Towing 3000Kg with a Motorhome.
Discussion
What Motorhome would you recommend if you needed to tow this sort of weight ? The latest auto gearboxes with the 150bhp motors seem to be the way forward or would more power be needed ? What chassis Kg would be needed ie 3500Kg +
Going to the NEC this week but would like to narrow down the type of Motorhomes to look at in the vast sea of white plastic.
Andy
Going to the NEC this week but would like to narrow down the type of Motorhomes to look at in the vast sea of white plastic.
Andy
oliverjthomas said:
Firstly, good luck with your search; been there, done it.
I spoke with a lot of people in the paddock before taking the plunge and everyone said the same; forget front wheel drive. I was repeatedly told of difficulties when towing, with one person having a ten mile detour to get out of his home town because the Motorhome just sits and spins wheels on a slight incline. The other aspect is that the Euro chassis, (Fiat, Citroen, Peugeot), will not tow anymore than 2,000kg in coachbuilt trim. Some are plated to 1,800kg only.
The answer is rear wheel drive and twin rear wheel, which means Iveco, Mercedes, or possibly Transit. Rimor build on a Renault Master that is rear wheel drive, but I am told it will only tow 2,000kg. If you are looking to a van conversion life is slightly easier in that a Sprinter or Crafter will work, but Coachbuilt is more difficult.
I found an Iveco based Kentucky. 2012 chassis, six speed, twin rear wheel and 170BHP. Legally it will tow 3,000Kg, but there is another issue. A lot of the coachbuilts have garages and when they build them, they chop the chassis and create a dropwell. I had to have a towbar fabricated for mine, which is effectively a chassis extension. Realistically, this limits the amount you can tow because of the moment on the back axle and the general limits of fabrication.
Up to press I've been towing an 1,100Kg race car, eight wheels, a heavy jack and 60Kg of fuel. My trailer was a Brenderup, so not the lightest, but the Motorhome played with it. We've been monitoring the situation and having towed to a few events now, I've just bought a PRG Tracsporter that weighs in at around 1,000Kg. I'm not envisaging any issues, but I'll be very careful how I load it and I'm being fairly mercinary about what I carry.
Thanks Oliver.I spoke with a lot of people in the paddock before taking the plunge and everyone said the same; forget front wheel drive. I was repeatedly told of difficulties when towing, with one person having a ten mile detour to get out of his home town because the Motorhome just sits and spins wheels on a slight incline. The other aspect is that the Euro chassis, (Fiat, Citroen, Peugeot), will not tow anymore than 2,000kg in coachbuilt trim. Some are plated to 1,800kg only.
The answer is rear wheel drive and twin rear wheel, which means Iveco, Mercedes, or possibly Transit. Rimor build on a Renault Master that is rear wheel drive, but I am told it will only tow 2,000kg. If you are looking to a van conversion life is slightly easier in that a Sprinter or Crafter will work, but Coachbuilt is more difficult.
I found an Iveco based Kentucky. 2012 chassis, six speed, twin rear wheel and 170BHP. Legally it will tow 3,000Kg, but there is another issue. A lot of the coachbuilts have garages and when they build them, they chop the chassis and create a dropwell. I had to have a towbar fabricated for mine, which is effectively a chassis extension. Realistically, this limits the amount you can tow because of the moment on the back axle and the general limits of fabrication.
Up to press I've been towing an 1,100Kg race car, eight wheels, a heavy jack and 60Kg of fuel. My trailer was a Brenderup, so not the lightest, but the Motorhome played with it. We've been monitoring the situation and having towed to a few events now, I've just bought a PRG Tracsporter that weighs in at around 1,000Kg. I'm not envisaging any issues, but I'll be very careful how I load it and I'm being fairly mercinary about what I carry.
Should point me in the right direction.
arfur said:
Not motorsport related, but I've dragged SUV size vehicles behind me on a tray. This was in the US however, and it was just the norm really. Clearly in the US there is no need to get C1 or HGV licence for a 12000 lb motohome, even pulling a Toureg on a tray, but even in the UK, if prepared to go and go your HGV licence you can get a LPG US motorhome that will pull your 3000kg with ease.
Just a thought really ...
Arf
Thank's for that.Just a thought really ...
Arf
Will weigh up all the options but need to tow at least 2500/2600Kg with not too much effort.
custardkid said:
Had the same thoughts
Do a handful of trackdays a year, so nice to use the motorhome rather than must have, it's primary role is holidays and weekends mountain biking
Basically to tow a decent weight it compromises the other uses
Most coach builts have a 2-3m overhang needing a heavy towbar 60kg + giving pay load issues if <3.5t
Also a 2-3m overhang will give axle loading issues and handling issues meaning you'd probably want air suspension
Tag axles and uprated vans have lower GTWs
A van conversion on a sprinter (with upgraded tow pack) or Daily would work, but are smaller inside and mostly DIY conversions (but look at the hymer van)
A big 'liner' like spuffs will do it but is too big to take advantage of those 'beach front spot on lake Garda ' holiday opportunities
So tow with a range rover, and if we need the camper get some one else drive that!
