Class B RV: Conversion & Camper Vans/ Tips

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by D. on November 3, 2009 at 9:35pm

I'm wondering which Class B RV's are powerful enough to pull a trailer? How big of a trailer, etc. ?

Permalink Reply by John on November 5, 2009 at 6:34pm

D.
I have found some info online, and it seems that it is according to the engine size, torque, hp,rear-axle ratio and transmission type and whether it has tow-haul mode or not. Also how loaded in lbs. is the vehicle. You can find tow ratings for the different tow vehicles at trailerlife.com. And if there is a particular Class B you're looking at, you can inquire at the Manufacturers website.
By the way, I love Maine, as I taught summer camp at Camp Cobbossee near Augusta when I was in college in the 70's.
John Corbin
From Helpful Hints



TRANSMISSION W / TOW-HAUL
~ 305 HP @ 4250 RPM
~ 420 FT./LB. @ 3250 RPM
~ 3:73 REAR AXLE RATIO
~ 5000 LBS TOWING CAPACITY*
~ 5.4 L TRITON SEFI V8 ENGINE
~ 4 SPEED AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE
TRANSMISSION
~ 255 HP @ 4500 RPM
~ 350 FT./LB. @ 2500 RPM
~ 3:55 REAR AXLE RATIO
~ 2500 LBS TOWING CAPACITY*

Permalink Reply by D. on November 6, 2009 at 9:55pm

Thank you for the response and info, John. I am just becoming familiar with this aspect of having a vehicle. A teeny bit of what you said I read elsewhere. Don't know what it means yet, but It helps to be somewhat familiar this that you shared 'engine size, torque, hp, rear-axle ratio and transmission type and whether it has tow-haul mode '.

Are the specs above for a particular Class B vehicle?

Permalink Reply by John on November 9, 2009 at 9:00pm

When it comes to towing, torque in ft/lbs is more important than horsepower. The higher the Torque, the more you can pull, within reason. The Rear Axle ratio is also very important. The higher the number the more weight you can pull. Try to get a transmission with 5 or more gears. And make sure it has a transmission cooler. Tow-Haul mode prevents the transmission from jumping from one gear to the other so frequently. And the transmission shifts to the next gear as soon as it finishes the maximum RPM in that gears power curve. Tow Haul Mode is activated by pushing a button on the end of the gearshift. Another advantage is when you start to slow down, either by letting off the accelerator or braking it, downshifts to help slow the vehicle down using the engine compression.

Permalink Reply by D. on November 11, 2009 at 11:04pm

Thanks for the info. I'll have to get more familiar with this when I check out the different rigs.

Permalink Reply by David & Virginia Erlandson on January 20, 2010 at 10:42am

Here is the deal, Torque is important, but you need a good combination of horsepower and torque in order to acheive the max fuel economy and have the power to pull. Gearing is important to acheive this combination. I personally like more horesepower and lots of gears, as I have a 3208 cat with 10 speeds (I have a big rig). But I used to pull with a pickup and 5th wheel, I found in the Mountains here in the west, the smaller engine and less gears to choose from was not good for fuel economy and power. A little more horsepower with the right gearing is the route to go, and this should all be based on what you are going to pull, and where you are going to travel. If you stay on the flats, well you don't need as much as if you are going to pull the Rockies. Down shifting is important, and if you are using a bigger rig, make sure you have a engine brake, and maybe an extra driveline brake, these can all be purchased at your local heavy truck dealers. More important you must know your rigs weight, and size to avoid other problems, such as gas station roofs, or low bridges. My rig is strictly a freeway or large road rig.

Permalink Reply by John on February 12, 2010 at 8:55pm

Yep David I agree about torque and horsepower, and it all boils down with what you're pulling and where you're pulling it. My 08 Chevy Diesel 6-speed Allison, with integrated factory fifth-wheel and brake control works fine with my 11,000 trailer and I pull it across the Smoky Mountains two or three times a year and have never had a problem keeping up with 4-wheeler traffic. And you definitely need to know your rigs weight, not only total but hitch weight and truck weight. Sounds like you're pulling a real heavy trailer.

Permalink Reply by David & Virginia Erlandson on February 13, 2010 at 5:26pm

Yes, I pull a 45 foot 2 bedroom 2 large slide outs full laundry, Vacation Air 5th wheel, I also use a 220 inch wheel base ford 7000 , that is actually a motorhome by itself, with bathroom living space and small kitchen. It has a 3208 Cat, with a 10 speed manual transmission, and we pull the Rocky Mountains all the time. The real important issue with pulling and Torque and horsepower, boils down to where you are going to pull. If you stay on the flat lands, you don't need as much as if you pull the Mountains like we do.

Permalink Reply by John on February 14, 2010 at 2:19am

I was looking at your home page and I noticed that you were looking for a park in N. Minnesota. We worked as caretakers last year for Mississippi Riverwood RV Park in Otsego, MN. It's right on the Mississippi River. They have monthly rates and the lots are well kept and large. They are privately owned, but if you are interested, I can give you the address and contact info. It's between Minneapolis and Duluth.

Permalink Reply by David & Virginia Erlandson on February 14, 2010 at 11:36am

Yes, there is a pic or our rig, its 70 feet long. I would like to keep them hooked together, as the front unit provides all the support for the trailer.