Community Forums

bettertogeth · 03-17-2015, 10:34 AM

I am looking at a 36' Winnebago Journey in the 2002-2005 range. The standard engine is the 300hp Cummins with the 5spd Allison transmission. Max towing is listed at 5000lbs. I will be towing a 2007 Honda Pilot four down (already know about the issues with that) that weighs 4300. Add about 300 lbs in kayaks, bikes and misc gear and we are getting to 90+% of maximum. I know the optional engine for that time frame was the 330hp Cummins with the 6spd Allison that raises the towing to 10,000. Thoughts?? Thanks

Doggy Daddy · 03-17-2015, 10:37 AM

Just be sure you have a toad braking system.

Easyrider · 03-17-2015, 03:43 PM

I don't know much about the Journey, but if you can find one with the optional engine that ups the towing vs the standard with a lower towing ability, I'd get the optional engine, all other things being equal. You'll get about the same miles per gallon no matter what engine you get, but having the extra power and towing ability is something you'll always be glad to have.

ftodaro · 03-17-2015, 07:11 PM

I think the towing capacity has more to do with the hitch than the motor and trans. I have a 330 Cat with the Allison 6 speed. the hitch on it is rated at 5,000 lbs. I am in the process of having the hitch fortified up to 10,000 so i can pull my trailer. I have a friend with the exact same MH and hitch modification and he can no issues pulling 9,000lbs. The 5,000 hitch is just a bar running between the frame rails and is not that strong.

bettertogeth · 03-17-2015, 11:34 PM

Interesting. Good to know I can upgrade the hitch if I choose. What is the cost?

Dennis_K · 03-18-2015, 10:44 AM

Along with the hitch being under capacity I would be more concerned about the 2000MH 5-speed Allison transmission. All the Allison's under the 3000MH series have maximum GVW & GCW ratings that will apply. Look for a MH with a 3000MH series transmission.

Gordon Dewald · 03-18-2015, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dennis_K

Along with the hitch being under capacity I would be more concerned about the 2000MH 5-speed Allison transmission. All the Allison's under the 3000MH series have maximum GVW & GCW ratings that will apply. Look for a MH with a 3000MH series transmission.

Good information.

Installing a bigger hitch does not change the towing capacity of the MH. I talked to Winnebago when I ordered our coach. We were looking at 20,000 capacity. Winnebago would not up the capacity. Said it was a Freighliner requirement.

Mr_D · 03-18-2015, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Easyrider

I don't know much about the Journey, but if you can find one with the optional engine that ups the towing vs the standard with a lower towing ability, I'd get the optional engine, all other things being equal. You'll get about the same miles per gallon no matter what engine you get, but having the extra power and towing ability is something you'll always be glad to have.

That's usually the truth.
We went from a 2002 41', 34,000# (loaded) Dutch Star with a Cummins 350 (and Banks kit) to a 45' CC Magna 54,000# empty weight and 650 Cummins both towing our Honda Odyssey and the average fuel mileage is only about ½ mpg less so far.

Dennis_K · 03-19-2015, 10:03 AM

Increasing the capacity of the hitch only helps out the hitch, it does not change the towing capacity of the MH chassis. I had a 2003 Bounder Diesel with a 5.9 300hp Cummins and 3000MH Allison. Originally rated for towing 5000lbs. I discovered that my hitch was the limiting factor as it was rated for 5000lbs and the chassis was rated for 10,000lbs. I made a new hitch and towed a 7000lb trailer for 8 years, never had any issues with the combination.