Towing with a Class C Motorhome...

[theman440]

I just got done reinforcing my Minnie Winnie, it has a 10ft overhang (from rear axle center to reciever) I'm currently towing with an open trailer but I'm confident it could handle 7-10k pounds total weight now (with weight distributing hitch) Im going to put air bags on it too. You also have to think about the side forces while turning - all that weight is trying to bend the *** end of the camper. I have adressed that issue also - if interested PM me and I'll get you a sketch and material list of what I did.

Jeff

[Rich Biebel]

I sent you a PM Jeff......

[rognelson777]

I would look at it a little differently, 1st look at the wheelbase and overhang. You would be surprised different wheelbases available in same length motorhome. Then If it is something you are going to have long term, purchase or build your own trailer toad. I had a nice class A 32ft long wheelbase with about a 6 foot overhang that had factory frame to the hitch(not added onto). We welded 1/4 steel plate to box the C Channels, added gussets, and diagonals. Towing 28 ft dragster trailer to all Division 1 races and Charlotte a couple times from Phila area started to notice slight movement (1/4 inch ) in rear portion. If I was to do it again, would definitely do a trailer toad. Spoke with a couple of racers that had Toads and they said much better stability on highway. Take a close look at the toad and there is very little tongue weight load.

[Rich Biebel]

I am doing some frame and hitch work this weekend. Add some metal where I can to try and make it as good as it can be. My overhang is longer than I would like but longer wheelbase Class C's have the same amount of overhang since they are also longer out to the hitch.
A toad is out of the question for me I think. No way I could park it in the space I have to work with backing up with one. I have a friend who built his own and has a Class C. I will have to ask him about his and how he is able to park it at his home.

I am doing all I can to make it work for now without the toad as others I spoke to have had success with one.

[Gary Merrick]

Rich,

I used to have a Class C with a 24' trailer and a trailer toad. I had the same problem as you as far as not having enough room to maneuver into the driveway with everything attached. Since the toads do not like backing up on pavement (the tires on the toad scuff really hard when the axle is in the locked position for backing), I decided to make a single wheel dolly set-up that would attach temporarily on the front of the toad.

When I would get home, I would drop the trailer in the street. So then I would remove the toad from the motorhome, put the dolly wheel on and attach a handle to the front of the toad, put the toad in the garage with ease, move the motorhome to where it needed to be and then hook my pick-up to the trailer and put it where it belonged. It was a lot of extra work, but I always felt it was worth the effort to use the toad and protect the motorhome.

Gary Merrick

[Geerhead55]

I've got an old Minnie Winnie ('84), and finally put a hitch on it this past summer. I had the rear frame reinforced also. I use my bars and hitch from my Ram 1500 setup that I use when not on the road. I've got a 24ft. Wells enclosed and only a 350 in the motorhome, so I'm not the fastest out there, but I finally arrive. Its nice to have your things close like Keith said. Once I get up to speed its not too bad, but I don't cross mountain passes either. If I go to say, Boise I would hook up to my Ram and get a hotel. As far as putting it away,, I have to unhook and back it up my ally inside my fence, so there again I use my pickup since theres not enough room to swing the motorhome and trailer. Its a bit of a hassle,, but something I don't mind doing. I'm hauling a small block Nova, so the weight hasn't been a problem so far.
Danny Durham

[Rich Biebel]

Thanks Gary but that would never work for me.
I live on a very busy street and doing a routine like that would be tough.
I have a routine for getting backed in and feel I can do it with the MH but have to be fairly quick about it. Traffic and impatient drivers. Weekends are not to bad but forget about during the week. Late afternoon traffic is so heavy I would never even think of trying to get in my driveway at those times.

I added a good deal of metal today to the frame and tied it all to the hitch.

I have a good hitch with the best sway control and will try it all next spring.

If it doesn't work I am not sure what I will do. Was just looking for a little more space and comfort at the races......truck camper was just to small.

I have spoken to a few guys using small Class C's with no toad and they are not having any problems.....Hoping I can get by with what I have....

Thanks

[Gary Merrick]

Hey Rich,

I understand perfectly. I guess I am fortunate that I am not in a busy neighborhood, so it does make it a lot easier without having to worry about a ton of traffic. There are a lot of very impatient folks.

From what I have been told, you need to watch the walls on a Class C with a lot of overhang and towing a trailer. Since you have a dragster and not of weight, you will probably be just fine.

Good Luck,
GM