towing strain

[mccoydetlef]

How much of a strain to tow a2008 Saturn vue behind a 1995 class a 35 ft 460 ford unit only has 28k and is perfect. Is it worth it to tow without putting a strain on it THANKS

[mccoydetlef]

ok thanks then what you sugest I tow need automatic

[STBRetired]

Even though you have a class 3 hitch, your MH is still rated for 3500 lbs. If you have the FWD version, you are 10% over the rated tow capacity. Can you get away with it? Probably. Will your engine or transmission blow up? Unlikely if they are in decent shape now. But Fleetwood derated the towing capacity for a reason. If you want to risk whatever failure Fleetwood anticipated with a greater tow load, then go ahead. I doubt that I would were I in your shoes.

[mowermech]

I used to have a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited, slightly modified.
I towed it with a Tioga Class C on a F350 chassis, 460 engine. I had a local welder reinforce the hitch. We went over the Continental Divide several times, no problem. As I have said, nothing bent, nothing broke, nobody was injured or died.
Then we got the coach in my sig. Again, no problems.
Then I got rid of the Jeep and bought a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 quad cab short box. We towed it, using a Roadmaster Stowmaster towbar. Again, no problems.
Then I wanted better towing capability, so I got the truck in my sig. I jhaven't tried towing it, because it weighs 7900 lbs. empty, and the Stowmaster is only rated for 6000 lbs.
If that was my rig described in the OP, I would have a known qualified fabrication welder inspect the frame rails and the hitch to see if it can be upgraded to tow the load, then allow him (or her) to do the upgrade.

[ScottG]

Given the age and design of the components (esp trans & cooling system) and original ratings, I would not.
I would find something much smaller like a Corolla or Civic.

[mccoydetlef]

ok guys understand have a class 3 hitch but here my question SHOULD I DO THIS TO THIS OLDER MOTORHOME PLEASE GIVE ME YOUR OPIONS thanks

[STBRetired]

2008 Saturn Vue FWD = 3825 lbs, AWD = 4325 lbs according to FMCA towing guide. Both are over the 3500 lbs rating on you MH.

[RLS7201]

Your 95 chassis was rated by Ford for a maximum weight of 17,000# and a towing capacity of 8,000#. Fleetwood derated the the towing capacity to 3,500# when they welded on frame extensions and added a 3,500# receiver. So the drive train would theoretically be OK with a total of 25,000# but Fleetwood messed that up with their frame extension and receiver.

Richard

[rk911]

that motor home likely has a class 2 hitch which likely is rated for 3500-lbs. find out for sure. beyond that you need to know the various actual weights and weight ratings of the MH and the weight of the vehicle you plan to tow.

the amount of weight you can safely tow will be the lesser of the following:

- the gross combination weight rating of the MH minus the actual weight of the MH as it is loaded and configured for travel

- the weight rating of your hitch

- the weight rating of your tow bar