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RogerG2012 · 02-17-2018, 06:37 PM

Need information on the class C Ford F450 6.8 L 305hp motorhome. I'm considering downsizing to a class C but I'm concerned about towing a Honda CRV in mountains or steep grades. I've been told it struggles on steep grades.

JumboJet · 02-17-2018, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RogerG2012

Need information on the class C Ford F450 6.8 L 305hp motorhome. I'm considering downsizing to a class C but I'm concerned about towing a Honda CRV in mountains or steep grades. I've been told it struggles on steep grades.

Anticipate the incline early, down shift (you have lower gears), and keep RPMs up.

I just downsized to A Class C E450 with V-10. I think it will do fine and just make a lot more noise.

I towed a Honda Accord with the 300 HP Cummins that weighs 60% more than my Class C. I anticipated inclines early, down shifted the Allison, and kept the RPMs up. I think the same will work with the Class C, just not at 2,000 RPM

Charles L · 02-17-2018, 06:56 PM

I towed over 6000 miles last summer Virginia to California and back including the Rocky mountains. Not really an issue for me towing a Camry on a dolly.

A32Deuce · 02-17-2018, 07:07 PM

I have a 3100SS SunSeeker and tow an open car trailer with a 4x4 Escape on it from Jersey to Arizona and home through Colorado. E450SD.

Arch Hoagland · 02-17-2018, 07:30 PM

So you go slower up the mountains. Not a problem.

I go over a lot of mountains slowly, hasn't killed me yet.

Hgrace56 · 02-17-2018, 08:14 PM

If it's a newer Ford Tow/Haul more will be your best friend

99dart · 02-17-2018, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RogerG2012

Need information on the class C Ford F450 6.8 L 305hp motorhome. I'm considering downsizing to a class C but I'm concerned about towing a Honda CRV in mountains or steep grades. I've been told it struggles on steep grades.

From a quick search your CRV looks about 2-400 lbs heavier than our Ford Focus. I have never driven a diesel before. But, I am very pleased with the pulling power of our 32ft Quantum WS31. I had the V10 in our old 1998 Chateau with the 3 spd plus overdrive. It feels like this new one w/the 6 spd pulls better/less effort than the old one. I'm not one to putt-along 10-15 mph under the speed limit, either. Living in Central WA, I have nothing but mountain passes to go over to get to the ocean. Just be aware that the V10 needs rpm's and makes some noise pulling a hill.

baraff · 02-17-2018, 08:17 PM

Been towing our Subaru Impreza for the last three years, probably 15,000 miles. Hardly even know it's back there. We never had a problem going up Colorado mountain passes (Wolf Creek, Red Mountain and others), slower going than a DP I'm sure but the V10 handled it just fine.

RogerG2012 · 02-17-2018, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baraff

Been towing our Subaru Impreza for the last three years, probably 15,000 miles. Hardly even know it's back there. We never had a problem going up Colorado mountain passes (Wolf Creek, Red Mountain and others), slower going than a DP I'm sure but the V10 handled it just fine.

Thank you, I appreciate your response.

Quote:

Originally Posted by baraff

Been towing our Subaru Impreza for the last three years, probably 15,000 miles. Hardly even know it's back there. We never had a problem going up Colorado mountain passes (Wolf Creek, Red Mountain and others), slower going than a DP I'm sure but the V10 handled it just fine.

avfordguy · 02-17-2018, 09:16 PM

Buy the 5 star tune, best 400 bu ks you will ever spend, we tow a 2002 ford escape manual,dont even know its back there E450 SD loaded to max gvw ,yah 6-7% grades will slow you down went over indio pass in socal to havasu in110 degree heat never overheated WOT for miles! V10 Ford is bulletproof

RogerG2012 · 02-17-2018, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by avfordguy

Buy the 5 star tune, best 400 bu ks you will ever spend, we tow a 2002 ford escape manual,dont even know its back there E450 SD loaded to max gvw ,yah 6-7% grades will slow you down went over indio pass in socal to havasu in110 degree heat never overheated WOT for miles! V10 Ford is bulletproof

Thx

OLYLEN · 02-18-2018, 07:58 AM

Towing a 4runner and out pull many DP's towing on the hills. At 7000' or better you will be grunting over the top and the DP's will go by as the turbo is still giving them all but full power. down hill the choice of gear has held me good with little to no service brake needed. Don't expect any better fuel mileage than the DP an honest will be 7-7.5. I did downsize from a DP two years ago and am happy with my choice and we are out 3-4 months at a time, did the smaller RV so we could get into smaller sites.

LEN

RogerG2012 · 02-18-2018, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OLYLEN

Towing a 4runner and out pull many DP's towing on the hills. At 7000' or better you will be grunting over the top and the DP's will go by as the turbo is still giving them all but full power. down hill the choice of gear has held me good with little to no service brake needed. Don't expect any better fuel mileage than the DP an honest will be 7-7.5. I did downsize from a DP two years ago and am happy with my choice and we are out 3-4 months at a time, did the smaller RV so we could get into smaller sites.

LEN

Len, I appreciate your response.