New Here - Need help with Volvo Conversion

[Canadian Rider]

I have an Airstream trailer GVWR about 8,000 lbs. I would like to purchase a volvo 630 as my tow vehicle. I've been told this is too much truck; the ride for the trailer will be so rough the trailer will fall apart. Can anyone suggest what I need to do to properly convert the volvo to pull my trailer. If you have already done this I would appreciate seeing your pictures and hearing of your experience.

Thanks for your help.

Art

[Bob86ZZ4]

I've heard people say stuff like that too. I think that's the people that pull their trailers with Geo Metro's and wish they could pull them with a HDT. I don't buy it. I actually posed this same type of question here quite some time ago. Lemme see if I can find it.

[Bob86ZZ4]

Found the thread here: http://truckhome.com/eve/forum...9053/m/325100561/p/1

[Canadian Rider]

Thanks Bob; I read your thread and Geof made some good points. Looks to me like the trailer frame and not the tow vehicle should be my major concern. Have you had any issues with your trailer since posting in May? Hopefully someone who is towing a trailer will also add their opinion. Thanks again for all your input..... Art

[Bob86ZZ4]

Nope, no problems here. I pull a 24' enclosed car hauler. Last summer I put 8k miles on. About half were pulling the trailer. The trailer is all aluminum frame and the Vette inside is about 3200lbs. Total guessing about 7-8k. I still think that urban myth of towing something with a hdt or t/c causes damage is just poopoo from lightweight tow-ers.

[Canadian Rider]

Hi Bob;

Is your trailer a goosneck setup or regular trailer hitch? From the looks of your beautiful hauler I would assume your trailer is a regular trailer hitch setup. Have you had to re-inforce your trailer frame? Do you use an air-ride hitch or something similar to take out some of the road vibration? I know anyone hauling a Vette would be very particular how they handled it, especially the trailer set-up. Sorry for all the questions but I really appreciate hearing from someone who is already doing what I think I would like to do....... Art

[Bob86ZZ4]

Hay Art, nope just a regular 40,000 lb rated hitch:



The trailer is a Rance Aluminum brand. Nothing too fancy. No signs of any problems. I think it rides fairly smooth inside just from seeing how all the loose junk I pile up in the v-nose of it stays pretty much in place.

[Canadian Rider]

WOW! Nice set up Bob. Thanks for the pictures. I like the idea of a hieght adjustable trailer hitch. I think I'll do the same. You must be able to travel in total comfort and security.
Is there anyone out there pulling an Airstream behind an HDT? Thanks again Bob ...... Art

[geofkaye]

....THERE WAS A GUY THAT DID THAT....HE ALSO HAD A BUS....CAN'T REMEMBER HIS NAME/HANDLE...IT'S HELL GETTING OLD, BUT-HE IS STILL AROUND THESE FORUMS.....AIRSTREAM AND HDT IS OVERKILL TO THE MAX....BUT WHAT A WAY TO GO!....THOUGHT ABOUT IT MANY TIMES BUT MY NEEDS ARE DIFFERENT SO I HAVE A HDT AND A 37' CAR HAULER WITH THE INTERIOR FINISHED BUT REMOVABLE[ON CASTERS] IF NECESSARY FOR GUN-RV-TRUCK-CAR SHOWS AND OF COURSE FISHING AND HUNTING AND A LITTLE CAMPING IN FLORIDA IN THE WINTER....MINE IS MORE UTILITARIAN THAN MOST PEOPLE CAN STAND BUT VERY DURABLE AND HEAVY DUTY....GEOFKAYE AND THE RIVERCITY GROUP

[vapoppa]

geof--- why wouldn't setting up the rear springs to a more reasonable weight rating help?----mase