Community Forums

vito.a · 05-20-2019, 11:03 AM

Our first diesel motor home was 34' that we purchased just to stay under the 65' limit with our 28' enclosed car trailer. This was a mistake. The only state I've seen someone pulled over for length was CA and then they were running 80mph. (The CA speed limit is limited to 55 when towing.)

My advice: Purchase the motor home you like and fits your needs and forget about the length. But, obey the speed limits.

Also, I think you need to focus on engine torque rating. 1000 ft lbs minimum, 1200 is better, and anything over 1500 ft lbs is great. There are some exceptions.
Hope this helps!

tgsmith4845 · 05-20-2019, 02:14 PM

We have a 2018 Thor ACE 30.4, 18,000# Ford F53 chassis with a Triton 6.8 liter V10. 460 lb-ft of torque, 8000# tow capacity, 500# max tongue weight. We tow a 24’ enclosed ATC dual axle trailer that weighs 6000 lb with the race car in it. 57’ total length. I’ve towed >7000 miles so far with no issues. Tows like a dream on flat, up and down mountains, very windy conditions, terribly bumpy roads. No issues. Even in California, the most restrictive state in our wonderful country.

Tim

l1v3fr33ord1 · 05-20-2019, 02:40 PM

Tim ("tgsmith4845")-

First off, welcome to iRV2!

Second, you should add a "signature" to your profile. It contains whatever info you want; most people put info about their coach there, so they don't have to type it into each message. Instructions for adding a signature are here.

For your Thor:

- what is the tongue weight of the trailer when loaded?
- what is the combined weight of both coach and trailer when both are loaded?
- have you weighed them on a scale?

Imwold · 05-20-2019, 03:57 PM

VITO.a

I recently purchased a used DP and the torque numbers you are quoting where not all that common - granted at least not in my price range.

I was glad to find 860 Ft Lbs with only a 38% drop across the RPM range.

Most others with the Cummins had 660 ft lbs or something like that. I read you can re flash the cummins to get 800.

tgsmith4845 · 05-20-2019, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by l1v3fr33ord1

Tim ("tgsmith4845")-

First off, welcome to iRV2!

Second, you should add a "signature" to your profile. It contains whatever info you want; most people put info about their coach there, so they don't have to type it into each message. Instructions for adding a signature are here.

For your Thor:

- what is the tongue weight of the trailer when loaded?
- what is the combined weight of both coach and trailer when both are loaded?
- have you weighed them on a scale?

I load the trailer to keep the tongue weight at 450-500 lbs
Combined weight is usually around 20,000 lbs (GCWR = 23,000 lbs)
Yes

l1v3fr33ord1 · 05-21-2019, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tgsmith4845

I load the trailer to keep the tongue weight at 450-500 lbs
Combined weight is usually around 20,000 lbs (GCWR = 23,000 lbs)
Yes

Thanks for the info!

vito.a · 05-21-2019, 08:52 AM

A factor in the amount of horsepower/torque required is where you live and travel. If you are out west with mountains and 120 degree days, it requires more power to pull a trailer than it does up and down I-95 on the east coast.

porchracer · 05-21-2019, 08:02 PM

I'll share my story and thoughts. I started with a 30ft 4 winds class c with a 8.1 chevy engine with the 4l80 trans, Had all the power one could ask for. I pull a 28ft enclosed trailer, with a 3000 lb race car, tools, air compressor,and other misc needed items, Had the frame re enforce with 3/8 c channel from rear axle to rear of coach, towed like dream, but on exit ramps with gravel or sand steering wasn't there, Front wheels would just skid. Had air bags installed on rear and would help level but still steering at times was questionable. then noticed the bath room door hard to open, out side coach door hard to close, crank the trailer tongue up taking the wt off doors worked fine so the coach was bending and would distroy the coach. Went with a Super C on the international chassis with 10,000 hitch towing cap 10,000 lbs with a CGVW of 33,000 lbs. Wt of motorhome with 140 gal fuel, 150 gal fresh water full L.P tank stocked with food and cloths 2 adult (500)lbs was 21,000. total wt with motorhome, trailer loaded ready to go racing total CGVW 32,670 lbs. Motorhome is 34ft long, 28 ft trailer with 5' tongue total bumper to bumper is 37'7". No lettering on trailer. Stay in the right lane unless passing don't try and run in the left passing everyone and I've never been pulled over. travel in states that have 55' length limits I just drive like I'm not really in a hurry and obey the speed limits and enjoy my trip to and from. Just info. Oh the reg class C and some of the class A. just because they will pull. it doesn't make them safe also I fail to see how the trailer toads increase the towing capacity and the braking on the coach will not meet stds. wouldn't want to be involved in an accident and have the insurance co check the tag stating what towing cap was or the CGVW and how much over on all was.

calendarboy · 05-22-2019, 06:06 PM

What is the length limit? Wondering since I am looking at getting an enclosed car hauler for my classic car.

Crasher · 05-22-2019, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calendarboy

What is the length limit? Wondering since I am looking at getting an enclosed car hauler for my classic car.

65 feet in most states, however, I along with dozens if not hundreds of RVers have been running with 70-80' lengths for years with no problems.

Milford 47 · 05-23-2019, 11:29 AM

More than 100 45 foot coaches come into Branson each year for the classic car auction with enclosed car haulers. No issues other than parking space for the trailer and most have that arranged ahead of time. They scatter out over the dozen or so camp grounds in the area. Coming from all directions they navigate various highways and many come great distances.

Shawn6596 · 05-23-2019, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Imwold

VITO.a

I recently purchased a used DP and the torque numbers you are quoting where not all that common - granted at least not in my price range.

I was glad to find 860 Ft Lbs with only a 38% drop across the RPM range.

Most others with the Cummins had 660 ft lbs or something like that. I read you can re flash the cummins to get 800.

You have to keep in mind not all cummins are alike. there are the small cummins similar to what is in a dodge truck, and there are the commercial cummins like mine. it's an 8.3