Community Forums

grafxman · 07-13-2014, 03:26 PM

I've been towing my 2011 Ford Fiesta stick shift without any problems behind my Winnie Warrior 22' Class A, 454 Chevy, without any difficulties for a few years now. Now I'm looking to get a 4 door, 4WD 2005 Dodge Dakota. It should weigh about 4,000 lbs. The Blue Ox tow bar is rated at 10,000 lbs so it won't be a problem. However I can't find a chart anywhere that specifies the towing specs of the Warrior. It's not a very big RV and the engine seems pretty strong but still I'm wondering if I will be OK with the 1500 lbs additional weight. All my towing will most likely be in Florida flat land.

Yukon Jack · 07-13-2014, 04:31 PM

grafxman,
From what I can recall, I think the curb weight (without any added cargo) of a 4 wd Dakota is likely closer to 4,300 - 4500 Lbs. I would be concerned about the towing capacity of the 22' Warrior as I was under the impression that the GVW was around 11,800 Lbs and only came with an optional Class II towing hitch which I believe is only rated for 3,500 Lbs., which is far less than the heavier Dakota. Being the RV is likely between 1989 to 1997, I would want to make a very thorough inspection of the entire tow hitch assembly to assure that it has the strength and integrity to pull the heavier Dakota pickup.

From my quick research, I could not find a GCW (combined) rating of the Winnie Warrior RV. Possible a quick call to the Winnebago tech support line could provide your answer.

Although you did not mention it, but I would definitely want to have a supplemental braking system for that larger tow vehicle, to assist the braking system of the 22' Winnie Warrior. Further supplemental braking for that size of tow vehicle is a requirement in many states.

Anyway, just my thoughts, and good luck in your efforts to find all the pieces of the puzzle.

Jack

BFlinn181 · 07-13-2014, 05:24 PM

There should be a sticker near the driver's position that lists weight capacities and tire specifications. I'd think a 4WD truck would be well over the GCW (gross combined weight) of RV and toad. In addition, if the receiver on the RV is only a Class II, that limits you to 3,500 lbs.

To answer your original question, YES, it will be a problem. Hope you don't plan to carry anything or anyone in the RV you value, you'd be putting them in danger and anyone you meet on the road in danger.

grafxman · 07-13-2014, 06:57 PM

I see the hitchstore.com has a class III RV hitch for just under $200. I'll see about getting that thing installed if I get the Dakota. I'll check into a supplemental braking setup too.

BFlinn181 · 07-13-2014, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grafxman

I see the hitchstore.com has a class III RV hitch for just under $200. I'll see about getting that thing installed if I get the Dakota. I'll check into a supplemental braking setup too.

I feared you'd think this. You could mount a Class V hitch, with a 2 1/2" square receiver on it, (10,000 to 18,000 lb capacity) but it wouldn't increase your RV's capacity above the 2,000 to 3,500 lbs Class II hitch it has.
THAT'S ALL YOUR RV IS CERTIFIED AND ENGINEERED TO HAUL.

Just because you can weld more metal on to the receiver or frame doesn't change the fact you would be exceeding it's rated strength and capacity. Springs, axles, wheels, tires, brakes and frame all combine to create limitations. Your RV is not rated for that kind of load tugging or pushing on the back of the vehicle.

I won't make warnings of legality or insurance, others can do that, but I caution you that it very well could be a dangerous idea to try to hitch a toad up that weighs almost half of the RV's own weight.
PLEASE call Winnebago and see what they say. If they won't commit to an opinion, check with an experienced towing shop.

terry735001 · 07-13-2014, 08:56 PM

all ways think of it this way

its not about moving the load
its not about stopping the load ... think out it ..

its about keeping it stopped

when you put your RV in park whats holding you back
and even more so if you stop on any kind of hill