Yay or Nay?

We routinely tow a 5K lbs modified Jeep Wrangler Unlimited behind our 23' (25' overall length) E450 class C with no problems. I notice a significant decrease in available power adding the Jeep behind the motorhome, but with our supplemental brakes I notice no difference in stopping. We seem to be able to pass all the big trucks (barely) on the big mountain passes of Colorado, and consistently get 6.5 MPG.

If you're not a patient person, a heavy toad might aggravate you out west. We don't mind as having the Jeep available for our destination 4x4 adventures is... priceless!

rk911 wrote:


your towing weight limit may very well be 5000-lbs but are you sure?

Yes, we are sure.

wbwood wrote:
Many probably already know our story. We have a 2013 32' Class C with a Ford V10 E50 engine/chassis. We had a tow dolly (and was fine with it). We started towing my toyota yaris and I traded it in on a ford focus. The focus was hit by another and totaled. I decided to not base my daily driver (70 miles/day to and from work) on a car that could be towed. Ended up with an automatic Subaru that can't be towed and sold the tow dolly. Anyway, my wife has a 2013 Ford Explorer. Weight in around 4500 lbs or so. The weight limit for our motorhome is 5000. Would you consider towing it (flat) behind the motorhome (with braking syustem of course)? Another possibility is that we could trade it in on something else, but if I can avoid having to do another deal, I would highly consider it.

your towing weight limit may very well be 5000-lbs but are you sure?

in general, the maximum amount of weight you can safely tow will be the lesser of the following:

• the GCWR (gross combination weight rating) of the MH minus the actual weight of the MH as it is loaded for travel (includes fuel, fresh water, food, clothing, people, pets, supplies, etc.)

• the weight rating of your tow bar

• the weight rating of your hitch

this is why it's vital to know what your MH weighs as it is loaded and configure for travel before choosing a toad. Your MH will not collapse if it is overloaded but you will experience handling issues as well as longer braking distances and accelerated wear on suspension, brakes, steering, etc.

and are you sure your Explorer weighs 4500-lbs? weigh it and be sure.

We towed a Buick LeSabre on a dolly behind our 2001 motorhome for over 25,000 miles. The combination weighed 4,250 lbs. Later we purchased a 2004 Jeep Wrangler and towed it 4 down. The Wrangler weighs 3,750 lbs. We didn't notice and difference between the Buick/dolly combination and the Jeep.

I have a 30ft. Itasca, I tow my wrangler which they say has a curb weight of 3760 to 4315 lbs. I have aftermarket bumpers and such so I would say it is on the heavier side.

I have a ready brake system and towing the Jeep I show no difference in fuel consumption. I went to Vegas 275 each way and got 7 to 8 mpg. I towed my Jeep to Vegas once

and got 7 to 8 mpg. Towed a 20ft. trailer weighing in at 5000lbs and got 5 mpg, same trip, coming from Vegas to Orange Ca. Flat towing has no effect on my motorhome that I

can feel other than minimal fuel consumption. BTW, when towingI rarely go over 65 mph. California is 55 speed limit, I stretch that to 62 using my cruise control. love it.

What does the Explorer actually weigh? Our Nissan pickup (midsize Frontier) is listed 3500 and weighs more like 4000. It tows fine, but we're almost always on nearly flat land. Still, I'd hate to pull 5000. You have the more flexible transmission so that's bound to help the towing seem more user friendly.
For where you're located, I'd guess you could manage. For western mountains I think you'd be miserable towing or driving Explorer independently.