Quote:
Originally Posted by MARY A
we are new to rving and this forum so please forgive any mess ups.My basic question is how well does a class c with a V10 pull a toad when it comes to hilly country? We are not full timers, and will mainly be travling on the eastern US in the beginning. We will be bringing along our 2 grandkids, 7 and 4 yrs.. We have been looking at A's and C's for over a year now and have decided that a C bunkhouse best suit's our wants and needs.We are looking at a new Forest River 3171ds w/V10. The toad we are still looking at also; but will probably be in the 3000-3800lb. range.With a budget of 70-90k for m.h. only. Will the new V10 gas do the job or drop back in years 07-09 (seems to be in budget range) and go with a super c such as a four winds 34h kodiak with diesel. we realize the diesel has more torque and greater gvwr; but have no experience with V10 gas. I prefer the advise of experienced rver's over salespeople. Thanks! any imput is greatly appreciated. Mary A
|
Mary,
I just bought a 2011 Class C Coachmen Freelander 32 BH with the V10 and plan on to tow a 04 Toyota 4Runner 4 down. Coachmen states that the as built weight of the RV is 12,316 lbs, it has a CGVW of 20,000 lbs. The Toyota weighs about 4600 lbs so it is within the the 5000 lb limit of the RV/Hitch and there is plenty of total capacity available with the E450 chassis.
I am new as well but the research I have done tells me that 4 down is the way to go. I am installing a Remco Drive Shaft Disconnect with the Roadmaster XL Base Plate. I will also be using a ReadyBrute tow bar with integrated toad breaking system which is very highly rated and half the cost of the floorboard box supplemental systems.
I would be less willing to use a car dolly or some kind of trailer due to less stability than 4 Down provides. From what I can gather reading others experience the E450 V10 has more than enough power to handle what you are asking it to do. I have also ordered the 5 Start Tuning ECM upgrade which gets rave reviews to increase power & torque but more importantly dramatically improves the transmission shift profiles and over all transmission performance.
So all is on order and should be here within the next few weeks. I expect to have zero problems going anywhere. I live in east TN so there are a fair amount of hills near by for me as well but again you can find tons of post where folks have used a similar setup to tow coast to coast over hill and mountain without issue so I would not be worried or feel the need to step up to a Super C or Diesel.
By the way.... I have less than 90K in the RV (bought new 66K), 4Runner (bought used 12K), and towing/upgrade pieces (about $2,700.00 delivered self installed)
My 2 cents
Scott