The Airstream’s lightweight aerodynamic construction results in “easier towing than a traditional box trailer,” reports Oregon RVer Carl Tipton, “whether I’m traveling up or down mountains, or maneuvering through a campground.”
Airstream has designed a number of small travel trailers that can easily be towed with family-size SUVs and a snap to park in public campgrounds.
Tipton’s 25FB International Serenity’s base weight (with LP and batteries) is listed at 5,503 pounds. The maximum trailer capacity (GVWR) is 7,300 pounds, allowing for 1,797 pounds of marshmallows, fishing reels and other required camping equipment.
The longtime RVer pulls his 2017 Airstream with a 2015 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine.
“The truck is equipped with a top of the line, heavy-duty towing package,” says the longtime RVer. “It’s like nothing is back there.”
As for fuel efficiency, he adds, “the reality is that while my F-150 regularly gets 24 mpg on the highway, it drops to about half that when I hook up the trailer.”
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Photo: Smaller Airstream travel trailers are designed to be easy to tow with family-size SUVs. (Courtesy of Recreation Vehicle Industry Association) Bottom: Carl Tipton pulls his 25-foot Airstream with 2015 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine. (Julianne G. Crane)
