RV as tow rig?

nuthinfancy

nuthinfancy

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Mar 29, 2008
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I'm moving into a 40' Winnebago, 8.1 L Vortec, Allison 1000 5 speed, and am wondering if anyone here has had any experience using something like this as a tow rig? I know flat hauling is an option but I have been known to brake a thing or two on the trail and having my 19' trailer has been real handy. Would sure be nice to "camp" in the RV rather than the van I have been using to tow with.
I'm still in MA but will be moving to NC the end of Oct. I'm not familiar yet with the roads, trails, parking situation down there yet.
Any help/ insights would be greatly appreciated
 
Whats the GVRW vs current weight and tow rating on your RV? That will help determine how well it all tows performance wise..

I wouldn't be afraid to use a dolly with a tow vehicle that size. Maybe use a break buddy if needed. That might help keep your overall size/weight down and still give you the ability to get 1 axle off the ground. Depending on what your driving you could just carry a spare hub/unit bearing etc..

Get ready for some 6-7 grades to make some of the more distant spots. Harlan/Tellico etc..
 
I'l l have to find out the capacity from the manufacturer. The RV currently has a Blue Ox rig for towing a car. Maybe I'll dump the trailer and use this for awhile. Put the money towards some Dynatracs and I won't have to worry so much about it. Cut out the trailer insurance and extra gas and it'll be like I'm makin money!
 
Get a trailer. If you play hard, there's oh-so-many things more than just axle shafts that can break.
 
Your RV insurance should have a rider policy in it to cover a trailer, and whatever is on it. The policy will cost the same with/ without the trailer portion. Also, make sure your policy covers liability if someone falls out of it while you are camping. It should cover medical bills as well. I use progressive and have been very happy with them. I tow with a 38' diesel pusher, trailer, and toyota 4-runner. I can't win any races, but I get 8 mpg pushing it and 10 mpg taking it easy. Rich covered it though. If you play hard, get a trailer. Watch your GVWR with the trailer, tanks full of fuel, water, etc...
 
Hmmm- Max tow capacity of the MH is 5000, My heep is supposedly 3075, and the trailer is 2000. Probably be fine on highways but in the hills?

I've been towing with a GMC 1500, 6 cyl. On the highways it's "ok" but in the hills it's "pass the pampers" time
 
I'm suprised the capacity is only 5000 on a 40' Winnie. I occasionally borrow my parents 34' Damon with a triton v-10 gasser and it does the job farily well. I think it's capacity is 10K lbs and it handles my jeep on a 16' dovetail trailer with electric brakes and it pulls and stops pretty good. Sucks the gas down, but it beats a tent.
 
I got two buddies out in WA State that tow with 32 and 36 foot early 90's bounders. Both with 454's. One tows an 18' flatbed with his jeep the other tows a 24' enclosed with a 4 seater buggy and 2 quads.

I would use a trailer.

I would also install an additional tranny cooler.

my .02
 
I was pretty surprised at the capacity as well. This thing has so many options that the vehicle weight is probably pretty high. I'll probably tow with what I have when I move south and see how it goes. Maybe look for a smaller trailer when I get down there.
 
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