Community Forums

falco · 04-08-2013, 12:36 PM

im making an 8 week trip through 7 states,with a 36 feet long 7,500 lbs weighing trailer.First i wanted to rent a motorhome but found out that wasnt an option.So now looking to buy one,but running in to a lot of trouble such as length going over 65 feet and going over 26.000 lbs.I do have an european commericial drivers licence and i have talked to a lady of the texas(where i will start my trip) department of transportation,she told me i will be able to get an permit for going over 65 feet in length.So first of all would it be possible to find an motorhome that stays within these limits?And is still capable of handling the weight.
Because im hoping not to have to go through so trouble getting these permits in 7 states
I have a budget of around 20k and would like to find one in houston area,this is where my trailer arrives.(for the possible sellers)

**CLIFFTALL** · 04-08-2013, 12:44 PM

Welcome to IRV2. Sounds like you'll need a diesel to tow that weight. I think that your limitation of 26,000 lbs might present a problem. Hopefully others will weigh ( pardon the pun ) in on this soon.
Cliff

jfran304 · 04-08-2013, 01:02 PM

Welcome to IRV2.

You are going to have a hard time finding anything within your budget. Check out PPL Motor Homes in Houston.

Used RVs, Motorhomes for Sale, and Consigned sales - PPL Motor Homes

Good Luck,
Jon

jackrobinryan · 04-08-2013, 01:28 PM

You don't mention what the trailer is for...horses, auto or motorcycles, lawn tractor, livestock,etc. does it have living quarters?

Have you considered trying to find a used 3500 series diesel dully truck with a camper shell?

Should easily handle the weight, tow the trailer nicely, and keep the overall length down.

Should be easier to unload/ sell after your trip, too.

Just thinking out loud

Jack

falco · 04-08-2013, 01:28 PM

thanks for the help!ive already spoken to one of the ppl salesguy.But he says its going to be almost impossible to stay within the limits.I was hoping to find a class a gas,but from what i understand the was chassis going to be to weak is this correct?

falco · 04-08-2013, 01:34 PM

Its a glidertrailer(sailplane).And thanks for the tip.

Gary RVRoamer · 04-08-2013, 02:08 PM

You won't find a gas chassis motorhome with that much towing capacity. Probably no more than 5000 lbs and, if old enough to fit in the $20k budget, probably more like 3500 or 4000 lbs.

There are a few early-to-mid 1990's coaches around in that price bracket, but I'm not sure those would have that much tow capacity either. Once in awhile you can pick up an old American Eagle, say 1994 or so, that will be rated for 10,000 lbs. Dealers usually don't handle coaches that old, though, so you may have to look on Ebay and other private market sites. Try RVTrader (rvt.com), rvclassified.com, and sites like that.

mfire1339 · 04-08-2013, 02:08 PM

I thought gliders were "light".

dfunde01 · 04-08-2013, 04:08 PM

Very unlikely with a budget of $20,000.00 plus length restrictions. A Super C which is a Class C motorhome body on a commercial truck chassis would pull the trailer and might be short enough. Many Super C's are rated at 10,000# or more and would pull the trailer, but are a newer design which would make the $20,000 budget almost impossible. A used truck for under $20,000 to tow you can find. Many newer class A models can handle 10,000# but your back to budget and length restrictions.

You might snag one of these older models.

What RV class C is capable of a 7500 towing capacity on todays market

Good luck.

Dave

fastcat · 04-08-2013, 04:17 PM

36' of trailer only leaves 29' of motorhome before you're illegal in some states. And those lengths are total, before adding in hitches, mirrors, etc.

Hard to find a $20k motorhome fitting that description.

Automobilist · 04-08-2013, 05:46 PM

Alert: nervous nellies, old lady guys, weight police, pseudo-lawyers, etc. DO NOT READ THIS!

For the use you're considering, you might look into a used diesel "C" class motorhome. There were quite a few built on Ford chassis with turbodiesel. Glider trailers are low profile and typically well balanced. I'm not advising doing anything illegal, immoral, or socially unacceptable.

I would venture that you would barely feel the trailer behind the motorhome. Make sure the trailer has working brakes, learn how to properly adjust the cab brake controller.

Coaster1 · 04-08-2013, 06:06 PM

^^^^ What he said. I owned a 1993 Telstar with a 7.3 diesel. Another option would be a Born Free with a 7.3. It did just fine and towed a 20' Featherlite trailer for over 65K with out a problem. They are hard to find but they are out there. Certainly will be within your budget.

cwsqbm · 04-10-2013, 10:44 AM

While length laws restrict you to 65' in many states (limits vary), California is the only one (outside of New England states) that seems to hassle people for being over 65'. The states that are under 65' generally don't mess with people on the interstates.

Coming from Europe and not being a resident, I think you might have some issues registering a vehicle purchased in the USA. The laws vary from state to state.

falco · 04-10-2013, 01:25 PM

Again thanks for all the help.A friend of us lives in new mexico and will register it.I found a 2002 gulfstream conquest on a e450 chassis,but the sales man cannot tell me its towing capacity,and i can't find anything on the web.Does anyone no where to go to find it?