How To Tow a Class A Motorhome? All You Need To Know
There are many reasons as to why you may want to tow a motorhome. If your motorhome breaks down on the side of the road, you may need to tow it back to get repaired. Or maybe you just purchased a second vehicle and would like to be able to bring that with you on your travels. It’s bad enough to think that you have to learn how to drive a 40-foot long motorhome, but now you have to worry about how to tow one as well? Towing a motorhome will be harder than towing other types of vehicles on the road. Below we will go over how you can safely tow a Class A Motorhome.
Before Towing
Before you tow, you will want to make sure your motorhome is equipped with an auxiliary braking system. This is important because in order to minimize the risk of an accident while towing, you will want your motorhome and vehicle being towed to stop at the same time.
The next step will be deciding on the type of hitch and tow bar that you need for your vehicle. There are two types of hitches: weight carrying and weight distributing hitches. Weight carrying hitches are used for lighter loads and weight distributing hitches are used for heavier loads. There are five different classes of hitches that weigh between 3,500 pounds and 14,000 pounds. Each hitch class has its own requirements so make sure that you buy the right one for your specific needs.
Towing a class A motorhome is something that should be taken seriously. If you don’t pay attention to the weight of your tow vehicle and the other important factors, you could end up in an accident.
When towing a motorhome, it’s important to keep these things in mind:
- The Weight of Your Motorhome
It is important to know the weight of your motorhome before you start to tow it. With this information, you will be able to determine whether or not your vehicle will be able to pull it with no problems. This can help prevent accidents from happening while on the road.
If you have a newer Class A motorhome, it should have an information sticker somewhere near its door that lists its weight and other important information. If it doesn't, you can take it into a dealership and they will be able to tell you what it weighs.
- The Weight of Your Tow Vehicle
Now that you know how much your motorhome weighs, it is time to look at your tow vehicle. You need to make sure that it can handle that weight or more without any issues arising from it.
If you are planning on having a tow vehicle that is much lighter than the motorhome, then you need to understand that there is a good chance that your brakes and tires could wear out very quickly due to overheating them over and over again when towing a heavy Class A Motorhome.
- The Height of Your Motorhome
One of the greatest challenges with motorhomes is their height. The average Class A is 12 feet tall, which can make it easy to hit overpasses and bridges on the road. You'll want to check your local roads and highways beforehand to ensure they're safe for your motorhome. This is especially important if you're planning on traveling long distances or through areas that you're not familiar with.
- The Length of Your Motorhome and Tow Vehicle
You'll also have to consider the length of your motorhome as well as the overall length of your motorhome and tow vehicle combination. Most Class A motorhomes are 30 feet in length, although this number varies from brand to brand. In addition, you need to add several feet for your tow vehicle, which can put you at 35+ feet total — depending on what type of tow vehicle you use.
- The Age of Your Brakes and Tires
Tires should be inflated to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, which can be found on a placard inside the driver's door jam or in the owner's manual.
Tread wear varies by tire type and manufacturer, but most motorhomes have a tread life between 5-7 years. It's best practice to replace them every 6 years regardless of tread depth.
If you follow these tips, you will be able to tow your motorhome much easier and safer, no matter which one you have.
If you cannot find your tow vehicle's towing capacity, you can use one of these two formulas:
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) - Curb Weight = Maximum Towing Capacity
- Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) - Curb Weight = Maximum Towing Capacity
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Best methods to towing a class a motorhome
Here are some of the best ways to tow a class a motorhome.
Use A Landoll Bus Hauler Trailer Model 353
![Landoll Bus Hauler Trailer Model 353]()
The Model 353 double drop has a full width front well that allows for a deck height of just 26”. The rear tandem wheel well pockets are equipped with Landoll’s “Mechanical Wheel Well Lifter”. You have all trailer hydraulic functions at your fingertips with the standard wireless remote controls.
The double drop trailer that will haul even the toughest jobs like metro buses and Class A or B motor coaches. The Model 353, a 35 ton three axle trailer, is designed to handle even the heaviest of motor coaches. The three axle undercarriage has air ride suspension, 25,000 lb. axles and most importantly a 132” axle spread.
Hire a tow company
If you plan to tow a Class A motorhome and are unsure of your safety and ability to successfully do so, it would be best to hire a professional tow company. This way you can rest knowing that your vehicle is safe and will arrive at its destination without any accidents or damage.
In a situation where a tow company is needed, the first step is notifying the tow driver as to what kind of RV you have, in this case a Class A motorhome, and whether or not it has air brakes. If the RV has air brakes and you do not inform the driver ahead of time, it could delay any assistance you may need. It’s also important to note that in the majority of cases, the RV’s tires are used to tow it.
5 Tips for loading a motorhome onto a trailer
- Secure the bed of your truck to the tow vehicle.
- Be sure to have a spotter, who has good communication with driver.
- Make sure mirrors are properly adjusted and cleared away from truck body and trailer fenders.
- Oh, and check that you have a proper hitch!
- Secure your motorhome onto the trailer with strong straps or chains that run from front axle, underneath chassis to points on the back of the trailer.
Conclusion
Towing a large motorhome safely requires a lot of skill and some specialized knowledge. The information and instructions found here can help you tow a class A motorhome. Once you're familiar with the proper procedures for towing, you too will be able to take those long vacations in your motorhome with the family.
This post was created to help owners of these large motorhomes learn how to properly tow their vehicles. By reading this you will gain some helpful insight on how to get the most out of your experience. We have compiled the best advice from people who have actually towed class a motorhomes and we have decided to share that information here.
