themoreweexplore wrote:
I'll be towing with a big, stiff, 1-ton van, so that's definitely something to think about. I didn't realize you had to rig an AS (or any trailer for that matter) differently if you're towing with a stiff tow rig.
This would only be true for trailers that have a frame/tongue that won't endure the added torque of what's provided by the vehicle and WDH. There are many users here that are using larger vehicles and stiffer WDH bars than what is necessary. In most cases, they have no issues with the trailer. This may also be the case with Airstream users.
Avion is on the mark, "don't shoot the messenger". If the message is wrong, confirm that for yourself. I have huge respect for Avion as I've seen his trailer building skills and have discussed with him certain aspects of trailer construction. He has been at this a long time and knows what works. He's not bashing Airstream as a whole (as far as I understand) but is listing some of the deficiencies. To a guy that builds trailers from the ground--> up, the frame deficiencies are glaring. To me, the same would be true of a Lippert or other frame, if constructed with possible intrinsic failure modes.
FWIW, when choosing a trailer to deconstruct and rebuild (my scenario), the first thing I looked at was the frame and running gear. I settled on a 1971 Starcraft with fully boxed frame having torsion axles. The axles are aided with shock absorbers. Nothing like this is available anymore on a dealer's lot unless it is older. I only point this out to show the difference in frame construction and to add some awareness to the OP. It's not all about the bling inside.
