towing a 21' bayliner w a class c

[jason_g]

hello,
i am currently looking at class c motorhomes, and 1 concern i have is being able to tow my boat with one.  we want a class c because we have 3 kids and the amount of beds would be perfect.  probably be ending up with a 1999 to 2004 or so 26-30 footer. i think my boat weighs just about 4000lbs maybe a little more. just wondering if anyone tows a boat or something else this heavy.  how does it handle the weight? and how much is the gas mileage effected? any advice? thanks in advance.

jason

 

[muskoka guy]

From what Ive read, most C class mh only have a tow capacity of about 3500 lbs. I think the biggest problem is they are near capacity for their gross vehicle weight, and by the time you load them up with people, fuel, water, gear ect. it doesnt leave much capacity to tow. Even my 37 ft class A is only rated for 5000 lbs. It is gas. The diesel pushers are rated for higher towing capacity.  Check the tow capacity and gross vehicle combined towing capacity before you sign on the dotted line. Im sure some will say you will be fine, but others will say you are too close to the limit or over. Better safe than sorry, especially with a load of children. Good luck

 

[SargeW]

It is really more of a question of the ability of the Class C that you buy Jason. That boat does not weigh any more than a common mid size car, and they are towed all of the time. If you buy a RV with a diesel in it, the towing issue is greatly minimized.  However diesel's do cost more up front than the usual gas engine RV.  If the RV has a adequately size motor, then it will do fine as well. Again, it comes down to size and weight of the RV that you start with. 

You are also going to need to know what the tow capacity is of the rig you decide on.  It will tell you how much weight the RV can safely and legally tow.  Also the GCWR of the RV (Gross Combination Weight Rating). That is what the RV weighs as well as what ever it is that you are towing. 

And the boat trailer you are towing will need to be equipped with brakes.  The RV itself cannot be expected to stop itself, all of your cargo, and the weight of the boat. 

Yes, gas mileage will suffer. How much will depend on how fast you like to get where you are going.  Climbing hills and head winds eat fuel mileage, and pulling a trailer compounds the issue.

As you can see, there are several issues to consider when buying an RV and towing anything. There are no concrete answers, just a lot of things to consider.

Good luck, let us know what you decide.

 

[SeilerBird]

If you are going to tow something that heavy and have that many people you really need to get a class A. There are plenty of class As with bunks. Also class Cs have very small holding tanks and very little storage space, two things you will need with a family of 5. And a 30 foot C is very small for 5 people.

 

[jason_g]

great answers and great insight. thanks. looks like i have more research and looking to do. i didnt realize that the boat being towed added also to the total weight capacity.

 

[SeilerBird]

You also have the CCC to worry about. That is cargo carrying capacity, the difference between what your rig weighs empty and what it weighs fully loaded. Class Cs have a very poor CCC and are usually close to the limit when you buy one new. The weight of 5 people and their stuff will push you over that limit in a hurry.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

i didnt realize that the boat being towed added also to the total weight capacity.

Yes & No.  Only the trailer tongue weight, which is actually carried by the coach, has an effect on the GVWR. The entire trailer weight, however, is included in the GCWR. See the RV forum Glossary for terms.

Everything carried in the coach, however, potentially subtracts from the size (weight) of the trailer that can be towed. That's because the GCWR limits the sum of the coach and trailer weight, so weight in one area subtracts what is available to the other.

Another factor is the trailer hitch rating itself. For mechanical reasons, some coaches are quite limited by the way the hitch is attached. A 3500 lb limit is fairly typical in any Class C based on a standard van chassis.

And as Seilerbird says, many Class C's are near their maximum weight (GVWR) to begin with, so extra passengers and gear can push it over.

Bottom line is that you must carefully investigate the GVWR, actual coach weight, GCWR , hitch rating before you buy.