mlts22
Austin, Texas
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Joined: 11/15/2010
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ginaseven wrote:Ok, maybe this is a dumb question. Although I really was set on a C, (mainly due to the cab over bunk and thinking that driving it would be easier)would an A class be set up to tow a higher weight?
Almost all class A gassers made these days are on the Ford V-10 chassis. You will will get a 500 pound tongue/5000 pound tow hitch with the rig, and it will be almost impossible to find something else.
If you want a class A with a good tow rating, you will have to go with a diesel pusher like a Tiffin Phaeton. It takes going up fairly high-end to get the tow capacity beyond the 5k mark.
There are Super Cs, but Jayco does not the tow capacities printed, so I don't know if those will do.
What I wonder is if someone makes an E-450 with a greater than 5000 pound capacity, including frame extensions. I read about a 24 foot class C with the capacity to tow 10k pounds, but that might have been a Tiger motorhome (which is a F-series chassis, and not a van.)
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jim25kj
Indiana
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Joined: 07/01/2011
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I have a 29ft class C and tow a featherlite 2 horse trailer behind it. It has a 3500 pound hitch on it from the factory and has been reinforced from the factory frame to the hitch to take care of the weak frame extensions. The trailer weighs 2200 pounds and the horses weight about 1200 pounds a piece plus tack/hay and I figure its right about 5000 pounds. It handles it really well although I do have the diesel as well.
2000 Shasta Travelmaster e-450 29 ft
7.3 diesel 4.10 diff ratio
56k miles
Diablo predator 60hp econ/perf tune
Camping locally and pulling our featherlite 2 horse trailer
12.5mpg no trailer 10 to 11 with depending on speed
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jim25kj
Indiana
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oh and gross trailer weight is the axle rating of the trailer it has two 3500 pound capacity axles. it doesnt weigh 7000 pounds...you will most likely have to weigh it.
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Handbasket
Asheville, NC
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Joined: 01/17/2003
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Gina, if by chance a small 19' C will do you, look at the Tiger CX & Bengal (link in my sig). In '06 when I bought mine, they showed towing up to 8,000 lbs. I doubt that's gone down, probably up. They can be built on any of the big three's 1-ton pickups, your choice of cab length & trim, engine (incl diesel), transmission, drivetrain (2wd/4x4), SRW or DRW. It's as easy to drive & park as a big pickup.
Jim, "Mo' coffee!"
'06 Tiger CX 'C Minus' on a Silverado 2500HD 4x4, 8.1 & Allison (aka 'Loafer's Glory') www.tigervehicles.com
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ginaseven
missouri
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Joined: 09/14/2011
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The Tiger RV is beautiful but unfortuantely not in my price range. I will try to find somewhere local to weigh my horse trailer this weekend. You all have been tremendous help. I really want to purchase an RV very soon, so I hope to get this all worked out.
2006 Gulfstream Conquest
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rjstractor
Auburn, WA
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Joined: 01/20/2003
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The E450 has a GCWR of 20,000 lbs., IIRC. So if your rig is lightly loaded, you could possibly tow that trailer. The limiting factors are the frame extensions, the hitch, and your rear axle weight. The rear axle weight is a big one, because all of the involved components (axle, springs, tires, wheels) are very close to their design limits at the factory GAWR. If you can make the rear axle weight work, a good hitch shop (not Uhaul or Camping World) may be able to modify and certify your rig to tow that kind of weight.
1998 Gulfstream Ultra B/H Ford E450 V10
2005 Chevy 2500HD 6.0 w/ Maxidump insert
2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
1998 Saturn SL2 toad
2012 VW Jetta S
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Gene in NE
Omaha
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ginaseven - In case you have not drawn a conclusion, ideally you would find a motorhome with the Ford E450 V-10. The E450 has a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 20,000 lbs and a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 14,500 lbs. Then the motorhome should be as short as possible (weighs much less than the GVWR) with a long wheelbase (not much of an overhang - less weight on rear axle).
Finding the above might be a trick, but should provide you with something to pull your trailer with 3 horses limited only by how strong you can make the hitch. Should be able to beef up the hitch to support a 1,000 lb load with a 10,000 lb pull. That is the rating on the so-called Super C's.
2002 Trail-Lite Model 211-S w/5.7 Chevy (click View Profile)
Gene
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ginaseven
missouri
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Great information...Now to find one  at least I have a direction to start with. I knew there had to be a way to do this.
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scottydoll
Jeddo, MI
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Joined: 08/18/2007
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I did a lot of research and found the Winnebago is able to handle the load of a two horse trailer...I went to a local elevator and weighed the rig and weighed each axle to make sure I was not over the limit...Also just to be extra safe I had a fabrication shop strenghthen the rear end and installed a heavier receiver. I ended up finding a 2001 Winnebago Minnie Winnie and am very happy with the towing results.
My only complaint is the movement when semis pass me on the expressway. I don't know how to avoid that but am getting used to it and getting as far right as I can when they approach..that seems to help a lot.
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Dusty R
Charlotte Michigan 48813
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Joined: 04/05/2003
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When you start pulling that much weight you should go to a weight distribution hitch. It will make a BIG difference on the whole rig handles.
Dusty
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