How Much Can You Tow With A Class C Motorhome

Being able to tow your car or a boat behind your motorhome gives you more travel flexibility. And, if you are a new Class C Motorhome owner, one of the questions that might be on your mind is how much can a class C motorhome actually tow?

The most common towing capacity range for Class C motorhomes is between 7500 – 7000 lbs, with some models being able to tow upwards of 20,000 lbs. The actual towing capacity does depend on a number of factors including engine size, transmission, suspension, brakes, and the model in question.

Class C Motorhome Towing Capacity Chart

There are plenty of different types of Class C motorhomes on the market today.

Each comes with different features, and based on how they are set up, each will have a different towing capacity. 

To show the range of towing capacities for Class C motorhomes, we’ve put together a list of some of the more popular models with their length and towing capacity.

Model Name	Camper Length	Towing Capacity
Thor Freedom Elite 22FE	24.08 feet	8,000 lbs
Forest River Forester 2351LE	24.5 feet	7,500 lbs
Forest River Sunseeker 2250SLE	23.83 feet	7,500 lbs
Thor Delano 24TT	24.75 feet	5,000 lbs
Nexus Phantom 25P	24.92 feet	7,500 lbs
Quantum RC 25 Class C	26.25 feet	8,000 lbs
Coachmen Leprechaun 280 SS Class C	28.42 feet	7,500 lbs
Entegra Coach Esteem 29V	32.5 feet	7,500 lbs
Thor Omni BB35	36.67 feet	10,000 lbs
Dynamax Isata 5	36.42 feet	10,000 lbs
Nexus RV Viper 27V	28.42 feet	7,500 lbs
Jayco Greyhawk 30Z	32.5 feet	7,500 lbs
Jayco Greyhawk 30Z	32.5 feet	7,500 lbs
Freedom Elite 26H	27.5 feet	8,000 lbs
Jayco Redhawk 24B	26.67 feet	7,500 lbs
Jayco Redhawk 31F	32.5 feet	7,500 lbs
Coachmen Leprechaun 300BH	32.92 feet	7,500 lbs
Jayco Redhawk 31XL	32.5 feet	7,500 lbs
Thor Motor Coach 30D	32.17 feet	8,000 lbs
Jayco Greyhawk Prestige 31FSP	32.5 feet	7,500 lbs

Factors That Affect The Towing Capacity Of Your Class C Motorhome

If you’re shopping for a new Class C motorhome, and you plan on towing a vehicle, boat or toy trailer behind, you’ll need to make sure that your motorhome has the right mechanical features to handle what you’ll be towing. 

Engine Size

This is the most critical factor in determining how much your Class C motorhome can tow. In general, the larger the engine, the greater the towing capacity.

Gasoline or Diesel

Diesel engines run with more torque so even a smaller-sized diesel engine may have more power than a gasoline engine.

Diesel is more expensive than gasoline, so you’ll have to weigh the benefits and costs when making this decision.

Transmission

You probably won’t find too many manual transmission motorhomes out there anymore, but if you do, keep in mind that manual transmission motorhomes usually have smaller towing capacities.

Suspension

If you want greater towing capacity look for a Class C motorhome with a two-axle suspension.

Two-axle suspensions distribute weight better and allow for a larger towing capacity.

Brakes

When it comes to towing, not all breaks are created equal. Drum breaks tend to get hot quickly, and if you’re towing a load down a long hill, this can impact braking efficiency.

Disc brakes are a better option for increased towing capacity.

Understanding Class C Motorhome Weights & Limits

When you’re shopping for a Class C motorhome and you know you want to tow it, you are going to be bombarded with all sorts of new terms related to weights and limits for towing with your motorhome. 

Here are some of the terms you’ll often see related to towing weights and limits and what they mean.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

You’ll find this number inside the door of your motorhome. The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is the maximum weight that your motorhome is designed to carry. 

This value can include the tongue weight of the trailer or vehicle you’re towing, but it does not include the actual weight of the item you’re towing.

Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)

The gross combined weight rating (GCWR) is the combined weight of the motorhome, all of the stuff inside, the people riding in the motorhome, and the item being towed.

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)

Gross axle weight rating (GAWR) is the maximum distributed weight that the motorhome’s axle can support.

The GAWR will often be combined with FR (front axle) or RR (rear axle).

Occupant and Cargo Carrying Capacity (OCCC)

This limit is related to passengers in the motorhome.

The Occupant and Cargo Carrying Capacity (OCCC) is the maximum weight allowed for people in the motorhome (including the driver) along with tools, water tanks, gas tanks, personal belongings, and food.

Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)

Gross trailer weight is the weight of the trailer plus everything you’ve put on it.

For example, if you’re towing a boat, the GTW will be the weight of the boat trailer plus the weight of the boat.

Curb Weight

Curb weight is the weight that is most representative of the actual weight of the motorhome.

It includes the vehicle with standard equipment plus a full tank of gas/diesel. 

Towing Capacity

Towing capacity is the total weight your motorhome can tow when pulling a trailer.

This value is set by the manufacturer and is based on the GAWR, GTW, and GVWR, along with other considerations.

Other factors that can change towing capacity include how your motorhome is configured and how the load is distributed.

