What size engine and chassis do I need

[Danny Clapp]

I’ve had 2 RVs - both TTs. We now want a Motorhome. We did rent a class c about 3 years ago. It was your average class C with a V10 engine - 305 HP and 420 Torque. We also pulled a tow dolly with a 4500 lb minivan. It worked but it was so loud and hard to drive (no get up and go). So I’ve been researching and really like the Super Cs with a diesel engine - 320 HP and 700 Torque or class A diesel pusher with similar engine specs.

Here is my problem. The super Cs and diesel pushers are pretty expensive but I’m afraid that if I go with a regular C or a small class A with a V10 that I won’t like driving it but mainly I’m afraid I’ll be maxing out what I can tow since all of them have only a 5000 lb tow rating hitch and my van is 4500 lb plus the weight of the tow dolly. Should I save up and get a Diesel engine with a Freightliner chasis or will something else work.

Any advice will help.

[Hugmongous]

Sounds like you are looking at new. I would suggest you look a "a couple years old" and higher end/quality to take advantage of the depreciation of a new one and that way you can afford more of what you want. You can always get a can of new car smell for about $10!

[Sco70ttie]

Check out RV.org. They rate RVs and have information on the selection and the dealing process

[Finance]

You can find some C MH built on Ram chassis with diesel. Some people flat tow Jeeps as heavy as your van with Sprinters too.

I would get the MH I want to live in and drive, then sort out the toad. Are you married to a van as a toad?

Flat towing > dolly towing.

[ThePowells]

Welcome to the forum!!

[Mich F]

There are many class Cs that can tow 7,500#. Some come with 8,000# hitches. These have higher tow ratings than many diesel pushers.

[kalinina]

Originally Posted by Mich F

There are many class Cs that can tow 7,500#. Some come with 8,000# hitches. These have higher tow ratings than some diesel pushers.

You need at least a 360 and spartan chassis

[Mark D]

It depends on your budget. You can get an older but still nice class A for 75k or less. A newer one for 125k and less. If you want really nice 200k to 300k you can get a 5 year old high end one but that sounds like overkill.

[bradvoorhees]

I cant recommend chassis size for you, but make sure the floor plan will accommodate your needs. As far as motor size , when I was looking I had two friends who full time and tow cars, both said to try and stay with 400hp or higher. I wanted diesel and I wanted a pusher model for the reduced engine noise while driving. We ended up with a 40 ft model, I was a previous boater and I did what many did , went up over the years . We started with a 19 ft and ended with a 50, so we had several transactions. Knowing this we went 40 ft right off the bat.
have fun searching.

[Nellybelle]

I had a 1999 Class A Gasser with a Ford V10. Noisey Noisey Noisey.
Get Diesel 400 HP and enjoy your RV.

[Danny Clapp]

Great idea but yes that is what I plan on doing. I can’t afford new right now with what I want. Thanks again

[Danny Clapp]

I will do that. Thank you.

[Danny Clapp]

Unfortunately we already purchased a new van. I should have done better research before I bought it. But I don’t think there are many vehicles that can be flat towed that will seat 8 people. I will check into the details Cs with a ram chasis. Thank you!

[Danny Clapp]

I will continue researching. Thank you.