Volvo V70 R / Airstream

[DARISC]

I've always balked at the idea of pulling a trailer unless it was, for some unimaginable reason, absolutely necessary.

However, sipping Merlot on an idyllic SOCAL evening, I was struck with the idea of how cool it would be to hitch a b!tchin' Airstream to my 2006, 300 hp, AWD Volvo V70R wagon an' go a wanderin'.

Never towed nuthin', never wanted to, but have always been enamored with shiny objects, in this case an Airstream (which must have a shower).

Any input to this little alcohol infused fantasy I'm having?

[86Meesta2]

Only thing I have to say is you are right, the weather was PERFECT this evening!

[jyl]

What is the Volvo's tow rating, if it even has one? That may cut your fantasy off right there.

[porsche4life]

That was my thought too Jon... A trailer big enough to have a shower will be in the 20+ft range... You want at a bare minimum a half ton SUV or truck to pull that...

[tevake]

I too love those airstreams , they are as iconic as Porsche. Classic shape, distinctive skin material. Superior quality.

Did a trip last year with my Brother in his rig, a 30 ' stream towed by ford f250 diesel. Maybe a smaller one would be easier to travel in. Fun break traveling that way.

Check out the airstream forum.

[DARISC]

Originally Posted by jyl

What is the Volvo's tow rating, if it even has one? That may cut your fantasy off right there.

3300 lbs according to Edmunds.

[Steve Carlton]

Your tranny will blow.

[nostatic]

16' is 3500lb tow weight iirc. Would be a stretch.

[DARISC]

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton

Your tranny will blow.

Thanks, Steve.

End of fantasy.

[tevake]

The Bambi is the sweet mini airstream, take a look.
Also the Casita is a nice small unit
2013 Airstream Sport 16 Bambi Sharksfin Small Little Camping Travel Trailer Like RV - YouTube

[Jim Bremner]

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton View Post
Your tranny will blow.
Thanks, Steve.

End of fantasy.

Not mine but I'm sure that there's a niche for that!

[Jim Richards]

What could possibly go wrong?

[MMARSH]

The V70R is actually a great tow vehicle, if your towing the right load. I tow my track bike and gear with mine and its great.Does yours have a manual transmission? much better for towing. Regardless, an airstream is gonna be to heavy....

[tevake]

Hey, hey, enough with the reality stuff. Trying to kill a good fantasy?
When I started to talk of the airstream fantasy after the trip with the Bro. The Inlaws played that movie for me, quite sobering, but just for a short while:-)

[john70t]

Archimedes said, 'If you give me a lever and a place to stand, I can move the world.'
(terms and conditions may apply)

[tevake]

Here is the low down on the Casita. While not an airstream, they are well put together and light. Would have to let it air out to get the resins smell out when new.
Casita Travel Trailers - America's Favorite Lightweight Travel Trailers | Lightweight, Aerodynamic, Durable, Easy-to-Tow, High-Fuel Efficiency.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Considering that the V70R is notorious for driveline issues anyway, probably not the best plan.

[Laneco]

The drag from a high profile trailer behind the Volvo is more of an issue than the weight itself. Look into one of the larger tent trailers. The better ones have a shower, will be under your weight requirement and in the collapsed towing position, be very low profile. Here is an example of one - a bit on the large side - but has an inside shower: http://somersetrv.com/campers/Niagara#

It's a hair of 3,000 lbs unladen, so you'll be bumping your 3300 max with food and water on board. There are smaller ones out there, this is just one that I came across.

angela

[911SauCy]

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton

Your tranny will blow.

Do burnouts while trailering.

[weseeeee]

I also like the Airstream look, but unless you're planning on towing a really small one you may want a bigger vehicle.