CruiserTime
New member
Anybody use a camper van such as a Roadtrek to tow their boat? If so, which one and would you recommend it?
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Camper Vans and Towing
- Thread starter CruiserTime
- Start date
We had a Leisure Travel on the Dodge 3500 chassis. It was rated to tow 8400 pounds, but we didn't use it with our CD-25 (the weight on the trailer is on the far side of 8,700 pounds). We did, however, use it to tow some trailerable sailboats in the 5,000 pound range, and it did just fine. RoadTrek is using the Chevy and the Sprinter chassis, and I think the Sprinter (Mercedes/Freighliner/take your pick) chassis is rated for either 3500 or 5000 pounds (depending on the year). I'd check the owners manual to be sure.
Hope that helps.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Hope that helps.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
I have a 1993 RoadTrek 190 Popular, on the 3500 Dodge chassis. It is rated to tow about 6800 lbs, but...since it is old, and the transmissions are not the strong suit, I have never used it to tow the C Dory 25. It towed the C Dory 22 easily.
We had considered 1. having the transmission rebuilt to higher specs (better torque converter etc) and perhaps putting airbags or extra springs in the rear axle. 2 buying a newer Chevy 190 or 210 Road Trek (which have higher tow capacity).
I would think that the 25 would be too much for the diesel Sprinter. If you consider the Diesel Sprinter, look at the 5 cylinder-several year old models. They have the same HP, but get better mileage than the new 6 cyl units. There is also a one ton chassis for the Sprinter (dual rears)--I am not sure if any of the RV's are using that. I think that the 2500 (3/4 tons should be fine for a 22. (as would almost all of the Class B RV's--If you really want pulling power, look at the Sports mobiles--they had some diesel 4 x 4 Fords (not cheap).
We had considered 1. having the transmission rebuilt to higher specs (better torque converter etc) and perhaps putting airbags or extra springs in the rear axle. 2 buying a newer Chevy 190 or 210 Road Trek (which have higher tow capacity).
I would think that the 25 would be too much for the diesel Sprinter. If you consider the Diesel Sprinter, look at the 5 cylinder-several year old models. They have the same HP, but get better mileage than the new 6 cyl units. There is also a one ton chassis for the Sprinter (dual rears)--I am not sure if any of the RV's are using that. I think that the 2500 (3/4 tons should be fine for a 22. (as would almost all of the Class B RV's--If you really want pulling power, look at the Sports mobiles--they had some diesel 4 x 4 Fords (not cheap).
David_in_TX
New member
A Ford E-350 will tow 10,000 lbs. when equipped with the 6.8 L V10 or the 6.0 L Powerstroke diesel.
See the following PDF file for the 2009 Ford towing guide.
http://www.fordvehicles.com/assets/pdf/towing/09_TrailerGuide.pdf
IMHO, Sportsmobiles are no more expensive than RoadTreks. One can get a non 4X4 Sportsmobile as well. They are known for their 4X4 models, but they will build you anything you want. This comes with the only disadvantage to Sportsmobiles, they are custom made so you have to wait for them to build one for you. But, the marketplace is slow, so the wait is shorter than ever. They do have used ones, check their web site:
http://www.sportsmobile.com/z-PO_all.html
Here is an excellent owners forum:
http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/
See the following PDF file for the 2009 Ford towing guide.
http://www.fordvehicles.com/assets/pdf/towing/09_TrailerGuide.pdf
IMHO, Sportsmobiles are no more expensive than RoadTreks. One can get a non 4X4 Sportsmobile as well. They are known for their 4X4 models, but they will build you anything you want. This comes with the only disadvantage to Sportsmobiles, they are custom made so you have to wait for them to build one for you. But, the marketplace is slow, so the wait is shorter than ever. They do have used ones, check their web site:
http://www.sportsmobile.com/z-PO_all.html
Here is an excellent owners forum:
http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/
thataway":le30sa2e said:I have a 1993 RoadTrek 190 Popular, on the 3500 Dodge chassis. It is rated to tow about 6800 lbs, but...since it is old, and the transmissions are not the strong suit, I have never used it to tow the C Dory 25. It towed the C Dory 22 easily.
