Class C RV to tow with???

[Bill Baer]

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.

[67champ]

"From Ford

Question, How much can I tow behind my RV?

Answer:

The lesser of

A. The rating of the hitch installed and rated by the RV manufacture

B. The gross combined weight rating (GCWR) minus the loaded vehicle weight of your RV

1. See your dealer or the ford towing guide to determine the GCWR of your RV

2. Weigh your RV loaded with fuel, water, personal items, passengers, etc. Many truck stops, sand and gravel supply, moving companies, etc. will weigh your coach for a nominal fee. Have them weigh the front and rear axles separately. Then verify the vehicles Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or any axle rating (see certification label on/near drivers door or seat) is exceeded.

3. Subtract loaded RV vehicle weight from GCWR. Compare result to installed hitch rating. The smaller number is what you can tow."



Here is what I got when I ran some numbers....

I took specs from the Forest River site for a Class C Sunseeker 2690S (because it's pretty light, not too long, still has 22,000 GCWR).

A. Let's say I replace 5,000 lbs. hitch with a 10,000 lbs. or 12,000 lbs. hitch...then...

B. Lets see:

1. 22,000.00 lbs.
2. Full 55 gal fuel tank (figured at 6.25 lbs per gallon) = 343.75 lbs.
Assume Fresh water(44g), grey water(39g), and Black(39g) water all half full
(figured at 8.34 lbs per gallon) = 508.75 lbs.
Passengers (Three) = 450 lbs.
Miscell = 100 lbs.

2690S - UVW = 11,260.00
343.75
508.75
450.00
+ 100.00

Expected Weight of RV loaded = 12,662.50 lbs.

Then,

22,000.00
- 12,662.50

= 9337.50 - WHAT YOU CAN TOW!

Didn't locate axle ratings yet....?

My trailer, car, golf cart, cabinets, tools, miscell = 8,800-9000 lbs.

[Mark Howes]

Towed with an older "C" class for a few years now (1989 27' Ford 460 FI)

I've had good luck and towed some pretty long distances with an open trailer. Upgrading to enclosed this year but keeping everything as light as possible.

Any C over 24' will definately need some frame work. I think 24' is the longest original frame you will see before the factory just tacked on the end.

They don't have the frame or tire size that most Class A motorhomes do but if you keep the weight down they will do the job.

[DIAPERMAN]

There is a reason they put a 5000 lb hitch on it.If you beef up frame it will help ,but remember something has to give .The back of class C's are not made for a lot of tongue weight .Maybe Rick Bailey will chime in ,he has a lot of miles with a class C or PM him If you buy a Trailer Toad you wont have to worry about it at all

[cicero819]

I would recommend you check with your State DMV many states allow less than weight posted on your frame. Diaperman is right, buy a Trailer Toad from Jok and forget any problem to your motorhome, the plus is that your motor and transmission won't strain under load. You won't regret it. CR