Thank you for reading our post, please rate this article at the end.
Last Updated on September 5, 2024 by Paul Clayton
Table of Contents
Can You Pull A Car With A Class C RV?
Pulling a car with a Class C RV can be both a practical and efficient way to bring a smaller vehicle along on your journeys. The Class C RV, renowned for its robust power and strength, is more than capable of towing a car behind it.
- RV Classes: Understanding different RV classes is crucial.
- Towing Capacity: Know your RV’s towing capacity limits.
- Towing Methods: Consider various towing methods available.
- Safety Features: Ensure your towing setup includes safety features.
- Legal Requirements: Be aware of licensing and insurance requirements.
- Manufacturer Guidelines: Always follow RV and car manufacturer guidelines.
Can you pull a car with a Class C RV? Yes, you can pull a car with a Class C RV, but a lot depends on the towing capacity of the Class C.
Smaller Petrol Class Cs are unlikely to be able to manage to tow much, while larger diesel Class Cs can have substantial towing capacity.
There are only two ways to tow a vehicle without adding weight to the towing: The Tow-Dolly and the A-frame Towbar Towing come at a price, regardless of what you’re towing. The lower the fuel mileage, the heavier the tow. This is valid for both diesel and gasoline engines.
For a diesel engine, mileage loss can range from ten to twenty-five percent. The easiest way to find out is to consult your car’s owner’s manual and double-check with the dealer.
The maximum towable weight your RV can carry is determined by the hitch type mounted on it.
A Super Class C is a diesel motorhome with a GVWR of more than 33,000 pounds based on class 5 to class 8 diesel semi-truck chassis. It can tow a semi-trailer.
When equipped with a Ford E350 or E450, most class Cs weigh less than 5,000 pounds. This will typically allow them to tow a 3,500-pound mid-size car.
Depending on the size of your vehicle, car trailer, dolly, boat, or a combination of these, you would be under or over your total town capacity. Some vehicles cannot be towed with a tow bar and must be towed with a dolly, which can add additional weight.
Cars can weigh anywhere from 3,000 pounds for a small car to 5,500 pounds for a large truck or SUV. A 24-foot boat can weigh upwards of 6,500 pounds.
The total weight of an E350 or E450 class C SUV is 4,250 pounds. If you carry a small aluminum boat or an inflatable, the weight can easily add up to about 5,500 pounds with a motor.
A boat trailer can weigh anywhere from 1,000 pounds for a 15-footer to 7,000 pounds for a 28-footer.
If in doubt, check with your Class C RV dealership or refer to the owner’s manual.
Why Pull a Vehicle Behind Your Class C?
Convenience of Local Travel
Towing a vehicle behind your Class C RV makes it easier to travel locally once you’ve set up your RV at a campground or RV park. For example, if you need to go to the grocery store or want to explore nearby attractions, you won’t have to pack up your entire RV.
Reduced Wear and Tear
Driving a large Class C RV can cause significant wear and tear on the vehicle, particularly during long trips. Towing a smaller vehicle for short excursions reduces this wear and tear, ensuring the RV lasts longer.
Increased Mobility
A smaller vehicle has better maneuverability and can access areas your RV can’t. For instance, parking in tight spaces, city centers, or navigating narrow roads becomes feasible when you tow a smaller car.
Fuel Efficiency
Towing a smaller vehicle can also be more fuel-efficient for short trips. Class C RVs are not known for their fuel efficiency. Therefore, having a smaller vehicle can help save on fuel costs.
Emergency Situations
Having a second vehicle in tow can be extremely beneficial in case of a breakdown or other emergency. It could mean the difference between being stranded and being able to drive to the nearest town or service station.
Flexibility and Freedom
Having a secondary vehicle gives you the flexibility to split up if needed. For example, if one person wants to go hiking and the other person needs to run errands, you’re not bound to one vehicle.
Saving on Rental Costs
If you travel frequently and need a car at your destinations, towing your vehicle could save you money compared to renting a car frequently. This can make a significant difference over several trips.
Can You Pull A Car With A Class C RV: FAQs
How do you tow a car behind an RV?
Use a tow bar to tow a car behind the motorhome. In this towing, your car will have all four tires on the road, and the vehicle will roll once the RV starts moving. This is one of the most common methods of towing a car behind an RV, and many people use it.
Can you tow a small car?
Another important factor that decides whether you can tow the car is its weight. A smaller motorhome with less capacity may not be able to tow a big SUV or truck or will have trouble pulling on hills or slopes.
How much can a Class A motorhome tow?
Class A motorhomes usually have the highest tow ratings, and an average class A motorhome will tow up to 10,000 pounds. This being said, some of the heavier class As with smaller engines cannot tow much. Some of these rigs should not be used to tow anything when fully loaded.
What is the best vehicle to tow behind a Class C motorhome?
- Jeep Wrangler (1997-2018): The Jeep Wrangler is the most popular flat tow vehicle among RVers. Its popularity has spanned over two decades and multiple vehicle generations, and for good reason.
- Ford F-150 (2009-2018): When you need a vehicle that can do it all, the 2009-2018 Ford F-150 has you covered.
What is the best way to tow a car behind an RV?
If you wish to tow a vehicle behind your motorhome, flat tow is the most straightforward and most trouble-free way. Flat towing involves towing the vehicle on all four wheels. This method provides minimal sway, and the towed vehicle tracks best behind the motorhome.
Can a Class A RV tow a car?
One of the benefits of owning a motorhome is that it can tow heavy loads behind it. While some folks will tow a trailer behind their motorhome, they’ll often tow a car, or a toad as it’s commonly called.
What happens if my motorhome is overweight?
If your motorhome exceeds the “maximum authorized mass” or “gross vehicle weight rating”, you may face significant consequences.
Driving an overweight motorhome can invalidate your insurance policy, leaving you financially vulnerable in case of accidents or breakdowns.
Additionally, law enforcement may levy fines or penalties for such infractions. Hence, it is crucial to ensure your motorhome is within its weight limit to avoid legal complications and ensure the safety of your journey.
How do I know the towing capacity of my RV?
Determining the towing capacity of your RV involves a few crucial calculations. The most important factor to consider is your RV’s Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), which represents the maximum amount your vehicle can safely weigh when fully loaded.
This can usually be found in your RV owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s label. To calculate the towing capacity, you must add the weight of passengers, cargo, and liquids to the GVW.
However, exceeding this limit can lead to significant safety risks and potential damage to your RV. Therefore, always ensure you know and adhere to your RV’s towing capacity.
Final Words
Understanding the different RV classes is a vital first step when considering pulling a car with a Class C RV. The Class C RVs are typically equipped with robust engines that can handle the additional strain of towing a vehicle.
However, being aware of your specific RV’s towing capacity limits is crucial, as exceeding these limits can lead to significant damage and potential safety risks.
Various towing methods are available for Class C RVs, including flat towing, dolly towing, and trailer towing. Each method offers its own set of benefits and drawbacks, and your choice should depend on your needs, the type of car you intend to tow, and your RV’s capabilities.
Safety should always be a priority when pulling a car with a Class C RV. Ensure that your towing setup includes all necessary safety features, such as brakes on the towed vehicle, safety chains, and lights.
Additionally, it’s vital to consider legal requirements when planning to pull a car with a Class C RV. These may include specific licensing requirements for driving an RV while towing a car and insurance requirements to cover potential damages.
Lastly, always follow the guidelines provided by your RV and car manufacturer. These guidelines provide valuable information about the proper setup for towing, which can help prevent damage to your RV and the car being towed.
Failure to adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions could void any applicable warranties.
Home page
Back to the top of the page