We had considered 1. having the transmission rebuilt to higher specs (better torque converter etc) and perhaps putting airbags or extra springs in the rear axle. 2 buying a newer Chevy 190 or 210 Road Trek (which have higher tow capacity).
I would think that the 25 would be too much for the diesel Sprinter. If you consider the Diesel Sprinter, look at the 5 cylinder-several year old models. They have the same HP, but get better mileage than the new 6 cyl units. There is also a one ton chassis for the Sprinter (dual rears)--I am not sure if any of the RV's are using that. I think that the 2500 (3/4 tons should be fine for a 22. (as would almost all of the Class B RV's--If you really want pulling power, look at the Sports mobiles--they had some diesel 4 x 4 Fords (not cheap).
CruiserTime
New member
Thanks for the feedback. I've been thinking about a camper van type of unit built on a Ford or Chevy foundation with 10,000 lbs of towing capacity so it sounds like that would work for a CD-25.
I like the Sprinter body style but the Mercedes motor can only handle 5,000 lbs for towing which definitely isn't enough.
I may sway towards the Roadtrek 190 or 210 and even consider what they call a Quigley upgrade which gives the whole unit selectable 4WD. That would pull the old boat out of the water!
http://www.roadtrek.com/
Time to start looking at the various choices.
Any other feedback will be greatly appreciated. I want to look at all of the possibilities at this point before deciding.
I like the Sprinter body style but the Mercedes motor can only handle 5,000 lbs for towing which definitely isn't enough.
I may sway towards the Roadtrek 190 or 210 and even consider what they call a Quigley upgrade which gives the whole unit selectable 4WD. That would pull the old boat out of the water!
http://www.roadtrek.com/
Time to start looking at the various choices.
Any other feedback will be greatly appreciated. I want to look at all of the possibilities at this point before deciding.
CruiserTime":378t0nqn said:Thanks for the feedback. I've been thinking about a camper van type of unit built on a Ford or Chevy foundation with 10,000 lbs of towing capacity so it sounds like that would work for a CD-25.
I like the Sprinter body style but the Mercedes motor can only handle 5,000 lbs for towing which definitely isn't enough.
I may sway towards the Roadtrek 190 or 210 and even consider what they call a Quigley upgrade which gives the whole unit selectable 4WD. That would pull the old boat out of the water!
http://www.roadtrek.com/
Time to start looking at the various choices.
Any other feedback will be greatly appreciated. I want to look at all of the possibilities at this point before deciding.
I hope it's ok to post this but I have an unusual 21' (B+) RV for sale that will easily haul any 22' or 25' boat. 84k miles. Excellent condition. Just pm or e-mail me at dene at ipns dot com.
-Greg
The issue to consider when you are towing close to the max of a van (or any truck) is that the total weight of the truck and trailer has to be in the limits.
The Combined gross Vehicle Weight (CGW): The total unladen weight of the combination of vehicles plus the heaviest load that will be transported by that combination of vehicles. (Road Trek on a 3500 has 16,000 lbs capacity)--so that you really cannot tow 10,000 lbs)
gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is the maximum allowable total weight of a road vehicle or trailer when loaded - i.e including the weight of the vehicle itself plus fuel, passengers, cargo, and trailer tongue weight.
Where the Class "B" vehicles get in trouble is the weight of the conversion, plus gear you carry. Be sure that you weigh the fully loaded camper before the trailer, then weigh the trailer, and vehicle, plus do a tongue weight to be sure that you are with in limits. For example a Chevy 3500 Road trek conversion has a weight of 8250 lbs, with no options dry. The capacity of the vehicle is 9600 lbs, This leaves 1350 capacity lbs. Two adults @ 300 lbs, brings capacity down to 1050 lbs, and full fuel tank of 31 gallons = 186#, 25 gal water = 200#-- leaves 660 lbs for tongue weight, any clothes, food, gear etc...in the van.
One of the features of the Sportsmobile is that you can make it light, or even have a removable interior, so there is no weight in the "conversion". But there are other disadvantages, We prefer the Road Trek--but there are lots of options.
