Class C RV to tow with???

[67champ]

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]

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]

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

.

[67champ]

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]

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]

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