Tongue Weight Rating

Tongue weight rating is the downward force in pounds that the trailer tongue places on the hitch of your motorhome.

Tongue weight is generally around 10 to 15 percent of the total weight of the trailer.

Do not exceed the tongue weight limit for your motorhome, this can damage the motorhome’s suspension.

Different Towing Methods Explained

When you are towing a car behind your Class C motorhome there are three different methods that you can choose from.

The one you select will depend on how your motorhome is configured, the type of car you are towing, and your personal preference. 

Car Hauler

Using a car hauler is one option for towing your car with your Class C motorhome. A car hauler is generally a flatbed or covered trailer that your car sits on. 

Car haulers are nice because you don’t have to worry about your car’s transmission while hauling, and if you are using a covered trailer, your car is protected from the weather.

The disadvantage to using a car hauler is that the weight of your tow increases significantly, especially if you use an enclosed trailer. You’ll need to make sure that your motorhome is able to safely tow the added weight. 

Also, you’ll need to have a space to store the trailer at your campsite and when you’ve returned home

Four Down Method

The four down method for towing your car with your Class C motorhome. This method is also called flat towing.

Four down towing doesn’t work with all types of cars, so make sure that your car’s transmission can handle this towing option before making this selection. 

Four down towing your car can cause substantial and expensive damage if your car is not able to tow with this method.

Four down towing is probably the most popular method of towing for RVers. It’s easy to get the car on and off the hitch and can be done with just one person. 

You will need to make some modifications to your car before flat towing. You’ll need to install a tow bar and base plate, and some wiring connections that operate the lights and the brakes.

Besides being easy, this method is also popular because it takes up the least space at your campsite, and you don’t have to store anything extra when you get home.

Tow Dolly

If your car can’t be flat towed because of its transmission, and you don’t want to invest in a car hauler, then you’ll probably want to consider a tow dolly. 

This option is perfect for towing front-wheel drive cars behind your motorhome. With this method, the front wheels of the car are on a stationary dolly, while the rear wheels run along the ground behind.

Tow dollies do add additional weight to the gross trailer weight, so you’ll need to make sure that your motorhome has enough towing capacity to manage your car and its towing dolly.

Also, this method should never be used on 4WD or AWD vehicles. Towing these transmission types with a tow dolly can cause serious damage to the 4WD systems and other parts of the transfer case and transmission. 

Which Class C Motorhome Has The Best Towing Capacity?

There are plenty of Class C motorhomes out there, and they all have some amount of towing capacity. However, there are some that are better than others. 

Our pick for the Class C motorhome with the best towing capacity is the 2022 Newmar Superstar. Here’s how the specifications of this motorhome look:

2022 NEWMAR SUPERSTAR 4065

Engine	Cummins/I6 Diesel Pusher
Cylinders	6
Horsepower	360hp
Torque	1,150 ft-lbs at 1,200 RPM
Fuel Type	Diesel
Carburetion Type	Fuel Injected
Turbo Charged	Yes
Transmission Type	6-Speed Automatic
Overdrive	Yes
Dry Weight	34,100 pounds
Payload Capacity	5,900 pounds
Towing Capacity	20,000 pounds
GVWR	40,000 pounds

How To Tow A Car With A Class C Motorhome

Four down towing is probably the most popular way to tow a vehicle with your Class C motorhome. This method is also called dingy towing, flat towing, and bar towing. It is a versatile way to tow and is compatible with front-wheel, all-wheel, and 4-wheel drive vehicles. 

However, not all cars are able to be towed using the four down method. The best thing to do is check with your local dealership on the best way to tow your particular vehicle. 

Here is the process for four down towing your car.

Tools and Equipment:

• Flat tow bar installed on your motorhome
• Baseplate installed on your car
• Electrical cable and attachments.
• Safety chains
• Auxiliary braking system

Instructions:

1. Park your car behind your motorhome close enough for the tow bar to reach.
2. Locate the safety pins on the base plate that will be used to connect the tow bar and remove the safety pins from the base plate.
3. Attach the tow bar to the base plate and secure using the safety pins.
4. Connect the safety chains (these should be crossed), the electrical wiring, and the auxiliary braking system if necessary. 

Can You Tow A Jeep With A Class C Motorhome?

Yes, you can tow a Jeep with a Class C motorhome. Actually, Jeeps are one of the easiest vehicles to tow, and they are made to flat tow.

Because they are so easy to tow with your RV, you’ll see lots of Jeeps behind motorhomes. 

Can You Tow A Boat Behind A Class C?

Yes, some Class C motorhomes do have enough towing capacity for towing a boat.

You will have to keep in mind that boats add a lot to the gross towing weight, so you will need to make sure that your motorhome has the proper towing capacity to manage your boat. 

If you are looking to buy a Class C motorhome and have a boat you want to tow, make sure that you work closely with your local RV dealer to ensure that the motorhome you purchase is able to safely tow your boat.

Related: Common Dynamax Isata 3 problems.

Final Thoughts

One of the best things about Class C motorhomes is that most are well equipped to handle towing. When you are purchasing a Class C motorhome, you’ll want to know how much you can tow with your motorhome. 

Purchasing a Class C motorhome with enough towing capacity means that you can travel with your car giving you added flexibility and more options for exploring when you travel.