The Combined gross Vehicle Weight (CGW): The total unladen weight of the combination of vehicles plus the heaviest load that will be transported by that combination of vehicles. (Road Trek on a 3500 has 16,000 lbs capacity)--so that you really cannot tow 10,000 lbs)
gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is the maximum allowable total weight of a road vehicle or trailer when loaded - i.e including the weight of the vehicle itself plus fuel, passengers, cargo, and trailer tongue weight.
Where the Class "B" vehicles get in trouble is the weight of the conversion, plus gear you carry. Be sure that you weigh the fully loaded camper before the trailer, then weigh the trailer, and vehicle, plus do a tongue weight to be sure that you are with in limits. For example a Chevy 3500 Road trek conversion has a weight of 8250 lbs, with no options dry. The capacity of the vehicle is 9600 lbs, This leaves 1350 capacity lbs. Two adults @ 300 lbs, brings capacity down to 1050 lbs, and full fuel tank of 31 gallons = 186#, 25 gal water = 200#-- leaves 660 lbs for tongue weight, any clothes, food, gear etc...in the van.
One of the features of the Sportsmobile is that you can make it light, or even have a removable interior, so there is no weight in the "conversion". But there are other disadvantages, We prefer the Road Trek--but there are lots of options.
maryvmcclain
New member
Someone on here once said that they just haven't found the perfect tow camper vehicle for their boat.
We are trying to find the best tow vehicle in a Class B van before we finally decide on which size boat we can get. I want a 25ft, but I don't want a pickup to tow it. Part of our issue is we can only park in a 21ft space, however we found a really great van, designed for towing that we would buy if we had an extra half foot. If you are looking around... check out this Titan by Great West Vans: http://www.greatwestvans.com/the-titan/ ... loor-plan/
They will put it on a diesel and then be able to tow 9500 pounds! The mileage isn't what a Sprinter can offer, but...
We also were looking at Sprinter base vans and it appears that, if you buy the 3500 model on a 144 WB, there is a possibility (probably with a special suspension package) to increase your GRVW to 11,030 pounds (less about 2500 for the conversion interior), that SHOULD give you 8500 towing (although it still says 5000 lbs).
We noticed that, when comparing Chevy Vans, 3/4 ton versus 1 ton, gas versus diesel, there was little change in the ratings for towing weights or mileage. ... which leads me to think that its more about suspension than engine?
Anyway, for what its worth, we keep going in circles because we haven't found the perfect "match" of tow camper and boat yet.
We are trying to find the best tow vehicle in a Class B van before we finally decide on which size boat we can get. I want a 25ft, but I don't want a pickup to tow it. Part of our issue is we can only park in a 21ft space, however we found a really great van, designed for towing that we would buy if we had an extra half foot. If you are looking around... check out this Titan by Great West Vans: http://www.greatwestvans.com/the-titan/ ... loor-plan/
They will put it on a diesel and then be able to tow 9500 pounds! The mileage isn't what a Sprinter can offer, but...
We also were looking at Sprinter base vans and it appears that, if you buy the 3500 model on a 144 WB, there is a possibility (probably with a special suspension package) to increase your GRVW to 11,030 pounds (less about 2500 for the conversion interior), that SHOULD give you 8500 towing (although it still says 5000 lbs).
We noticed that, when comparing Chevy Vans, 3/4 ton versus 1 ton, gas versus diesel, there was little change in the ratings for towing weights or mileage. ... which leads me to think that its more about suspension than engine?
Anyway, for what its worth, we keep going in circles because we haven't found the perfect "match" of tow camper and boat yet.
You are correct that it is more about suspension on the 1 ton vs 3/4 ton. But with the Sprinter, you don't have the frame capacity to tow the weight over 5000 lbs. We modified a 30 foot Holiday Rambler to tow the C Dory 25--part of that was beefing up the frame, and stock it is much heavier than the sprint.
It is still very easy to get over the total combined weight of any of these "B" vehicles.
Another part of the equation is the transmission. (and rear end--if you look at the diesel GW Van, Titian, they go with a 3.73 rear end in the diesel --and higher tow capacity). If you can get a unit with a heavy duty Allison transmission (6 speed--and diesel with engine exhaust brake, along with electric over hydraulic brakes on the boat trailer.
