Toad vs Motorhome

Now that I have your attention I got to thinking of toad vs MH hp.
Does it matter what the toad weighs if you stay under your total weight limits on coach, tow bar, hitch ect with the engine of the MH. Confusing?
Expl:
toad-4000k
engine- 300hp diesel 680 torgue
coach- 38'
All weights under total gvw's.

Now the question is does this engine have enough guts to pull this coach and toad? What type of formula do you use when figuring out toad weight to coach HP and torque.

Derek aka Mindcandies

Now that I have your attention I got to thinking of toad vs MH hp.
Does it matter what the toad weighs if you stay under your total weight limits on coach, tow bar, hitch ect with the engine of the MH. Confusing?
Expl:
toad-4000k
engine- 300hp diesel 680 torgue
coach- 38'
All weights under total gvw's.

Now the question is does this engine have enough guts to pull this coach and toad? What type of formula do you use when figuring out toad weight to coach HP and torque.

Derek aka Mindcandies

[IrishBear]

Well if that 300 Cummins don't have the gut's to handle the coach and toe the toad it's time to get a smaller toad or as Tim the Tool Man would say IT NEED MORE POWER.

[RV Wizard]

I recall someone saying that you need 10 hp for every 1000 lbs of weight. Example 35,000# rig would need a 350 hp diesel. Not sure what a gas coach would need. I am sure it is all in how it is geared too.

[Gary RVRoamer]

WHen you are rolling along on a flat highway, the only horsepower you need for the toad is to overcome its tire rolling friction and perhaps some wind resistance (depending on just where the toad sits in the "draft" behind the motorhome). Weight doesn't have much efect there. But when you come to a hill, you are lifting that extra weight up the hill and it does make a difference. It's the same as if that weight were inside the motorhome.

The 1 HP per 100 Lbs rule of thumb is a traditional one, but its a very vague standard. Gearing, transmission, tire type, streamlining (airflow) and your own perception of what is "good perfromance" can vary that widely. Most people think more is better, though!

[Lug_Nut]

I'm sure it will do okay, just not the fasest rig on the road and over the hill. The 1 HP per 100 lbs. is optimum using the CGVW (motorhome and toad included). But this by no means says you can't do with less. It's just going to effect your performance more.