Class C built on the chevy chassis workhoruse looks to have the 6.0 and only a 3,000 # hitch capacity.
the E450 with V10 looks to be closer to 5,000# hitch capacity
Even older units with the E350 and V10 still has ample capacity for a CR-V
How far back (Used) would I need to go to look at a chevy 8.1 with enough capacity for a CR-V ?
Does this look right as far as my thinking ?
We do not have either the Class C OR the CRV at this time, But we need to replace one of the daily drivers we have and So far out of the vehicles that fit our needs the CRV is the one.
The next step, 6 months to 1 year is the Class C, looking for short length 23 - 24 foot. Seems that the majority of manufactures in the 23 - 24 foot length are building on the chevy workhorse with the 6.0. We would be looking at used units in the 2000 - 2006 model years.
If you're aware of the "critical factors" of GVWR & GCWR, then you should be aware that many times the towing capacities listed by the RV manufacturer's are based upon the hitch rating, NOT the actual chassis ratings. That can be a slippery slope as some RV manufacturer's won't warranty any chassis work if you tow above THEIR rating, even if you are within the chassis manufacturer's rating.
So, that said, you need to know the actual, loaded-to-travel weight of any potential RV you're looking at and then determine if adding the weight of the CRV will keep you below the GCWR. I would STRONGLY recommend that you have a competent frame shop check the rear frame rails & hitch IF you plan on towing above the RV manufacturer's ratings. While warranty won't be the issue on a used rig, safety certainly will be.
Lastly, check to make sure you have an accurate weight for the CRV. I think recent models are heavier than the 3,500 lbs. you listed. Remember you also have to account for tow bar & tow plate weight, lights, braking system and if you plan on carrying any cargo (for instance firewood or tools) in it.
Good Luck,
~Rick
2005 Georgie Boy 3625 DS on a Workhorse W-22 (Class A)
Rick, Gail, 1 girl (12-Angel), 1 girl (7), 2 boys (8 & 5), 1 plump Golden Retriever.
2001 Honda Odyssey with Demco Aluminator tow bar & tow plate, SMI Silent Partner brake controller.
I guess what I really wanted to say is that it appears that the Chevy Workhorse chassis with the 6.0 does not have high enough GCWR for a 3,500# dingy (flat 4 towing) when you factor in the C's GVWR.
If there are any 23-24 ft C's that have the capacity I'm looking for I have not found them.
I would be interested in hearing from owners of Chevy / Workhorse 6.0 based C's that are towing a CRV (07 -08 CRV) as to what make and model they have.
The 07 -08 CRV LX 2wd base model has a curb weight of 3389 according to Honda.
our crv is all wheel drive , question is , is it ok to tow a AWD car ?? had a problem one time and the tow truck had to call for a flat bed truck .said you can;t tow awd drive cars. I don;t no.
You cannot tow any AWD car on a dolly. Some can be towed 4-down.
GCWR of the GM/workhorse class C chassis is 17,600 (old 8.1L was 19,000) vs. 20,000 for the Ford V10 and diesel.
The 8.1L was a rare chassis, and did suffer from heat-related issues when running heavy. I suspect those problems may be part of the reason that motor was dropped from the van chassis.
Bryan
2000 Ford E350 DRW Wagon (14-pass all captains chairs)
V10 w/ Banks PowerPack, Diablo Predator, 4.56 LS, 230,000+ miles
Had: Weekend Warrior 41' FSW (still looking for its replacement)
Quote: our crv is all wheel drive , question is , is it ok to tow a AWD car ??
In some cases yes, and in other cases no. Go to the Dinghy forum with questions like this for the best response. For a cr-v, just search the forum first, because there's already a lot of info that's been posted.
midnightsadie wrote: our crv is all wheel drive , question is , is it ok to tow a AWD car ?? had a problem one time and the tow truck had to call for a flat bed truck .said you can;t tow awd drive cars. I don;t no.
Yes you can flat tow your CR-V. There is a section in your owners manual with the procedure to follow before you tow. It is quite simple, start your engine, put transmission in each gear and return to neutral, turn engine off.
2004 Minnie 31C
2007 Honda CR-V Toad
2005 Nissan 350Z Toy
2 Mini Schnauzers, Ernie and Misty
I have an '05 CR-V that I am setting up to tow behind an 08 Dutchmen Express 23A on an 08 Chevy Chassis.
Weighed the CR-V LX on a CAT scale. With no one in it and 1/3 tank of gas: 3460 lbs. The dinghy towing guide states the curb weight to be 3201. The actual weight vs. published being 200 lbs more seems pretty typical so that should give you a starting point when looking at guides for curb weights.
My RV came with a 5,000 lb hitch and with full water tank, full gas tank, empty gray and black tank weighed and stocked with me (260 lbs :0 )everything I am carrying except food weighed 10,540 on the scale. With a GCWR of 16,000, I can add another 1000 lbs of some add ons and weight of towbar and base plate and a wife and kid and be within GCWR. An example of a "24'" (its actually 25.5") C on a Chevy.
I have an '05 CR-V that I am setting up to tow behind an 08 Dutchmen Express 23A on an 08 Chevy Chassis.
Weighed the CR-V LX on a CAT scale. With no one in it and 1/3 tank of gas: 3460 lbs. The dinghy towing guide states the curb weight to be 3201. The actual weight vs. published being 200 lbs more seems pretty typical so that should give you a starting point when looking at guides for curb weights.
My RV came with a 5,000 lb hitch and with full water tank, full gas tank, empty gray and black tank weighed and stocked with me (260 lbs :0 )everything I am carrying except food weighed 10,540 on the scale. With a GCWR of 16,000, I can add another 1000 lbs of some add ons and weight of towbar and base plate and a wife and kid and be within GCWR. An example of a "24'" (its actually 25.5") C on a Chevy.
Thank you for the information
This is the type of feed back I need to put together my list of Class C's that will work for us.
So there are Class C Rv's built on the 3500 chevy chassis with the 6.0 that have enough capacity for a 3,500# dingy flat 4 towing. I will add the Dutchman Express 23A to the list.
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