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Towing with an RV or Motorhome?

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#1
Alberto

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I'm curious if anyone has insights, experiences about using an RV or small motorhome as your tow vehicle.  I think the small motorhomes are called Class C.

Thanks.  

 


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#2
Tom Hampton

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I've been towing my NA6 on an 18" Open trailer behind our 31' Class C since 2015.  

 

Dunno about 'insights', though.  Like what? 


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#3
Ron Alan

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No problem! Thats all you need to know :) 

 

Do you plan to travel with the RV? Coming to the track once a year may not justify a new tow rig :duck:


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#4
Tom Hampton

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Do you plan to travel with the RV? Coming to the track once a year may not justify a new tow rig :duck:

 

LOL.  I may resemble that remark.  


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#5
Richard Astacio

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I towed with a 2018 Ford Class C motor home and I did not like the Ford steering rack. Too much play when you are driving down the road. 

 

Also when towing on flat roads is was ok, but any hills or steep towing the RPM were high most of the time. 

 

I switch to Chevy 2500 Diesel and purchase a trailer that had a small living quarter, I am happier with that set-up. 


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#6
FTodaro

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I tow with a class A diesel Pusher, I did have to beef up the hitch. I originally bought the rig to come to the track, Now we use it to take trips to go hiking like the Smokey's or other destinations. Especially now with covid its nice to have your own bathroom and shower.


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#7
Nathan Pring

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Mainly depends on the trailer.  Most class Cs are rated for about 5000 lbs towing, dependent on the hitch.  That pretty much leaves you with an open trailer and rules out enclosed trailers, except for the super Cs (diesel).  I've seen C class tow the enclosed trailers but they're probably towing over the rating. 


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#8
LarryKing

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Coming to the track once a year may not justify a new tow rig

I know several people that love nothing more than parking their RV at the track for the race weekend to have a hang-out spot at night. Nothing wrong with that.

 

An alternative view: For the cost of even a decent used RV I can reserve hotel rooms for the next 20 years. I don't have to insure, park, level, maintain, fill with 100 gals. of fuel, plug-in, or dump the tank with a hotel room. I've found that for the tracks I visit there is typically a hotel within a 20 minute drive. My wife and I prefer to leave the track after my race and check-out the local cuisine and then turn-in at an early hour in a comfy king-size bed (not to mention a full-size shower).

 

To each their own.


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#9
EMatoy

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Like Larry said above to each their own....

I got a class A diesel pusher for a fraction of what a diesel truck sells for these days. It gives a place to stay. Very happy with it.
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#10
Alberto

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Ford steering does suck.  Learned that in my old 7.3 trucks.  Almost forgot.  The Ford based RVs with the V10 seem like a good option with the big torque numbers except for the crappy steering.

 

It seems like the chassis options with the E450 basis would be a better option than the equivalent E350 based chassis.  Thoughts?  Is there an equivalent Chevy 450 vs 350 chassis?

 

How anemic are the Chevy based options with the small V8 compared to the Ford V10?

 

Is towing comfortable with these heavy, boxy rigs?

 

Does the long rear overhang present an issue with towing?

 

Is maintenance any different than regular trucks?

 

I'd be towing an open trailer so not much weight but seems like most RVs are heavy pigs so I worry about overall weight.

 

Thanks.


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#11
Carl

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Here is an RV-ish based tow set-up for you.  106.5" wheelbase and miles of rear overhang.  Add to that a short tongue on the trailer and solid axles front and rear and it was a real treat.  Did that for a decade before I hit mid-50's and thought I deserved a little more comfort.  Made it all the way to 1996 Suburban.  After another 10 years regressing to 2005 Astro van.  At least the wheelbase is a little longer than the Blazer and almost no rear overhang.  

 

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#12
Carl

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#13
KAGEY

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I tow and have towed with a Class C.  Ford E 450 has more carrying capacity than the Chevys.  Every slide takes away from how much weight you can carry and tow.  Michelin XPS ribs are the best tire by far.  For sway or float on the road which they have in spades SumoSprings are the cheapest and best solution and will make the experience safer and more enjoyable

 

Kurtis



#14
Alberto

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@carl, you're nuts! in a good way :)

 

I'd be taking the woman and my dog so I need something a bit more luxurious than a 'burban

 

@kagey, yeah, the 450 chassis does seem like a better bet.  I wouldn't want any slides.  I probably barely need half of the niceties like a stove and such.  Definitely want a comfy bed, bathroom, a/c and heat.


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