Full Timing it? - 3 Kids, 2 Adults and a Chihuahuah

Regarding the Accord. 2005 was the last year that Honda says is okay to tow it 4 down if it has an automatic transmission.
There is a specific procedure that has be followed to keep the transmission from damage. It is at the bottom of this post.

Some people think that so many people didn't follow the procedure and had transmission damage that Honda stopped okaying 4 down towing. If that were true why would they still okay towing the CRV that has the same procedure that has to be followed? They say the transmission was changed and I believe it.
That being said some people say they are towing later model Accords with no problem. You pays your money and takes your chances I guess.

Whatever motor home you get make sure you get one with enough CCC or OCCC.
Most full timers find they need at least 1500 pounds of CCC per adult. You will need some extra for each kid but I don't know what that number is.
There is info below on CCC and OCCC (newer rating that can be converted to CCC by subtracting the weight of water you will carry and the weight of the people you will carry from the OCCC.

The CCC or the newer designation OCCC will be on a sticker somewhere in the motor home - usually in a cabinet or closet.

You can see the definition of CCC HERE, and OCCC HERE.
Scroll down to "2009 New weight label" and download the pdf file.


To get CCC subtract the weight of water you will carry and the weight of the people you will carry from the OCCC.

It is common to see CCC numbers as low as a few hundred pounds (even on diesel pushers) which means it would be overloaded for weekend trips and unusable for full timing.

We have 2800 pounds of CCC and would like to have 3500. We started with a 30 footer with no slides and after a year traded it in on a new 35 footer with two slides.


below is a letter I got from Honda.

"02/22/02
(all models except CR-V)

Dear customer:
Regarding your inquiry on towing your Honda or Acura automobile behind a motor home:
For your vehicle, the Owner's Manual advises against towing at more than 35 m.p.h or for more than 50 miles. However, this recommendation exists primarily because Honda has not conducted formal tests at higher speeds and for greater distances.
We are not aware of any particular problems being caused by motorhome towing of Honda/Acura automobiles with either manual or automatic transmission, so long as proper pre-towing preparations are made and the vehicle is towed at legal highway speeds.

Manual Transmission

When preparing to tow your vehicle, make sure the transmission is full of fluid. Do not overfill.
• Release the parking brake.
• Shift the transmission to Neutral.
• Turn the ignition key to the ACCESSORY (1) position to release the steering wheel lock. Make sure that the radio and all accessories are turned off.

Automatic Transmission

When preparing to tow your vehicle, make sure the transmission fluid level is full. Do not overfill.
If Honda/Acura automobile with an automatic transmission is towed with the front or all four wheels on the ground, you must do the following every day immediately before towing:
• Start the engine.
• Press on the brake pedal. Shift the lever through all the positions (P,R,N,D,2,1).
• Shift to D, then to N. Let the engine run for at least three minutes, then turn off engine.
• Release the parking brake.
• Leave the ignition switch in ACCESSORY (1) so the steering wheel does not lock. Make sure the radio and any items plugged into the accessory power sockets are turned off so you do not run down the battery.
If you travel more than 8 hours in one day (including stopping time), you must stop and repeat the above procedures.
NOTICE:
The steering system can be damaged if the steering wheel is locked. Always leave the key in the ACCESSORY (1) position to prevent damage to the steering system when towing behind another vehicle.
CAUTION:
Severe automatic transmission damage will occur if the car is shifted from reverse to neutral and then towed with the drive wheels on the ground.

NOTICE:

Improper towing preparation will damage the transmission. Follow the above procedure exactly. If you cannot shift the transmission or start the engine, your vehicle must be on a flat bed truck or trailer.

If you tow a Honda/Acura vehicle with automatic transmission, the fluid must be changed every two years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Although experience has shown that the Honda/Acura transmission and power train are capable of being "motor home towed", America Honda does not assume responsibility for any vehicle damage or liabilities incurred due to the towing device, towing vehicle, lighting hookup, or other towing equipment or towing procedures; any responsibility for these items is assumed by the owner/operator.
If you have additional questions, please call American Honda Motor Co. Inc. (National Consumer Affairs) at 800-999-1009."

FloridaKash wrote:
Well, I am not even sure where to start... we have a whole lot of work ahead of us.

We're really thinking about full timing it with the family. I can find remote work and we're thinking about running a business out of the RV as well to supplement income and not leave us with a single income string.

First issue we have is what kind of rig we want. Everyone says you should get a Diesel. Diesel's cost a whole lot more, but they can tow. We were going to TOAD my Accord but have decided that if we go up to a Diesel we want a 24' car hauler so we have more storage for stuff and can use it as a shop for the business. There are 5 of us, my wife and I and 3 kids... 12, 10, 8. If I get a gasser we'll Toad the Accord.


We're looking for something that has 2 bunks in it so the kids have their "area" in the motorhome. Thor seems to be the one with the beast floor plans for this. I have also thought about a Super C Diesel, especially if I can get 2 bunks and an overcab bunk too. Any suggestions on which would be best for our situation? The prices of the Diesel's are killing me though. I need to stay under $75K.

Are you going to 'travel' in your RV? Or park the RV in one spot permanently?

2oldman wrote:
... Fulltiming usually means retired and travelling around.

Not necessarily. But to the OP's questions, are you already experienced RVers? If not, I would highly recommend renting a Class A for about a month to see if you can all survive in it for extended periods. Do NOT treat it like a vacation, just plain old live and work in it.

Then think about how long you plan on fulltiming. Those pre-teens turn into teenagers and need more space and other teens to call friends.

You may want to ask in the specific forums for the type of vehicle you seek. Fulltiming usually means retired and travelling around.