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jvcouch's avatar
jvcouch
Explorer
Sep 14, 2016

A novice's question about towing a car behind a Class C

We are new to having an RV and are in the process of taking delivery on a 2017 Winnebago Fuse. We are interested in taking a car along on trips and have been looking at various sites concerning options for the toad. The GCWR for the Fuse is 13,500 pounds and the GVWR is 10,360 pounds so if I understand what I have read, this leaves a Tow Rating of 3,140 pounds. At this point we have a 2011 Ford Escape and a 2013 Subaru Impreza. I am afraid the curb weight of both of these cars might stretch the limit on the Tow Rating. Ford curb rating 3,268-3477 and Subaru curb weight from 2911-3087. Am I correct in this? Further, I have read about reported problems with flat towing a Ford Escape although the reports are mixed. I don't want to tow a vehicle only to arrive at a destination with a fried transmission! Further, I believe the Subaru has to be dolly towed and then we might get into a tow rating weight problem. I am open to any and all suggestions and thanks to all for your time and advice in responding to this very green RV novice.
  • azdryheat's avatar
    azdryheat
    Explorer
    Sep 14, 2016
    janstey58 wrote:
    I tow a 2012 Ford Escape with no issues, however I did have to lower my tranny fluid level (Ford garage did it for me) to a specified level, cannot go over 65mph and have to cycle the tranny in D and R alternately for 5mins before we depart. A little extra work, but we love our Escape. Check the owners manual as others have said.
    What in the world does cycling the tranny for 5 minutes and lowering the tranny fluid level do for you? Never heard of that.
  • janstey58's avatar
    janstey58
    Explorer
    Sep 14, 2016
    I tow a 2012 Ford Escape with no issues, however I did have to lower my tranny fluid level (Ford garage did it for me) to a specified level, cannot go over 65mph and have to cycle the tranny in D and R alternately for 5mins before we depart. A little extra work, but we love our Escape. Check the owners manual as others have said.
  • darsben1's avatar
    darsben1
    Explorer
    Sep 14, 2016
    The GVWR is with the camper FULLY LOADED for travel plus the weight of all passengers and any water you will have in the tanks. SO what is the dry weight of your new fuse.
    The dry weight subtracted from the GVWR will tell you how much payload you are allowed.
    The GCWR is the combined weight of the FUSE and what you are towing.
    I THINK you will not be able to tow either vehicle and will be way OVER the GVWR when loaded for a trip.
    Ask the dealer what the dry weight of the FUSE is if he will not tell you call Winnebago
  • Bumpyroad's avatar
    Bumpyroad
    Explorer
    Sep 14, 2016
    read the owners manual for both vehicles to see limits/requirement, etc.
    bumpy
  • Bobbo's avatar
    Bobbo
    Explorer II
    Sep 14, 2016
    No Subaru can be dolly towed!!!!!!

    A Subaru can be flat towed if it is a MANUAL transmission.

    An automatic transmission Subaru can ONLY be towed 4 wheels up on a trailer.

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