I know the tow vehicle post has been debated, how about tow motorhome?

T

TRNDRVR

NAXJA Forum User
Location
Utah
I think this is the year I'm going to get something to tow my rig with. Most of the times I go wheeling at a far away place, I'm always by myself. The wife doesn't like to wheel and doesn't want to sit around camp while I'm out for the day.

I've been thinking of getting a one ton van and making that into a camper/tow rig, but then it would just be me using it. I also thought about getting a truck to tow with, again it would be the same thing, only me using it.

So...I was thinking about getting a used motorhome to tow with, and when I'm not using it as a tow rig, I can take the family camping in it and that way my everybody gets to use it and not just me.

For all of those that use motorhomes, what are you using, class 'A' or 'C', what year, and how do you like it and do you have any regrets?

Thanks in advance for the information, and maybe some other ideas that you might have would also be appreciated.

Thanks again,
Dan.
 
Here's a pic of mine http://community.webshots.com/photo/92943384/93292252DgIcoE
It's a 98, on a 97 Ford chassis with 460 and E4OD. I had the Banks installed, so it now tows the XJ as easily as it moved itself before. I have been flat towing, but now that my XJ is getting taller, the towbar angle is not ideal, even with the rear air bags set at high pressure. Ford rates the chassis for 26k GCWR, which should give me about 12k tow rating :rolleyes: , but Winnebago rates it at 3500, probably because the hitch is mounted to frame extensions. This may be the setup on many of the van based Class Cs, also. I know newer Winnebagos are rated for 5k, but don't know if that's due to upgraded hitch only, or frame extensions also. My ideal motorhome would be a diesel pusher, many of which have a 10k tow rating, but for now I'll be beefing up the frame extensions and hitch so I can do a trailer.
One other thing that kinda follows the whole frame extension thing. With those loooong rear overhangs, tongue weight must be kept relatively low
HTH :cheers:
 
Yo, train dude. What you will find is that with an A you can be about 4 ft shorter and get the same interior room as a C. I did exactly what your debating when my kids were littlle. Works out great. Just be sure to get enough motor to tow at least 5000lbs(trailer and XJ). Diesel is ideal but you will pay a lot more for a Diesel A vs gas. Years of age also don't count the same with used MHs as with regular vehicles. A lot of people buy them and use them very little. Not uncommon to find a 10 year old MH with only 30k. Tires and seals are an issue, maybe sun damaged interior, but vehicle wear and tear will be at a minimum. Fall is the time of year to buy, people don't want to store them for the winter. $30 to 50 per month will rent you a parking space around here if you don't have room at the house. If you buy one I will fly out and we can take a great wheelin trip. Maybe even invite that Seattle buddy of yours. Put a query together on EBAY and check prices for a while. There are deals out there to be had. Especially with gas prices going the way they are.

Let me know if you have any specific questions. I am in the market for an A in the next few years.
 
Thanks for the info guys.
I guess not too many people use motorhomes to tow their rig with. :dunno:
Thanks again,
Dan.
 
We use a 40' Newmar Diesel pusher to tow with. I affectionately call it the rolling palace. 40' is a little too long for some of the campgrounds and you have to pay attention to where you're going before you get there, turning around isn't exactly the easiest thing to do especially with another 18' of trailer behind you. Make sure you check out the tow rating of the vehicle you buy. It's also waaaaayyyyyy easy to overload the motorhome's gvwr without even knowing it. If you do get one, go as much overkill as you can. Also, when/if you get it, load it up with everything you would want to take with you on a normal outing and get it weighed. If you can find a local RV rally, a lot of times they'll have a set of scales there to help you displace your weight evenly. I'd definately go searching through as many of the RV forums you can find.
 
Rolling palace is an understatement on that coach. Your Dad showed me around inside at Moab. Most living rooms aren't that big or plush.

Paint me green with envy.....................until you pull up to the pump.
 
TRNDRVR said:
Thanks for the info guys.
I guess not too many people use motorhomes to tow their rig with. :dunno:
Thanks again,
Dan.
Click to expand...


I work at an RV dealership and I see it occasionally. I'd definitely say go w/ a diesel... preferably a pusher. If you're looking for something older, Winnebago's hold their value better than anything. Good luck!
Billy
 
Keith, that thing gets the same mileage my truck does when towing! Diesel is usually a few cents cheaper too. Why do you think I started bringing them with me, might as well pay the same fuel and still have all the niceties of home :wave:
 
A pusher is the only way to tow with a Motor home!

bus.jpg


:D

hinkley
 
I recently scored a 73 dodge class c motorhome for $400.00. Needed a rebuilt carb and some interior work; but it's gonna be perfect for towing the jeep to XJ Fest 2004. I'm usually a tent camper, but I think I can make the adjustment if I give it a little effort. There's a 360 in it and I'm hoping that will be enough to tow with. I'm glad I caught this thread; I didn't think to look for frame extentions, hitch capacity or tongue weight limits. Any cons to manual hubs on a D30 for flat towing?


Fore Wheeler said:
diesel, 37', 29k gvwr, $2100.
That bus is too cool. I'm gonna keep my eyes open to get one for me. (Duplication is the sincerest form of flattery!)
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
TRNDRVR said:
My neighbors would sh!t!!! :eek:
Click to expand...


I really thought mine would too, I live in a subdivision on the 'right' side of the tracks where the neighbors are a bit stuffy, no one has had a problem with the thing setting around, I'd bet that if it were a POS and yellow they may have issues, especially with all the jeeps commin and going and the bus in the driveway, I'm thinking that my neighbors aren't that bad.
 
Fore Wheeler said:
I really thought mine would too, I live in a subdivision on the 'right' side of the tracks where the neighbors are a bit stuffy, no one has had a problem with the thing setting around, I'd bet that if it were a POS and yellow they may have issues, especially with all the jeeps commin and going and the bus in the driveway, I'm thinking that my neighbors aren't that bad.
Click to expand...
I at least have to ask, where'd you score the bus?
Thanks,
Dan.
 
seanR said:
I wanted to do the school bus thing but Laura put the K-bosh on that.
Still don't mean I can't look for one and bring it home though, does it? :)
Click to expand...

Yea, right. Good luck with that one!!
 
TRNDRVR said:
I at least have to ask, where'd you score the bus?
Thanks,
Dan.
Click to expand...

I bought it from an individual, but he had just bought it from a silent auction that the schools in this area have when they sell their old buses.

They can be bought just about everywhere, I saw a 91 diesel 72 pass for sale today, $4000.

for those that want to do this keep in mind that there are basically two different buses, 66 passenger and 72 pass, I have the 72 and would highly recommend not buying a 66, you gain an extra 3 feet which is really needed if you intend to ever have a living area worth having. Right now I have 15' of bed area and about 16' of living area. And another thing, I think I've talked Bloose into not chopping his bus, I'd rather have the extra space and make a bedroom and a bathroom and trailer the jeep, however, the way I'm set up I can haul two jeeps which is nice when making long trips cuz you can get someone to help with the fuel expense and driving time.

Sean R, just buy it, she'll learn to love it. I remember talking to Kudzu and Kevin down to LBL a few years ago about wanting a bus, Angie put her foot down so hard it made the earth shake, now she loves it.
 
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