Recommendation for Hybrid Vehicle for Towing Air Stream Bambi 16RB

Updated 08/13/2019 | Published 08/12/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

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$266.62

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

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$223.19

Question:

Can you please make some Tow vehicle recommendation for the Air Stream Bambi 16rb? I would like to get a Hybrid Vehicle. I realize that a Hybrid is not going to save me money towing the Airstream. I plan on using this setup to get to my destination and then go exploring so I can save on gas if I dont tow. I do not need a 4 wheeler. Maybe occasionally go on a dirt road. But thats it. Any recommendations from your experience that you feel maybe a good fit for what I want to do? Thanks in Advance!

asked by: Dennis M

Helpful Expert Reply:

Probably the best option I've been able to locate that will pull the 3500 Gross Trailer Weight of the Airstream Bambi 16RB you mentioned is the 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The vehicle has a 3500 lb towing capacity, so if you have your camper fully loaded, you'll be right up against that capacity. I have seen reports that when towing near the capacity, the electric motor will shut off and the gas engine will take over, but since you didn't seem concerned about gas mileage while towing this might be a good option. The only thing that concerns me is how close you could be to the max capacity of the vehicle. Towing is hard on a vehicle, pushing it to the limit can cause premature wear and tear. If you go this route, I'd plan on traveling as light as possible and watching the weight of everything carried in the vehicle and the camper very closely.

You didn't mention your budget, but the Volvo XC90 T8 HPEV also looks interesting. It's a plug in hybrid with a 5000 lb towing capacity so the vehicle wouldn't be pushed to the limit, but at almost 30 thousand dollars more than the Highlander you'll need to ask yourself if the difference in capacity is worth the extra cost.

We can help equip either vehicle for towing. For the 2019 Highlander, I'd recommend the Curt # C13394 trailer hitch and the # 118449 trailer wiring harness. I'd also recommend the ball mount and trailer ball kit with storage bag, part # 989900.

For the Volvo, I'd recommend the Curt # C53HR hitch and the # 118683 wiring harness. The ball mount kit mentioned above would work great.

I've linked the products I've recommended as well as links to install videos for both hitches and trailer wiring harnesses.

expert reply by: Mike L