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rvhippo
USA
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Joined: 12/08/2011
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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'm planning on going up to, but not exceeding GVWR and GAWR-F/R. It will be impossible to get past GCVWR with 11-12% tongue weight on the van (I'm limited more by payload capacity/tongue weight than by max trailer weight).
My problem is: What's my realistic payload rating (I think Airstream calls it CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity))? Airstream says to check the CCC sticker on the passenger door. Has anyone weighed their Avenue and confirmed the numbers? The dealer keeps giving me strange numbers that don't make sense (this is an out-of-country transaction so I can't personally check it out).
When towing the trailer, I'm planning on putting everything possible back in the trailer. I'll leave 10 gal. of water in the Avenue tow-vehicle for the toilet, but otherwise, it'll just be passengers (500lbs.) and some snacks for the road.
Does any Airstream Avenue owner have their CCC handy? Is that number accurate against an actual weighing? If you could give me some advice, it would be greatly appreciated.
I'm just worried the published numbers are way off from reality and I'll be limited to a tiny trailer.
Thanks in advance!
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Shadow Catcher
NW Ohio
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Joined: 01/09/2011
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What is more important is the towing capacity of the van not its cargo capacity. Cargo capacity can be fudged with heavier springs etc. but that can not make up for a transmission or engine that is not rated for what you intend to tow.
You did not say if this is the Chevy or Mercedes the Chevy has an 8,000# towing capacity.
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booster
Minnesota
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Joined: 10/14/2007
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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.
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mlts22
Austin, Texas
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Joined: 11/15/2010
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If towing, I'd highly suggest a transmission cooler, if one isn't already there.
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I am still wayne_tw
everywhere
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I have a 2012 Airstream Avenue Suite built on a 2011 Chevrolet 3500 Van. The actual weights with full water and propane, two batteries, empty holding tanks, and completely stocked with food, clothes, pots, pans, etc. and outfitted for use with chairs, table, grill, leveling blocks, etc. are as follows:
1. Actual overall weight is 9000 lbs. The GVWR is 9600 lbs.
2. The front axle actual weight is 3900 lbs. The GAWR is 4300 lbs.
3. The rear axle actual weight is 5100 lbs. The GAWR is 6084 lbs.
4. According to Airstream, the CCC is 1382 lbs.
5. According to Chevrolet, the GCWR is 16000 lbs.
I hope this helps.
To the OP: I sent you a private message.
* This post was
edited 01/07/14 06:58pm by I am still wayne_tw *
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rvhippo
USA
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Thanks for all the replies, gentlemen.
In response to all the advice, let me give some more info.
The Avenue is built on a 2011 Chevy G3500 chassis with the 6.0L engine (has trans cooler). Chevy rates towing at 9,300 lbs. -- but there's no way I can tow that heavy. The tongue weight on a trailer that heavy will cause me to exceed GVWR.
The Roadtreks, depending on year, seem to be a little lighter than the Avenues. I think Airstream's cabinetry and finish materials are heavier. I'm not sure how the Pleasure-Ways weigh out. I'm planning on going up to GVWR on the van. My last employer ran all three brands of 1-ton vans, towing and hauling heavy equipment. As long as you stayed within GVWR and GCVWR and kept up on all the maintenance, the Chevys and Fords were fine. The unit-body Dodges rattled like mad after long-term towing of heavy loads (even within GVWR and GCVWR). 3,500 lbs. trailer weight and 350 lbs. tongue weight seem really, really light - unless its with the smaller V6 or V8 engines. The Chevy drivetrain is warrantied for 5 year / 100,000 miles when used within GVWR and GCVRW.
1382 lbs. CCC works out to be... (1382 lbs. CCC) - (500 lbs. passengers + snacks + on road entertainment stuff) - (100 lbs. water) - (75 lbs. WD hitch) = 707 lbs. left for tongue weight (propane is included in CCC according to Airstream). Maybe a little more, as Wayne has the Suite and I'm looking at a Lounge (the Suite model has full ensuite bathroom and a larger kitchen, whereas the Lounge just has two rows of seats).
Back that out for a 11% tongue weight results in a maximum loaded trailer weight of 6427 lbs. 9600 GVWR + 6427 is well below the 16000 GCVWR. GAWR-F/R looks within range at that weight. So I'm probably looking for a trailer with a dry weight of about 5500 lbs.
Am I doing this right?
Thanks in advance for any replies.
-edit for grammar and clarity-
* This post was
edited 01/08/14 03:49am by rvhippo *
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I am still wayne_tw
everywhere
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I forgot to mention when I weighed, I had almost a full tank of fuel as well.
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booster
Minnesota
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I am actually pretty surprised by the weights that Wayne got. Nearly every Roadtrek of the same size I have seen weights on come in at closer to 9300-9400# or higher, thus they have very limited weight left for tongue weight. I assume the weights are with a generator and people, as that is how most are outfitted.
Towing over 5K with a Chevy will require some work, however. The transmission and engine will both run hot with that much weight. It may need separate, fan cooled, aftermarket coolers for both the transmission fluid and engine oil, to get that heat load off the regular radiator. It will be tough to slow down if you live in the mountains.
The rear load capacity of the Chevy is based on the max tire loading, so if you are at max, you are also at max on the tires. Many folks claim that towing puts much higher strain on the rear tires because they have to handle extra side loads due to sway, so be aware. It is possible to go up to 265-75-16 tires on the Chevies to get more capacity.
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My Roadtrek
Tucson, AZ.
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Joined: 03/20/2002
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Hippo, Don't forget to factor in all the options, gen-set, propane, awning, TV, extra battery, etc. Easily add 250 to 300lbs.
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retraite
Wanderin' about
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Joined: 04/08/2005
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This thread is from a while back, but, it may help you.
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseac........d/24538195/gotomsg/24539021.cfm#24539021
Cheers.
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