Recommendation for Hybrid Vehicle for Towing Air Stream Bambi 16RB

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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

1

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

1

Answer 1

For your 2022 Volvo XC90 Recharge, I recommend checking out the: -Stealth Hitches Hidden Rack Receiver - Custom Fit #SH27FR. This trailer hitch is completely hidden which allows you to retain the factory appearance of your vehicle, has a 3,500-lbs…

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Answer 2

You can use absolutely any wiring harness with your Curt Hitch #C53HR since they're not tied together in any manner; Stealth hitches just give you an entire package and the big draw of those is that they're designed to only be seen when…

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Answer 3

For the 2020 Volvo XC90 we have the Curt hitch part #C53HR that you referenced as a confirmed fit as well as the really nice Stealth option part #SH27FRT. This hitch is totally invisible when not in use as the lower portion of the hitch totally…

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Answer 4

It all depends on your preference. If you wanted to have a hitch but don't really want to look at it, you should go with the Stealth Hitches Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver w/ Towing Kit #SH27FR because you won't be able to see it at all…

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Answer 5

Both the Curt hitch part #C13233 and Curt hitch part #C53HR are a confirmed fit for your 2017 Volvo XC90. They approached the design of the hitch totally different but they both fit and work well. That said the Curt #C53HR is the better option since…

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Answer 6

When it comes to which hitch you should install on your 2018 Volvo XC90 I'd recommend The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2 inch #C53HR. It does have the same similar design as The Draw-Tite 76194. The Curt #C53HR has a…

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Answer 7

The Curt Trailer Hitch #C53HR would be a good fit for your 2017 CX90. I do understand your hesitation with installing the hitch because the bumper needs to be removed as well as the heat shield and skid shield if present. We do not have a list of…

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Answer 8

You won't need to cut the bumper fascia to install a 7-way. We used a #18136 no-drill bracket that attaches to the hitch crossbar using a pipe clamp. Since the Curt #C53HR hitch crossbar is concealed behind the bumper, the #18136 bracket can be…

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Answer 9

There is a hitch that fits your 2022 Volvo XC90 Recharge, which is from Stealth Hitches. I did verify with Stealth that their hitch fits your '22 XC90 Recharge hybrid, and the correct fit is the following: - Stealth Hitches Hidden Rack Receiver…

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Answer 10

The trailer wiring harness from Tekonsha part #118683 that fits your 2019 Volvo XC90 does not require a trip to the dealer for any computer programming. Your vehicle's computer would not know it's installed at all so it's not something…

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Answer 11

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 12

Yes, the Curt Trailer Hitch #C53HR will fit your 2019 Volvo XC90. The crosstube is hidden for this trailer hitch so the only part that hangs down is the hitch receiver. You won't have any issues with ground clearance because the receiver sits…

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Recommendation for Hybrid Vehicle for Towing Air Stream Bambi 16RB

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