Wrangler Toad with Winnebago View

[poodlepeople]

We are considering a Winnebago View (Class C) or Via (Class A) that, for 2012, has a 5000 capacity for towing. Our Jeep Wrangler X is 3700 soaking wet but probably gets to 4500 with rock collecting gear. Can I get away with this? It would be nice to be able to use one of these small Sprinter chassis vehicles to get our off road mule to some sites that are more than a day away from home.

In other words, if you stay within the numbers (pull limits, GCWR, etc.) are you OK or is this all just paper propaganda? I get ambiguous answers from dealers and I would always assume they would say anything to make a sale.

[Bjsrv]

We have a 2010 Outlook that also has the 5000 lb tow rating. We tow a 2002 Tacoma that weighs 3700 lbs. Because the class c has limited storage space we use the Tacoma with a shell for extra storage. I figure that puts the towed weight around 4500 lbs. I can definitely tell when we are towing or not. I do believe as long as you stay within the Mfg recommendations you will be ok. The real problem is stopping. Be sure you have a brake system for whatever you tow.

[njs42]

Thats is what mfg reccomendations are for; to tell you the limits/capacity of the rig--stay with in the weights and s/b are alright---violate them at your peril. I do not know anything about the engine and transmission capacities on your intended rigs that is another subject.

With a dealer I guess I would ask them what you told us "you seem ambiguous---why"? See what they say maybe they have a good reason-----maybe they are not as confident of the numbers as they should be---why? Only way to know is ask.

[alvinc]

Stay close to the numbers and you should be OK.

With respect to the tow capacity, using the Winnebago View 2011 specs. If the View is loaded to the gills, its GVWR is 11,030 lbs. The maximum weight with the toad is 15,250 lbs. This leaves only 4,220 lbs for the toad, even though there is a 5,000 lb hitch. Even if you were over by 500 lbs I would still do it.

One thing that Winnebago does not list in their specs is the CCC, the cargo carrying capacity. They also don't list the CW, curb weight of the View.

BUT, you will need to load the View up with what you want to take, then get it weighed (4 corners). From this you will be able to make sure the tire pressures are correct and the weight is correctly distributed fore and aft, and side to side. Based on this you might want to make some adjustments.

The Sprinter is a good chassis and the diesel engine will help on the hills. Even though it only has 188 hp, its the 325 lb-ft of torque that make the difference.