Trailering and launching with an RV

[Hunky Dory]

Last night I caught my finger quivering over the bid button of a nice older 30' Class A rig with a 440 Mopar and a 727 auto trans. Looked great for extending weekend trips with the pontoon. <br /><br />But this time that little voice was straining so hard that I actually heard it! "Trail Ridge is over 12,000 ft! How do you know it can pull an empty trailer up the launch ramp, let alone with the boat? What if that old tranny dies trying and does a public impersonation of the Exxon Valdez? <br /><br />So I listened (rare moment!). I wanted to buy but I just flat chickened out. <br /><br />I've cursed a few of the worst dynamic roadblocks along the way but otherwise have given them little thought at all. Now I suddenly want one -- what do I need to know? And where should I look? <br /><br />I searched on all the motorhome, RV and Winnebago words I can dream up, but very little information cropped up, even here on iBoats.<br /><br />I can think of myriad questions, but I'd rather look at the FAQs first. Anyone know where they are hidden?

 

[jeff_nicholas]

Re: Trailering and launching with an RV

Might try here: <br />Class A Info

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trailering and launching with an RV

You might have noticed that Class A's (new and old) of every shape and size very often have a vehicle in tow ranging from small cars to mid-size SUVs. That rig would handle a pontoon of moderate size no sweat. Those old 440s were great tow motors. Gobs of torque and the 727 was up to the task as well.

 

[fondafj]

Re: Trailering and launching with an RV

We used to fish a lot with a class A towing a 4000lb boat trailer. Towing was all at sea level (comparitively speaking) and the only problem we had was interference between the fold down steps and the launch ramp. The wheel base was long enough that the steps dragged on the pavement at the ramp break.

 

[Hunky Dory]

Re: Trailering and launching with an RV

Thanks for the replies, sorry I was slow picking them up. A guy could get lost in that excellent RV site!<br /><br />I guess it's all in the gearing but it still seems like the launch ramp could be a special challenge. But you must be right because I don't see overloaded RVs as a recurrent theme in Stupid Human Tricks. <br /><br />Bet I get one during the winter. Hope the story has a happy beginning.<br /><br />I remember the Mopar big blocks with great affection. Had two; the Roadrunner with tow package (and trans cooler) could snake a self contained over California's fabled Ridge Route at (shall we say) 55mph (would I speed?) with the air conditioner on at 105 degrees while passing unladen wheezers left and right. Still, the package was not near the weight of a 30' RV pulling a boat from a deepwater start up a mossy launch ramp.

 

[ndemge]

Re: Trailering and launching with an RV

rv.net is great, there is a LOT of info there, it's the iboats of rv's.