sway on the highway.

 

Load leveling hitch? You have a pic of one of those, marcar? I'm not picturing what you are saying. I don't think I have ever heard of a load leveling hitch.

 

Here you go. Also known as a weight distributing hitch.

 

Bear traps those things. They have two torsion bars that run from the car hitch to the tongue frame. The idea is to pick up some of the tongue weight and help reduce roll-overs. Not for the average wimp. You use a special bar, like a prybar, about 3 feet long and wiggle them into a steel clamp, then chain them up. Nasty piece of creativity. They work though.

I wrote too slow, he got the pic up first.