Class C new RV'er here

[Community Alumni]

My wife and I are purchasing a "new" 2007 Itasca Impulse 31C Class C this weekend. We are really looking forward to camping with our 2 boys. I lived 9 months in a 40' Mountain Air Class A a couple years ago so I am not completely new to RV'ing. However, I was unable to take the bus anywhere. This Class C will be the first time I travel with an RV. On longer hauls, we will be pulling an enclosed trailer that will house our motorcycles.

We already have started a notebook with places we want to visit. To start we will stick close to Alabama but we have already "scheduled" a trip to South Dakota and the Black Hills.

We are looking forward to sharing our adventures and learning about the ins and outs of RV'ing from many of you. I've already utilized the search function and made notes of some great information. This looks like a good place for many different opinions and ideas.

Anyway, I just wanted to say Hi.

Chris

[Rovin__Bones]

Welcome to the life. Take those motorcycles to the hill country of west Texas and ride the Three Twisted Sisters. You'll love it.

[2001Fleetwood29]

After driving my 29 footer a short time I added a steering stabilizer and bilstein shocks. Big difference in handling. I have never towed but I imagine that these and a rear track bar would help out with drivabilty for you, especially when towing. Its all about remaining safe on the road.

[Community Alumni]

Jebby14 wrote:
side note: airbags and weight distributing hitches are not the same thing and do not preform the same task.

I agree. I like that there is an adjustable air suspension to help with the comfort of the ride but we will definitely be using a WD hitch for the amount of the weight we will be trailering. We will also make sure it has an anti-sway bar since the trailer is enclosed. Wind from those 18 wheelers will push me around too much for my liking.

I verified the maximum tongue weight for the hitch on the RV to be 500 lbs. I just calculated our tongue weight using one of the online tools and we are at 370 lbs. I still plan on purchasing a Weigh Safe ball mount so we can accurately calculate the hitch load before any road trips.

The maximum pulling capacity of the hitch is 10,000 lbs, so we are way under that but the bigger issue is the GCWR.

The GCWR of our rig is 20,000. We will be around 19,000 to 19,500 when pulling the trailer and fully loaded with people, dogs, and accessories.

[Jebby14]

side note: airbags and weight distributing hitches are not the same thing and do not preform the same task.

[Jebby14]

Look into payloads. this will be your limiting factor.

[Community Alumni]

Thanks Don and Kevin.

I am double checking the weights right now. I am calculating the weight of the trailer, two bikes, and other items that will be in the trailer. Right now we are looking at around 4,050 lbs for the trailer and all that will go in it. I'm concerned that will put the tongue weight around 400 lbs and our RV tongue max capacity is 350 lbs. I am looking at calculating the tongue weight but will invest in a Weigh Safe Ball Hitch to be accurate.

With both our bikes in the trailer, the weight is a bit more to the front. My wife's Spyder is centered over the dual axle but my 800 lb cruiser is completely in front of both axles.

The previous owner of the RV added an adjust air suspension so I won't need to buy a WD hitch to level the trailer.

The max hitch pulling capacity is 5,000 lbs. We have the Ford 450 chasis on the RV.

[ksg5000]

Many Class C (especially larger ones) come from the factory close to the max carrying weight. Not familiar with your rig but you mention you plan on towing... you might want to do some research on determining what your rig is really capable of safely towing and whether you need to spend some effort/money on reinforcing the frame. Just a thought.

[pianotuna]

Welcome Chris. I wish you well on your travels.