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Newbienac's avatar
Newbienac
Explorer
Dec 05, 2013

Towing with a Class C and Mountain Grades

I'm convinced I'll be purchasing a 22-26' Class C in the very near future. However, knowing so little that I do about all of this RV'ing, I have a couple of questions I hope you can answer for me:

1. Are the smaller RV's adequately engine to tow a small Prius for example or must I look to a V8 or V10 engine to do so? What is the BEST considerations when looking at an RV to tow a car behind especially a smaller Class C?

2. I haven't seen much about mountain inclines but what I did scared me. Can a small RV maneauver mountain steep inclines, and what cautions should I be aware of when driving mountains, if any in a smaller Class C?

I've read enough to know that you 'old timers' can pick up the slack here in what I'm tryin to say.. And maybe there's nothing to be concerned about, but since I've not bought one yet, I'd like to hear your experience. Thank you in advance.

Beth
  • Desert_Captain's avatar
    Desert_Captain
    Explorer III
    Dec 05, 2013
    Most of the newer C's 23' or larger are capable of towing small toads and usually come with a Class IV Hitch. Many are rated to tow 5,000# and with the V-10 6.8L Ford or 6L Chevy you should have plenty of power. The Mercedes Benz Diesels while getting decent mileage lack the towing power of the larger block gassers. Met a guy with one who towed a small Jeep and he complained that the 6% grades were 35 to 45 mph with his flashers on. IMHO: If you cannot get up a 10 mile 6% grade at 50 or better you need more power or less load.

    Another consideration is the fuel capacity. If you are towing you will be giving up at least one mpg perhaps more and the gassers are pretty thirsty to begin with. Try to find one with a 55 (vs the 40), gallon tank. We have no need for a toad since our C is 24' and pretty much fits anywhere we choose to take it. :C
  • bikendan's avatar
    bikendan
    Explorer
    Dec 05, 2013
    i think it would help if you posted which Class C's you're thinking of buying.
  • Newbienac's avatar
    Newbienac
    Explorer
    Dec 05, 2013
    Unfortunately, I don't know which one I'll be purchasing. In the end it will be the one for the best price and lowest miles. (and now since the previous gentleman noted, a larger gas tank for mountain climbing!).

    So then --- since the 22-24' IS small enough to take pretty much anywhere, theoretically, if we went sightseeing for the day, or to Vegas, we really could park anywhere and I wouldn't necessarily NEED a car!!? I've been so transfixed on needing a tow you see, I havn't thought much about just leaving my camping spot and taking it with me. Hellooo
  • dodge_guy's avatar
    dodge_guy
    Explorer II
    Dec 05, 2013
    Virtually any Class C will have a V-10 if a Ford Chassis or a 6.0L if a Chevy. I would really consider a bit longer C, you will be much happier in the end while traveling or staying somewhere. and then I would definitely have a small toad to take with. even with a 24 foot C you will have a hard time finding parking in a highly traveled area! these are just my opinions, but I don`t want to see anyone spend the money and say later down the road "I wish I had gotten a bigger RV" It happens all the time!
  • rvten's avatar
    rvten
    Explorer
    Dec 05, 2013
    I pull a 4200# Ford Flex.
    Have made it to the west coast mountains no problem.
  • WyoTraveler's avatar
    WyoTraveler
    Explorer
    Dec 05, 2013
    Driving mountain passes is no problem if you just a few things in mind. Do not drive mountain passes in an RV like you do in a compact car that weighs 2500 lbs.

    Don't drive down any faster than you drive up.
    Let the engine hold you back.
    Use tow/haul i.e. cruise control control coming down
    When your speed build come down fairly hard on brakes to slow several miles per hour below desired speed then release the brakes.
    When you are a little under 40 mph you will feel the tow/haul really slow you down.
    I watch my RPM. When it gets up towards 5000 I brake hard to bring it down to about 3500
    Use your 4 way flashers to warn the crazy drivers you are going slower.
    DO NOT RIDE YOUR BRAKES.

    5000 ft pass is a piece of cake even in a gas rig.
  • Tiger4x4RV's avatar
    Tiger4x4RV
    Nomad
    Dec 05, 2013
    I have driven a small C (under 20 ft) for over 20 years, no toad needed. It fits into one parking space when I have to go to town.

    I drive many mountain grades, always have. Tiger has no problems going up or down. Pre-Tiger Toyota 4x4 Class C struggled to get up and over, and neither brakes nor transmission handled the down very well.

    Advice by prior poster about not going down any faster than you go up is great.
  • Snowman9000's avatar
    Snowman9000
    Explorer
    Dec 05, 2013
    The answer to both questions is that current small C's will be more than up to the task, and will likely be less hair-raising than bigger gassers.
    Mountains are intimidating to us flatlanders, but the small C is easier to handle than a bigger one, IMO. Once you do a couple mountains, you'll begin to get used to it. And, there is always a slow lane filled with trucks going 35 MPH or so. You can stay over there and take it easy. Won't be long and you'll be going around them.

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