Forum Discussion

earthvibe360's avatar
earthvibe360
Explorer
Oct 09, 2014

used Class C and pull a vehicle behind. Need some insite

Hello

I'm looking into purchasing a Class C motorhome for my son and I. I'm a single mom, TIRED of high rent, always stressed about making ends meet. So until I meet my prince charming and get a home, A lot of folks in our area have bought school buses, converted a gospel bus! There are plenty of folks who will let me park for free, or for a small work trade. We do so much camping, and I make a living off of festivals and events. We believe in simple living. We home school and love community living. Anyhoo.. We want a decent sized Class C, with an overhead bunk and a back bedroom. I won't have to move it too much. I plan on driving from Asheville NC, to Florida for the winter, working, then heading back to the mountain in the spring, then pretty much staying in the area. I want to be able to pull up to the festivals I do, and not worry about hooks up. Some festivals we may just leave the RV, and just drive in the small suv, and use a tent. Soo I was looking at getting a Ford Escape Hybrid 4 x 4 because of the awesome gas mileage, and the ability to fit our vending gear and camping gear inside no problem... Soo What is the Deal with towing a car behind a RV? Does it need to be bigger to be able to tow? I guess a ford escape can be towed 4 wheels down? We are on a budget, so looking at a used RV, and used Ford Escape.. Also When taking an RV down the highway with a car in tow, what type of gas mileage do you get? Need to know how to budget moving the thing!
Class C
  • Hank85713's avatar
    Hank85713
    Explorer
    Oct 09, 2014
    setting up a towed can be expensive but it doesn't have to be. A lot of used rv's will have the tow bar already and if they dont, well craigslist will usually have them. You can find $900 towbars for 250 and under. The real task is the baseplate brackets, but if you do an expanded search you may be able to find in a different location and may have to travel to get them.. then there is the install process. Used brake systems are generally around $200 also.

    Anyhow, I am not sure the escape can be towed 4 down, so you may need a dolly, again able to be found on craigs list fairly cheap. If you do find an rv ask on this or other rv web sites for someone to come and help. Just looking for water stains may not be enough, plus you did not indicate how old you are willing to settle for. Moving west a little may find you some better prices, again check craigs list as there are many there usually. There have been some posts recently on what to look for, find them make yourself a checklist of sorts, figure out the tire codes etc. We had a chance to get a nice 1998 cl c for about 10K, but wife decided she wanted a slide out. SO that is something else to conside, with or without slides. There are some smaller A's with a separate bunk area that you might try and look at also, but most will have a breakdown couch instead. You again did not say the age of the boy involved. Lotsa little thing to take into consideration.
  • tjfogelberg's avatar
    tjfogelberg
    Explorer
    Oct 09, 2014
    I purchased a 27' Class C with the toad and tow package. It is very expensive to add the tow package so I recommend you look for a private party who is selling their rig as a package.

    The Ford V10 can easily handle a toad (Honda CRV, Ford Escape) as long as the RV (chasis) isn't overloaded. Expect about 8.5 MPG.

    You are wise to think ahead and budget as you say. Unexpected costs can be a deal breaker.

    Stick with a Class C - easier to drive and as you already must realize, the bed over the cab is a big benefit missing in most Class A.

    Do a thorough inspection. Walk away from obvious problems like water damage or a unit in poor general condition. Ask the seller if you can take it into a mechanic and get an inspection done. A used RV will require things like new tires, maintenance, etc. Look inside all the cabinets and storage compartments. Look for water damage, stains, unusual dirt or wear. Don't be afraid to walk away from an RV that doesn't feel right. Ask for maintenance records and try to find one for sale by the original owner, not one that has been through 2 or 3 owners. Good luck. This forum can be a great resource for you.

About Motorhome Group

38,707 PostsLatest Activity: Feb 18, 2025