DINGHY TOWING

Thanks for the input. Looking at a Ford E450, V10 as the base vehicle. Gross Combined Weight is 19500 with the vehicle being at 14500 (per the manual). Already looking at a add on transmission cooler and brake system. Will check out the brake system you mentioned.

Harley Guy wrote:
I am looking to buy my first RV. Front runner is a Class C with 5,000 lbs towing capability. I want to be able to tow my Jeep Wrangler Unlimited as a dinghy. Gross Vehicle Weight is 5450, Curb Weight is 4100, which do I use to determine if the MH can tow the vehicle?

Weigh the coach fully loaded and ready to go along with a people allowance. Subtract this weight from the rated GCWR. This is the max weight for the toad loaded.
Having said this, a good inspection of the hitch setup etc....will allow you to tow much more and if it's rating is limited by the transmission as in most cases, it may give you some problems on long 6% grades. If so, another 25% is to be gained, by limiting the speed to 25 mph in low gear for getting over the top. Otherwise the rig might go into limp mode and you'll be forced down to this speed anyway. Extra and/or larger tranny oil coolers and electric fans could help and a tranny oil temp. gauge would be a good investment as well.
We did 7200 miles with a good bit of it in the rockies this past summer in extreme heat for the most part and did pretty well. With flat and hilly terrain, I don't even know it's back there and it always runs strong anyway. Only burns another 1/2 MPG or so, with our 50mph cruising speed, too.
Whatever you do, make sure you have a good toad brake installed and wouldn't have any other than the READYBRAKE for simplicity, dependability and cost effectiveness. Again, just my HO and only worth what your paying for it.

Harley Guy wrote:
I am looking to buy my first RV. Front runner is a Class C with 5,000 lbs towing capability. I want to be able to tow my Jeep Wrangler Unlimited as a dinghy. Gross Vehicle Weight is 5450, Curb Weight is 4100, which do I use to determine if the MH can tow the vehicle?

Based purely on personal experience with towing my Jeep with a 1995 Tioga Class C with 460 Ford E350 chassis, I would say go ahead.
I also tow the Jeep behind our current coach.
I have no idea what mine weighs, but I would venture to say it is heavier than yours!

I am looking to buy my first RV. Front runner is a Class C with 5,000 lbs towing capability. I want to be able to tow my Jeep Wrangler Unlimited as a dinghy. Gross Vehicle Weight is 5450, Curb Weight is 4100, which do I use to determine if the MH can tow the vehicle?

Yep, you need either MH Mag's Towing Guide for your specific year, OR the Owner's Manual for your specific vehicle. We were toad shopping in 2006 and chose Corolla because it didn't have restrictions. I do know that Toyota moved the xB to a different platform over the years, and that could affect the recommendation.
Sounds to me like the manual transaxle doesn't rotate in a way that splashes oil around while it's being towed in neutral. So they want you to stop once in awhile and give the bearings a fresh oil bath.
The MH Mag list is only those vehicles which the Manufacturer says are towable and under what conditions they approve it. So barring clerical errors, you should be able to rely on MH Mag as you would rely on an owner's manual page.

I have the 2005 Dinghy guide. It says towable for that model with a 55 MPH limit and to stop every 200 miles and run the engine for 3 minutes.

That sounds like a PITA but if you already bought it.

To check the 2006 Scion in a Motorhome guide you would need to go back to the 2006 edition. Each edition only covers the current year and yes, a model's towability changes from year to year.

Like mentioned it's in the manual.

Look up under 'Recreational' towing they will show you either a picture of 4 down flat or a dolly or the words NO TOWING!:B

.

I've towed a 2011 Scion x/B over 19,000 miles without a single problem. Put it in neutral, turn key to unlock steering and take off. Towed it all day at 60+ MPH with no problems what so ever.