Forum Discussion

Meechy's avatar
Meechy
Explorer
Aug 28, 2015

Towing Newbie

Hey All,

I'm brand new to this wonderful world and want to thank you all for all that you contribute to this site. I've learned so much and am so eager to continue to learn.

Now we just purchased a 2015 Coachmen Viking 17RD.
We are planning to do some cross country traveling and are looking for a Tow Vehicle.

What I'm wondering is if we need a V8 for our cross country trip in a 3705lbs CVWR trailer. We were looking at a V6 like a Pathfinder or something with a 6,000lbs tow capacity. After reading some posts I'm starting to wonder if we need a V8 to be on the safe side. We plan on getting a weight distribution hitch with sway and brake controls.

I appreciate your opinions and am sure the will help in our decision.

Thank you
  • Admin's avatar
    Admin
    Moderator
    Aug 28, 2015
    Please do not multiple post
    See thread running in Tow Vehicles

    Thanks
    Admin
    RV.net
  • RavensFan24's avatar
    RavensFan24
    Explorer
    Aug 28, 2015
    10-15% is the recommended tongue weight. So add say 500 lbs for that and you're right at 1300.
  • Meechy's avatar
    Meechy
    Explorer
    Aug 28, 2015
    Thank you!

    The brochure has the empty weight at 2847, and a GVWR at 3750. So you say we should be looking at 4750 as an actual weight.

    The car's payload is 1300.
    Passengers - 350
    Cargo -50? We travel extremely light and we'll have most of the cargo in the TT
    Hitch Weight- 390
    Tongue Weight - ? We don't have the TT yet and aren't sure the tongue weight

    So we're around 800 plus the tongue weight and we'll see where that compares to the 1300.
  • rbpru's avatar
    rbpru
    Explorer II
    Aug 28, 2015
    We pull a 6000 lb. 25ft. Dutchmen with an E-boost V6 in an F-150. It is rated at 356 hp.

    With the towing package and "Tow Haul" tranny option, it works just fine.
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Aug 28, 2015
    It's not so much about the number of cylinders as it is about the weight handling. Although, most tow vehicles that can handle a travel trailer do have 8 cylinders.

    What is CVWR when referencing a trailer? The trailer will have an empty weight, a GVWR, and will actually weigh somewhere in between. If that 3750 is a brochure weight, add 1000 lbs. when considering a tow vehicle. If you are thinking of a tow vehicle at the lower end of towing capacity, the vehicle's PAYLOAD rating will rule all. It is on a sticker located on the driver's side door jamb.
    The payload should not be exceeded by weight of passengers, cargo, hitch weight, and the tongue weight of the trailer.

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