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Tow_easy's avatar
Tow_easy
Explorer
Sep 09, 2015

Class A towing recommendations

I am looking for recommendations for a reasonably powerful diesel motorhome that can easily tow a 7000 lb enclosed race car trailer through the mountains and has decent sized water tanks for a family of 4 to stay at a track for 3 - 5 days. I prefer something less than 30' but can't find one that can tow more than 5000 lbs. There are nice rigs with 10,000 lb towing capacity, but they are so opulent I would be embarrassed to be seen with one at the track. Are there any manufacturers that build practical, simply furnished Class A tow vehicle under 35' with a big fridge, decent shower, sleeps 4 and tows 10,000 lbs?

17 Replies

  • You don't say new or used. There are older 34-36 DP's out there, but were not typically built to sleep four, unless you want the kids on a sofa or dinette. Newer coaches are now more accommodating and offering bunk house models.

    My sister has a 2004 34' Itasca Meridian with a 350 Cat. It's rated to tow 10K.

    Here's something to think about. You're talking about using it at a track, which means boondocking since you're looking for a large water tank. Many of the older/smaller DP's used a propane generator, instead of a diesel. For me, that would be deal breaker.....they're loud and go through their small propane tanks quickly. Stay with a diesel generator.
  • Your issue will be sleeping four. Look for a forty foot coach like a Foretravel with two couches. It has 200 gallons of fuel, 110 gallons of water a genset and will tow 10K. You can fond a joke slide version pretty cheap or a one slide 01 for a little more. I can stay out two weeks boondocking in mine so a weekend is not an issue.
  • Our previous coach (2008 34' Safari Simba) with a 330hp CAT C7 and 10,000 towing capacity) would fit your requirements.
  • As mentioned the chassis length limit is a show stopper. If you move up into a 36' coach there are several available from different builders. In general you're going to need something with an Cummins ISC engine coupled with an Allison 3000 series transmission to get the towing capacity needed. You'll also need to do a bit of math home work to insure any coach you have your eye on has the available capacity to meet your towing needs.

    If you go back eight years or so the shine of the opulent does wear off some and the coach price might fit your budget. I've always liked the Tiffin Phaeton line and a 2008 or so 36QSH might fit your wants and needs. The other major builds should have something very similar on the same chassis.
  • You need to be in the +40 foot range to get what you're looking for. A super C is a good idea...
  • I think your size limit is the problem. The chassis for the smaller MHs are just not as common and not built with the same strength for heavy towing. The suggestion of a Super C may be your best choice.