Class C RV to tow with???

67champ · 01-23-2012, 10:31 PM

Does anyone have any real-world knowledge/experience with using a Class C RV to tow an approx. 9,000 lb. car and trailer combo? WHat is the difference between class A frame and class C frame, any? On RV's where the motor home company has installed rear extensions, would that always need reinforced with additional frame structure welded in and a better hitch of course (10k or 12k in place of the 5k hitch)...?

Thanks,
dana t

SCOTT SST2871 · 01-24-2012, 09:03 AM

I dont know about the class c chassis for towing,i dont see a problem with 9000 lbs.but i will tell you from experience make sure you reinforce the frame extensions extensively.i had mine reinforced a small amount and put about a 1000 miles on it towing before it broke the bolts that attach the body to the frame and bent the extensions down about 2 inches on the way to a race.now its been heavily reinforced and boxed and the hitch reinforced.
No more issues in the last 10,000 miles
scott fifield

Jim Wahl · 01-24-2012, 11:30 PM

Scott is right. I bought a Fleetwood Class C last year and towed my Stocker to two races before getting the frame and hitch reinforced. I also added air bags. I am towing about 8,000 or so with no problem so far. I have been to about 10 races with it. I would NOT tow without reinforcing the frame and hitch. I have heard too many horror stories. Jim

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67champ · 01-24-2012, 11:39 PM

Thanks guys. Looks like Super C's are tougher (don't need reinforced), but more expensive of course. Also wonder if Class A's ever have issues? One may put a better hitch on a class A, but I dont know if they need reinforced also, or not?

dt

Mark Ruset · 01-25-2012, 06:46 AM

I've been towing with a class C for the past 6 years with absolutely no problems. The V10 Triton engine has a more than ample amount of torque. My RV is fitted with a 4.60 rear axle ratio and I tow at 65-70 MPH on the highway. Like everyone says check your frame extensions on a regular basis. By the way don't expect more than 7 mpg. One additional item make sure your trailer is properly balanced when loaded, what I have found is the with the car loaded make sure it is positioned as far back in the trailer.

Bill Baer · 01-25-2012, 01:24 PM

I tow with a small class "A" with 30' about 7000# trailer but I use a trailer toad to keep the weight off of the motor home and for the most part it tows like there is nothing there .
I went with a trailer toad because of the long rear overhang of the motor home chassis even though my chassis has been reinforced there is still a lot of leverage going on there.

Just my 2 cents worth.

01-23-2012, 10:31 PM	#1
67champ Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 43 Likes: 4 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	Class C RV to tow with??? Does anyone have any real-world knowledge/experience with using a Class C RV to tow an approx. 9,000 lb. car and trailer combo? WHat is the difference between class A frame and class C frame, any? On RV's where the motor home company has installed rear extensions, would that always need reinforced with additional frame structure welded in and a better hitch of course (10k or 12k in place of the 5k hitch)...? Thanks, dana t

01-24-2012, 09:03 AM	#2
SCOTT SST2871 Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: PORT ST JOHN FLORIDA Posts: 226 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Class C RV to tow with??? I dont know about the class c chassis for towing,i dont see a problem with 9000 lbs.but i will tell you from experience make sure you reinforce the frame extensions extensively.i had mine reinforced a small amount and put about a 1000 miles on it towing before it broke the bolts that attach the body to the frame and bent the extensions down about 2 inches on the way to a race.now its been heavily reinforced and boxed and the hitch reinforced. No more issues in the last 10,000 miles scott fifield

01-24-2012, 11:30 PM	#3
Jim Wahl Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Central Florida Posts: 5,842 Likes: 627 Liked 672 Times in 121 Posts	Re: Class C RV to tow with??? Scott is right. I bought a Fleetwood Class C last year and towed my Stocker to two races before getting the frame and hitch reinforced. I also added air bags. I am towing about 8,000 or so with no problem so far. I have been to about 10 races with it. I would NOT tow without reinforcing the frame and hitch. I have heard too many horror stories. Jim . __________________ Jim Wahl....NHRA #2239 S/SS - IHRA # 8 Stock, D2 Stock Champion (forever I guess) 2019 Baby Gators Stock Champion 2009 D2 National Open Stock Champion 1981 D2 West Palm Beach LDRS SS Runner Up Past President, Southern Stock / Super Stock Association. SSSSA Forum Moderator

01-24-2012, 11:39 PM	#4
67champ Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 43 Likes: 4 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Class C RV to tow with??? Thanks guys. Looks like Super C's are tougher (don't need reinforced), but more expensive of course. Also wonder if Class A's ever have issues? One may put a better hitch on a class A, but I dont know if they need reinforced also, or not? dt

01-25-2012, 06:46 AM	#5
Mark Ruset Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Southwest Florida Posts: 250 Likes: 23 Liked 34 Times in 24 Posts	Re: Class C RV to tow with??? I've been towing with a class C for the past 6 years with absolutely no problems. The V10 Triton engine has a more than ample amount of torque. My RV is fitted with a 4.60 rear axle ratio and I tow at 65-70 MPH on the highway. Like everyone says check your frame extensions on a regular basis. By the way don't expect more than 7 mpg. One additional item make sure your trailer is properly balanced when loaded, what I have found is the with the car loaded make sure it is positioned as far back in the trailer. __________________ Mark Ruset 2048 STK

01-25-2012, 01:24 PM	#6
Bill Baer Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Nothern IL Posts: 596 Likes: 1 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Class C RV to tow with??? I tow with a small class "A" with 30' about 7000# trailer but I use a trailer toad to keep the weight off of the motor home and for the most part it tows like there is nothing there . I went with a trailer toad because of the long rear overhang of the motor home chassis even though my chassis has been reinforced there is still a lot of leverage going on there. Just my 2 cents worth. __________________ Bill Baer 3391 SC, 339B SC, QR