Forum Discussion

StephenB2556's avatar
StephenB2556
Explorer
Oct 21, 2014

Motorhome with towing capabilities - how do I approach this?

New to the forum (1st post), new to towing, but not new to RV'ing (did a 6wks 10,000mls round-trip cross-country to Alaska in a 21ft Toyota Winnebago)

Firstly, I don't have a motorhome yet, but I like a 1985 Winnebago Elandan. Let's assume for this exercise, it was already mine.

I know my Honda Fit (2500lbs) is towable and can/will be equipped with supplemental brakes. Secondly, I understand that 4-down towing adds no vertical weight other than the tongue weight to the Tow vehicle, so the GVWR is not affected. I also understand that the toad/bar is mass that needs to be braked and accelerated, so it adds to the GCWR.

Here's my problem: a 1985 Winnebago Elandan has a GVWR of 14,500lbs, the curb weight is 12,800lbs. The toad plus tow bar will be say 3,200lbs. Winnebago Industries is not specifying GCWR (at least I couldn't find a number), so where does that leave me in terms of legally towing the Honda?

The GCWR looks like 17,700lbs:
Toad with Blue Ox tow bar - 3,200lbs
GVWR Winnebago - 14,500lbs

Can somebody shed some light: does that sound right and is it legal?

Thanks, Stephen
  • timmac's avatar
    timmac
    Explorer
    Oct 29, 2014
    StephenB2556 wrote:
    timmac wrote:
    Honda Fit (2500lbs) flat towed behind a class A motorhome will be just fine and I see no weight issues, its only pulling the car not carrying the car, almost zero tongue weight..

    But a 1985 motorhome "motor and transmission" might have a problem with the extra pulling weight.


    That's exactly what I was afraid about! Can I get a rig like that to stop in an emergency situation? I guess not ... hence a need for supplemental brakes. Still leaves the problem of (surely) being over the Mfg recommended GCWR. The insurance will have a field day if the worst happens, supplemental brakes or not. Maybe my dream ends here and back to a TT or Fiver it goes. I always liked the Airstreams but they also demand a well sized tow vehicle.


    Weight is not the issue as to the class A, I was referring to the old carburetor motor and transmission can it handle more towing weight, you can by installing headers, performance carb and a stronger torque convertor in transmission, it can be done.

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