Airstream Avenue - Need advice from owners
I've got a deposit on a used 2011 Airstream Avenue. Airstream claims I have 1525 lbs. available payload on the van (maybe less due to options). I'm planning on towing a trailer. With tongue weight, I'...
Forum Discussion
We don't have an Avenue (Roadtrek Chevy 190), but I think the weights are similar to the Roadtreks and Pleasure-way Chevies. Chevy lists the towing capacity at something like 8100#, but you won't be able to get there because your tongue weight will put you over on the gross weight of the van in most cases. Most folks find they can't get to gross combined weight without going over on gross for the van, and keep 10% tongue weight.
Most of the Chevy folks find that about 3500#, with 350# on the tongue is doable while staying within the weight specs for the van and towing capacity. You will find a bunch of folks that go over the rated specs without concern, but IMO, it just isn't a good idea.
Even with 3500#, you will get hot going up long grades, and will need good trailer brakes going down, due to inherent weaknesses of the Chevies in those catagories.
Most of the Chevy folks find that about 3500#, with 350# on the tongue is doable while staying within the weight specs for the van and towing capacity. You will find a bunch of folks that go over the rated specs without concern, but IMO, it just isn't a good idea.
Even with 3500#, you will get hot going up long grades, and will need good trailer brakes going down, due to inherent weaknesses of the Chevies in those catagories.
