Would you consider a Class C that was used to tow?

if you are worried about it I would tell the dealer to have the fluids changed before you sign the line

pnichols wrote:

Wear and tear of course afffects other things other than just the engine and transmission. The E450 would have had an easier time at towing than an E350: The E450 has bigger brakes, a lower range rear differential ratio, less transmission clutch slippage due to the lower range rear differential ratio, a larger diameter driveshaft, and thicker metal used for it's frame.

Shouldn't there be practically no transmission clutch slippage in any automatic transmission, regardless of load? The slip when starting up etc. is provided by the fluid connection in the torque converter; the clutches to shift gears or lock up the converter engage and disengage pretty nearly instantaneously, and should have minimal slippage and wear in general. I don't believe there's any maintenance schedule for them, nor have I heard of the automatics often requiring rebuilding due to worn friction materials (though I have no doubt that it could and probably does happen on rare occasions).

The clutch in a manual transmission is an entirely different beast, of course. I guess that may come into play with some of the Toyota class C's...but I suspect towing with them would be a patience and character building experience on any sort of uphill grade.

pnichols wrote:
How much wear and tear also is related to what chassis is under the Class C ... E350 or E450.

Wear and tear of course afffects other things other than just the engine and transmission. The E450 would have had an easier time at towing than an E350: The E450 has bigger brakes, a lower range rear differential ratio, less transmission clutch slippage due to the lower range rear differential ratio, a larger diameter driveshaft, and thicker metal used for it's frame.

Even if the Class C is on an E450 chassis, wear and tear also has to do with what size the Class C is due to raw weight. A large Class C that was used for towing would of course have placed more stress on all chassis components than a large Class C that was not used for towing.

If the Class C you're considering was around 27 feet, or less, and on an E450 chassis and had been towing only a small toad ... then probably it should be OK from an additional stress perspective.

Agree.
Not a deal breaker, but with caveats.
Without knowing the exact year/make/model of class C and the vehicle it towed, it's hard to say.
Towing is just simple math based on GVWR, GCWR, hitch rating, and weight of the towed vehicle, to name a few. The Ford V10 is/was considered an excellent option in the gasoline engines category for it's durability, and raw power. However, without knowing what it was being used in, and what it was pulling, anything is possible. No engine/transmission combination is immune from abuse, and that would include the Ford V10 combo.
If you can get the numbers and do the math, you'll know better if the towing was well with in the capabilities of the towing vehicle, or pushing the limits.

If you can do it, checking the condition of the ATF, then pulling the transmission pan and looking at the debris in the bottom along with a road test should tell you what you need to know.

Generally, burned fluid, excessive metal shavings with lots of soft clutch material combined with less than positive shifts or slipping in any/all gears should be of concern and a major deduct in the sale price should you decide to proceed. ATF leaks of any kind are a concern but not necessarily a deal breaker.

Chum lee

Not at all. Deal breakers for me are vehicles with no service records. The V-10 is powerful,reliable and paired nicely with the transmission. Friend has a V-10 in his pickup and tows a heavy trailer, truck has over 300K miles on it, runs smooth.

How much wear and tear also is related to what chassis is under the Class C ... E350 or E450.

Wear and tear of course afffects other things other than just the engine and transmission. The E450 would have had an easier time at towing than an E350: The E450 has bigger brakes, a lower range rear differential ratio, less transmission clutch slippage due to the lower range rear differential ratio, a larger diameter driveshaft, and thicker metal used for it's frame.

Even if the Class C is on an E450 chassis, wear and tear also has to do with what size the Class C is due to raw weight. A large Class C that was used for towing would of course have placed more stress on all chassis components than a large Class C that was not used for towing.

If the Class C you're considering was around 27 feet, or less, and on an E450 chassis and had been towing only a small toad ... then probably it should be OK from an additional stress perspective.

I always liked buying vehicles without a trailer hitch. That way I knew exactly what they towed, and how much they towed.
Brian

It would not be a deal breaker. I think it's safe to assume that most Class A & C units towed something at some point. That's why they come equipped with trailer hitch receivers, they're trucks, ready to tow.

If the rig is in good shape, the towing history would not bother me as the V10 Ford engine is well made and the transmission on Class C's with that engine can handle a towed small SUV with no problems. We have a 2005 Class C on a Ford chassis which has a slightly different transmission and have towed a Jeep Wrangler about 12,000 miles without any problems, our coach is still like new. If it's a good deal, go for it!

Not a deal breaker for me. I would probably have it serviced, maybe change the transmission fluid. Have the brakes checked and change the brake fluid and hit the road.

If you are really worried have the transmission fluid and engine oil analyzed.