Consider that you can "boat camp" with the C Dory 25. We used the RV one summer (had to take lots of clothes for 50th college reunion), and the other summers we used the diesel Excursion, and camped in the boat for a number of nights. When set up properly this works very well--and the comfort level is actually probably greater than we had in the Road Trek (but not the 30' HR).
After I wrote the earlier post we did tow the C Dory 25 short distances with the Road Trek, and I felt that it was a stretch--and would not have towed it any long distance.
It is still very easy to get over the total combined weight of any of these "B" vehicles.
Another part of the equation is the transmission. (and rear end--if you look at the diesel GW Van, Titian, they go with a 3.73 rear end in the diesel --and higher tow capacity). If you can get a unit with a heavy duty Allison transmission (6 speed--and diesel with engine exhaust brake, along with electric over hydraulic brakes on the boat trailer.
Consider that you can "boat camp" with the C Dory 25. We used the RV one summer (had to take lots of clothes for 50th college reunion), and the other summers we used the diesel Excursion, and camped in the boat for a number of nights. When set up properly this works very well--and the comfort level is actually probably greater than we had in the Road Trek (but not the 30' HR).
After I wrote the earlier post we did tow the C Dory 25 short distances with the Road Trek, and I felt that it was a stretch--and would not have towed it any long distance.
CruiserTime-
You have quite a dilemma!
Are you sure you need both a mini-motorhome and a cruiser?
It's not as convenient, but some folks have used a 3/4 or 1- ton truck for a tow vehicle, and used the boat as a "boaterhome", staying in it during travel on dry land, then later on the water.
There are some limitations, as a few RV outfits may not let you stay in the boat in their camping spaces, but if you and your better half can accommodate the differences, it's somewhat less expensive, and eliminates a lot of duplication of facilities and maintenance.
I've done it myself (w/o my wife), and it's a lot simpler! Who needs two galleys, two bathrooms, two beds, two.................!?!
Sorry for the curve ball, but it could save you some time, money, and mental anguish if it would work for you!
On Edit: I see Bob above has already introduced this idea while I was typing!
Joe. :teeth :thup
You have quite a dilemma!
Are you sure you need both a mini-motorhome and a cruiser?
It's not as convenient, but some folks have used a 3/4 or 1- ton truck for a tow vehicle, and used the boat as a "boaterhome", staying in it during travel on dry land, then later on the water.
There are some limitations, as a few RV outfits may not let you stay in the boat in their camping spaces, but if you and your better half can accommodate the differences, it's somewhat less expensive, and eliminates a lot of duplication of facilities and maintenance.
I've done it myself (w/o my wife), and it's a lot simpler! Who needs two galleys, two bathrooms, two beds, two.................!?!
Sorry for the curve ball, but it could save you some time, money, and mental anguish if it would work for you!
On Edit: I see Bob above has already introduced this idea while I was typing!
Joe. :teeth :thup
We were never turned away from a RV park, although a couple questioned staying on a boat until we showed them the boat. When I pointed out that we had basically all the facilities as a travel trailer (didn't mention the lack of a gray water tank--but we solved that with a bucket which was dumped into the septic drains), the owners wanted to see the C Dory and always let us stay.
A couple of days ago I had a fellow who wanted me to pull over and let him look at the Tom Cat. We were driving down the road at 45 miles an hour and I kept yelling "C-brats, C-Brats".... He kept yelling "I want to see your boat"....
A couple of days ago I had a fellow who wanted me to pull over and let him look at the Tom Cat. We were driving down the road at 45 miles an hour and I kept yelling "C-brats, C-Brats".... He kept yelling "I want to see your boat"....
T.R. Bauer
New member
I tow my boat with a 24 foot E-450 Class "C" Winnebago. It has a GCVW of 22,000 pounds which leaves about 10,000 to 12,000 pounds left to pull a boat if you wanted to push it to the max. It pulls my CD 22 just fine with the 5,000 factory hitch. Interestingly, with the boat in tow and pretty much everything fully loaded, the V10 in the motorhome still gets 8 mpg while the 2000 f-350 with the diesel and camper managed 11. A pretty big difference, but not as much as I suspected it was going to be. In other words, I expected to get more out of the diesel and even less than I get with the V10. Go figure......