what can a class B+ flat tow

[kdmccarthy46]

We are considering purchasing a Pleasure Way Plateau XLRB rv but are concerned about flat towing capacity. We are downsizing from a Tiffin Allegro Red which we have used to pull our 2021 Jeep Wrangler sport JL.

The specs on the Pleasure Way include: towing capacity: 4200 lb; 4 cylinder diesel (OM654); torque: 332 ft lbs at 1400 rpm; horsepower: 211 hp at 3,800 rpm; 9 speed automatic.

We would like to flat tow our Jeep Wrangler (weight: ~3900 lbs) with this Pleasure Way. The dealer says this should not be a problem but we remain concerned as we traverse the country 2-4 times a year. We are aware of the 80% "rule" suggesting that the towed vehicle should not exceed 80% of the listed towing capacity of the rv.

Any thoughts on this issue would be extremely appreciated.

Thanks
Ken McCarthy

 

[RayIN]

4,220# maximum; however that is dependent upon weight of the RV when loaded. . source: pg5 of the owners manual.

 

[Mr Lars]

‘Dealer says that should not be a problem’.
Classic stealership answer, may be correct/may be not.
Get a copy of the owner manual for the chassis of that particular Class B, and study what the numbers indicate what is it designed to pull/haul/stop, etc.
Many machines are ‘capable’ of doing a function/job way beyond the design of the machine, for a short time.
Just like on the farm, you can match a smaller power unit to an oversized implement and shift down a gear or two, run the engine at max rpm, all day long, to ‘get by in a pinch’. But the longevity of the power unit is shortened immensely.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

As RayIN says, Max Tow is stated without regard to the load in/on the tow vehicle. Load is factored in with a number called GCWR, which is the Max Gross Combined Weight Rating. GCWR is the combined weight to tow vehicle and towed vehicle. You need to find that number.

The current year Pleasureway XLRB (same engine you described) has a GCWR 15,250 and a GVWR of 11,030, so when fully loaded to 11,030 you still have 4220 available for the towed vehicle. So yes, it is rated to do it without breaking anything. Whether it is wise or comfortable is likely a different question.

 

[garyb1st]

The same issue applies to many Class A gas motorhomes. Our Pace Arrow has a 22,000 GVWR. The GCWR is 26,000. Our Jeep weight almost 5,000. Our solution is to limit the amount of STUFF we carry in the Pace Arrow. Generally the weight of the Pace loaded for travel is around 21,000 lbs. In 9 years, and over 50,000 miles of travel, we have not had an issue. From time to time, we disconnect on long downhill steep grades.

 

[Isaac-1]

Keep in mind there can be a world of difference between what you can flat tow, and what you can easily and comfortable flat tow. We have a 28 ft gas Class A with a supposed 5,000 pound towing capacity, we also have 2 TOAD cars a 4,300 pound Jeep Cherokee, and a 2,300 pound Toyota Yaris, there is a world of difference between towing the two, with the Yaris I have to keep the rear view camera on to know it is still back there, with the Cherokee there is never any doubt, and it reduces my max comfortable top driving speed by a few miles per hour, due to the feel of trying to fishtail on us.

 

[TheBar]

That Class B is only 23 feet long. Are you off roading? Are you sure you need a toad? I had a 24' and never saw the need to tow a car.

 

[Brad Buchanan]

Sounds like an especially light wrangler.