Towing Issues: towing our Airstream Safari, chevy trailblazer, chevy silverado

Question
I am active duty Navy, living in our Airstream Safari at an on-base RV park in Gulfport MS as a "geo-bachelor". I drive a 2000 Infiniti I30 - definitely not enough to tow the Safari if absolutely necessary (in case of hurricanes or for simple convenience). Our primary towing vehicle is a 2005 Suburban which my husband has in Memphis for his business (he towed me down here). What's the most economical tow vehicle for my needs w/o getting another heavy SUV? (preferably a 2005-2007 model) Thanks.

Answer
This is hard to answer because the Safari comes in versions from under 20 feet to over 30 feet.  But even the smallest has a tongue (hitch ball) weight of 500 pounds and up (OK the very smallest is 390, but the next up looks to be just under 500#).

Overall weight loaded is usually 5000 pounds and up.

Here is a site where you can get an idea what your specific one may weigh:

http://www.airstream.com/product_line/travel_trailers/safari_plans.html

With something this large, for sure you need a load equalizing hitch, and at least a heavy half ton truck with tow package.  I would get at least a 350 V8 with 250+ hp.  

here are the top 10 towing vehicles (some are to light duty for your needs) at Edmunds:

http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/list/top10/102426/article.html

In this group, you can consider the GMC Sierra as the same as the Chevy Silverado.  The Dodge Durango is also a good choice.  

Right now bigger SUV's are not getting top dollar, so you might be able to pick up a Tahoe or Durango or a Ford Explorer for not a lot of money.  If you want a pickup truck, then the Silverado, the Ford F150 are both good choices.  

I know that i prefer the Chevy versions, we have had good luck.  The Chevy 5.3L with a 3.73 rear axle tows up to 8000+ pounds well, and can get 19 mpg empty on the highway.

For a little lighter vehicle, the Chevy Trailblazer has a near 300 hp straight 6 and the towing capacity will be just fine for all but the biggest Airstreams.  My son has one and they love it.  Will tow 5000 pounds nicely (again, get a load equalizing hitch, check out Reese or Draw-Tite on a search engine like Google or Yahoo).  You can get maybe 22 mpg and it will be more compact for driving.  GMC makes a version and even SAAB sells a version of this vehicle.

About anything you buy that can tow this much is either going to be overmatched if you try to get something too small, and you will maybe have problems, or you will get something bigger, pay less up front (big vehicles aren't selling well right now, drive a hard bargain!)and have fewer problems with it.

Don