Towing with Winnebago 24V (2008)

[Hen]

I have been considering for sometime now the purchase of Honda CRV (3,500 curb wt.) to be flat towed. Winnebago has reassured me that this vehicle is within specs for towing with my MH (24 Ft. Access - GVWR of 14,500, plus another 5,000 for towing) (powered by Ford V-10 6.8 liter) (Ford 450 super duty chassis). My reading also seems also to indicate that 360 HP, with 457 Ft. Lbs of torque (at 3200 rpm) should be more than adequate. However, I have not heard from any small C-class owners about their towing experience, with this amount of weight. Would appreciate any experienced observations here. Thanks, Hen

[jims1966302]

Hen
We just traded our 2003 Minnie Winnie for a 2011 Four Winds 28Z.We wanted something with a bit more room.
Our 2003 Minnie Winnie 24V E350 with V-10 . We pulled a 8x10 Enclosed Haulmark Trailer with a full dress Harley. The Harley is 988 lbs, the Enclosed trailer was 1000 pounds and packed it with whatever would could fit in it. I am glad we had a camera on the dash of the Winnie , because you would Never know the trailer with the bike, was behind us.

[jerzeyjoe]

Hen... I am towing a '08 Ford Edge at a tad over 4,000lb with my Jayco 31SS E-450 V-10... no problem....

Joe

[Hen]

Thanks Joe, How is your average milage and your RPM at 55 MPH on the flat road ?

[jerzeyjoe]

Hen... not sure of the RPM@55mph... I will take note on our next trip and post it here... as for my MPG.... average 10 on flat land... really don't notice much difference in performance with or with out the toad...

Joe

[Hen]

Thanks for f/u Joe; that's good news, since I just bought a new CRV yesterday, and am proceeding with the tow gear install, by a reputable RV dealer. I am assuming your V-10 is the same displacement and HP as mine. I am unaware of any other but the Ford 6.8 liter being used in MH application. My guess is I will need to run the V-10 at a noticeably increased RPM to maintain 55 MPH, with the toad. Without a tow I average about 21-2200 RPM, on the flat, at that speed. Thanks, again. Hen

[Gma-n-Gpa]

Hen - I also tow with my E-450 V-10 with no problem (2012 Fusion or my Ranger boat). FYI there are two V-10's the detuned one for Class C and a slightly higher HP one for Class A MH's. I am sure your setup will work great. Are you 4 down towing or using a dolly?

[RELHUB]

Hen,

We also tow with our 2008 Winnebago Outlook, we have 59,320 miles and have had no problems towing our 2009 Nissan Sentra.

Regards,
GRV

[Hen]

I have not actually towed the CRV yet, just bought it last week. I will be flat-towing, and have asked the installer to order, the gear. CRV curb wt. is approximately 3500 lbs, and tow gear will add another 80-100 lbs. So with a partial tank of gas, and minimal luggage in the toad, I should be well under 4000. Thanks for your information.

[jerzeyjoe]

Hen.... finally hit the road.... 50MPH towing the toad on level highway looks like 1900RPM... top of the needle is just below 2K so I am assuming 1900.... the toad curb weight is 4075lbs... had better than 3/4 tank of gas in it and no cargo... Hope this helps...

Joe

[Hen]

Thanks for the follow-up. Just towed the CRV on a 700 mile trip, under varied road conditions (windy, hilly, etc.) but mostly interstate roads. The RPM did not increase on the flat, but increased to maintain speed, when on cruise (55 MPH). Normal milage for my MH is 9 MPG. My average for the trip was 8.3. The V-10 will rev from normal cruising at 2100 to 2500 or even 3000, under hilly - windy conditions ; at which time I will sometimes d/c the cruise and lower the speed. Thanks again.

[jerzeyjoe]

Hen... I do the same with the cruise control... Happy Trails...

Joe

[truth_B_told]

Towing can put an added strain on your transmission. Just be careful what fluid you put in it. http://www.amsoil.com/techservicesbu...f%20fluids.pdf