Towing an Airstream Bambi

[mkebikecop]

On Ford's towing listing page it shows a 2025/26 Maverick towing an Airstream Bambi 16 foot camper. (see attached page). The listing shows a max tongue weight of 400 pounds. The Bambi the photo has a tongue weight of 475 pounds. Are they trying to tell us it is OK to tow a heavier weight?

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[MiMav]

Actually I think it's worse than you think. Looking at the Airstream windows it appears to be a Caravel, not a Bambi. The Caravel 16RB has:

Hitch Weight with LP & Batteries (lbs.)

520

So Ford is lying. Maybe without LP and batteries you might just hit 400 lbs. I'm sure they would say the picture was for illustration only and to follow the written limits.

 

[Nw_adventure]

Frontal load over 40 as well - LOL

 

[pgarratt]

There is a thread about this with someone who tows their Airstream.

https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...brid-tow-test-airstream-bambi-3500-gvw.75677/

 

[Joe Strummer]

Tongue Weight is the pressure (in lbs) the trailer exerts on the truck. In combination with the weight of the trailer itself, it puts a limit on how much payload you can carry in addition to the trailer. The key figures are GCVWR and the rear axle weight rating.

So, if the truck has only one passenger and one gallon of fuel, it is possible to have a higher Tongue weight. The Mav has a Class 3 trailer hitch so is good for a Tongue Weight of 800lbs. But I doubt the rear axle is rated this high.

 

[No Brand]

You can tow approximately:

Globetrotter® 30RB 950

But you will void any warranty, you will be outside the legal limits (according to FORD lawyers) and you won't be able to stop the vehicle.

Other than that, it's fine.

 

[Mavster Mechanic]

Towing more than "rating" is between you, Ford Warranty Department, and God.

It's not illegal in 49 states.
CT is a maybe.

 

[mkebikecop]

THE BAMBI 16rb has a GVRW of 3500, Empty weight 3150, Tongue weight 475 with battery & full propane tanks, the GAWR is not listed

 

[surfstar]

Towing more than "rating" is between you, Ford Warranty Department, and God.

It's not illegal in 49 states.
CT is a maybe.

So... it is legal to operate your vehicle in an unsafe manner?

You try and I'll watch. I'll hold your beer.

 

[Sovande]

On Ford's towing listing page it shows a 2025/26 Maverick towing an Airstream Bambi 16 foot camper. (see attached page). The listing shows a max tongue weight of 400 pounds. The Bambi the photo has a tongue weight of 475 pounds. Are they trying to tell us it is OK to tow a heavier weight?

I have a friend who bought a Bambi to tow with her 4Runner. 6 months later she traded the 4Runner in for a Tundra to make towing easier. The 4Runner has a 5000lb capacity, fyi.

 

[grandpopa'sMPGs]

Airstream Bambi 16 foot camper show above has a surface area of 60+/- square feet which is greater than permitted with the 4K tow package.

 

[mkebikecop]

Then why does Ford show it towing an Airstream Bambi on their Tow Specs brochure? If you say it can't tow that RV?

 

[OleFordGuy]

Then why does Ford show it towing an Airstream Bambi on their Tow Specs brochure? If you say it can't tow that RV?

It's just pure Marketing bull crap, rest assured the folks in that department have no idea of the specs of the little truck nor the trailer. More than likely it's computer generated image just for their marketing documents. Ford did their legal "CYA" by publishing the towing specs/limits.

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