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upmm019's avatar
upmm019
Explorer
Nov 14, 2021

Class C - with ability to tow

Exploring doing a year-long RV adventure and was hoping to get some advice on a Class C.

It would be myself/wife/two medium sized dogs and our Jeep Grand Cherokee.

So I need something that will not break the bank but will give us room and ability to tow. I have no RV experience - once had a travel trailer but that was the extent. I have never driven a large RV.

Looking to explore the southwest during winter and northern parts off-winter.

I still work (telecommunte) so most likely staying at places weeks at a time. So also curious to know if there is a website/forum, etc that points out some of the great places to stay with good wifi/amenities etc

Thx -

14 Replies

  • I agree with the comment recommending renting a couple of Cs before you buy to decide on a floor plan and with being very careful about CCC and the C maximum tow weight. Do it once carefully.
  • Any E450 motorhome will pull you jeep.

    There is a huge variation in Cargo Carrying Capacity so it might not hurt to start figuring what you might need to pack for long trips, and this might limit the max size unit that will work for you, since larger = less CCC.
  • For starters, your Grand Cherokee is likely somewhere around 4500 lbs. (check your stickers/manual)

    Most "C"s are on Ford chassis with pre 2020 being a 6.8 V-10, and the newer having the 7.3 V-8.
    2016 and older will have the 5 speed tranny, newer has the 6 speed.
    General reviews are that the 6 speed is a major upgrade.
    Most will have a 5000 lb tow cap, with a few offering 7500.
    Either drivetrain is capable of what you are looking at.

    As to the C itself, floor plan is your first major concern, determine what types of spaces you need. Separate rear bedroom etc, If you plan on dry camping (Boondocking) tank sizes become important, anything over a 35 gallon black will last a couple weeks generally with anything under 50 gallons on the grey likely limiting you to a week or even less. Fresh will match your grey production but its pretty easy to carry extra fresh in a couple of 5 gallon totes/jugs.
    As to how where to travel, I'd suggest starting on Youtube, and then from the working on the road side check out www.Escapees.com they have a lot of discussions on their site covering much of that as well as membership gaining you some discounts on campsites.
    As to wifi, if good speed is needed for work, explore cellular data plans and their abilities, campground wifi is hit or miss, mostly miss. They will advertise it, but for anything beyond checking e mail and basic web surfing it often is inadequate.
    Hopefully this gives you some ideas of where to start.
  • Best to rent something and then tell us more about your preferences and needs.