Think i will end up with an A class with about 1600Kg to 2000Kg towing capacity which is plenty for my Caterham and trailer and if i need to tow the bigger stuff then just use the Cayenne with the big trailer.Do a handful of trackdays a year, so nice to use the motorhome rather than must have, it's primary role is holidays and weekends mountain biking
Basically to tow a decent weight it compromises the other uses
Most coach builts have a 2-3m overhang needing a heavy towbar 60kg + giving pay load issues if <3.5t
Also a 2-3m overhang will give axle loading issues and handling issues meaning you'd probably want air suspension
Tag axles and uprated vans have lower GTWs
A van conversion on a sprinter (with upgraded tow pack) or Daily would work, but are smaller inside and mostly DIY conversions (but look at the hymer van)
A big 'liner' like spuffs will do it but is too big to take advantage of those 'beach front spot on lake Garda ' holiday opportunities
So tow with a range rover, and if we need the camper get some one else drive that!
dsl2 said:
Hi Griff, as you may recall I've got an 9.1 mtr long RS endeavour on the 6.5t Iveco chassis, towing close on 3t all over the country with the Brian James transporter 4 plus Juno race car / 120 ltrs fuel / spares / 16 wheels etc.
Whilst its no ball of fire it gets you there sitting at 60-65mph nicely at 17 mpg ish & even managed a gps verified 88mph towing just because i wanted to see what she'd do flat chat!
They are however a lot of money & the company has gone out of business a few times but always manages to re-appear again, usually a few secondhand ones about (did think about selling mine recently) very sturdy construction & the Motorhome side is easy to maintain & work on yourself with easy access to the various Systems on board.
The agile gearbox (automated Manual) has a number of issues I'd need to talk you through so you are fully informed too much to type here but saying that mines never missed a beat in 7 years however it's only done 16,000 miles.
Hi Darren. Remember seeing yours at Curborough and it was a nice looking bit of kit.Had a good look around the NEC yesterday and think for the amount of times i will need to tow over 1500Kg then i will just use the the Cayenne and go for maybe an 7.4- 8mtr approx A class as they offer plenty of comfort and storage and are not too big for the Hillclimbing.Whilst its no ball of fire it gets you there sitting at 60-65mph nicely at 17 mpg ish & even managed a gps verified 88mph towing just because i wanted to see what she'd do flat chat!
They are however a lot of money & the company has gone out of business a few times but always manages to re-appear again, usually a few secondhand ones about (did think about selling mine recently) very sturdy construction & the Motorhome side is easy to maintain & work on yourself with easy access to the various Systems on board.
The agile gearbox (automated Manual) has a number of issues I'd need to talk you through so you are fully informed too much to type here but saying that mines never missed a beat in 7 years however it's only done 16,000 miles.
dsl2 said:
Indeed for race circuits it’s not too bad even with an 8mtr trailer on the back but hillclimbs are so tight unless you in first & out last at most places it a bit of a stress raiser for sure.
Got to say we love time in our truck & I’m sure you will too great family time all together in a small place so no kids hiding away in their own bedrooms, just come back from 14 days in the south of France & lake Annecy had a fabulous time, going to go for a month next trip.
Now on hols in Abu Dhabi, ah the joys of early retirement lol
Don't blame you ! Enjoy Got to say we love time in our truck & I’m sure you will too great family time all together in a small place so no kids hiding away in their own bedrooms, just come back from 14 days in the south of France & lake Annecy had a fabulous time, going to go for a month next trip.
Now on hols in Abu Dhabi, ah the joys of early retirement lol
magooagain said:
I am towing a stripped out fiat coupe on a Iffor Williams twin axle trailor. The coupe is about 1250 kilo and trailor about 500 kilo.
I tow with a Renault master 120 front wheel drive camper.
I had a custom tow bar fabricated by UK Towbars. It accounted for the extended chassis.
Absolutely no problems with it.
I'm based in France with regular runs up to Spa (900 klm)and into the uk.
A couple of pics.
That setup looks very similar to what i will end up with.My Caterham only weighs 420Kg and the spare wheels are very light being Magnesium centres but will still only have a light open trailer like yours.I tow with a Renault master 120 front wheel drive camper.
I had a custom tow bar fabricated by UK Towbars. It accounted for the extended chassis.
Absolutely no problems with it.
I'm based in France with regular runs up to Spa (900 klm)and into the uk.
A couple of pics.
I owned a 20v Coupe in Red years ago and loved it.
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