QUESTION: This is what we want to do...is it possible?
SplusH said
10:15 AM May 10, 2009
Hey everyone! This is my second post. I browsed this area, but couldn't find what I was looking for.
My husband & I just made the decision to go fulltime in six years after our youngest graduates from high school. We are excited and anxious, but feel grateful to have so much time to save & plan.
Right now we're putting a 'game plan' together. I will tell you what we've discussed and then hopefully will get some input on if this is even possible, and if so, then how?
We want to tow an enclosed trailer such as this one: We want to haul a smart car & 2 motorcycles. So is this doable? If so, then what would be the best to tow it? We are thinking a Class C MH since it is shorter, but then someone yesterday in the chat mentioned towing capacity. I would think a 5th wheel would be the worst, because you'd be double towing. Has anyone done this? Do you have pictures? I would love any advice. Thank you in advance.
~Stacy
Howard said
10:54 AM May 10, 2009
Hi Stacy,
What you are planning to do is certainly possible, but you got good advice in the Chat Room. The traditional Class Cs probably don't have the towing capacity for that trailer and contents. However, there are Class Cs now built on semi-truck chassis that would have the towing capacity if you don't mind that "look and feel".
There are certainly many Class As towing trailers such as the one pictured. I'd look into diesel pushers. I'm sure there are members of this forum that have similar set-ups.
With either a Class C or a Class A, you will run into length issues in campgrounds with the trailer. I'd go with the larger living space of the Class A and the much better towing capacity (in most cases).
But don't take it from me. You'll probably get some responses from those experienced in what you are looking to do.
-- Edited by Howard on Sunday 10th of May 2009 10:55:53 AM
dgorila1 said
11:01 AM May 10, 2009
Stacy,
For the weight of what you want to haul I would consider a Motorcoach (aka HDT conversion). The following is a good site to browse to get ideas and links to Coach builder's.
http://truckhome.com/eve
You can also see some that have built in garages that might fit your needs.
Since a Motorcoach is built on a stretched HDT platform you have a much safer rig that can tow much more than most normal RV's. An HDt is also cheaper to maintain overall than a Class A pusher since there are millions of HDT's running the roads and they are designed for ease of maintenance and durability.
brainranger said
11:55 AM May 10, 2009
Stacy,
The towing is possible. In fact we tow a 26' enclosed trailer. Inside is a Jeep Wrangler. In front of that is a Goldwing. In front of that is two feet of cabinets and lockers the entire width of the unit. However, I wouldn't recommend a class C as we had one of those and the towing power wasn't adequate enough. We now tow all of this with our 40' Revolution and don't even know the stuff is behind us. If you desire photos, just email me and I'll take some for you.
Thank you all so much for your posts. We will definitely be checking into everything mentioned. It gives us a much better idea of where to start.
RVDude said
07:54 AM May 11, 2009
It's all a numbers game. Add the trailer weight, plus the smart car weight plus the two bike, and throw in another 1,000 lbs because you have the room in that beautiful trailer and certainly will use it. Now, take that weight and combine it with whatever tow vehicle you are thinking of (ClassA/C, MDT, etc.) making sure to add in your tow vehicle wet/packed total weight (or just assume its GVWR) and see if it trailer + contents + GVWR of tow vehicle is LESS THAN the GCWR for the tow vehicle.
Folks with large DP mohos pull stacker trailers all the time. Just make sure you stay within all the weight ratings of the trailer and tow vehicle.
Class A is the way to go.
Price wise the class A is less expensive than a HDT motorcoach. Plus some of the higher end Motorcoach resort consider these like class C MH and do not allow them.
If you attend any swapmeet, flea market, RV show you'll see a lot of Class A MH with enclosed trailers. It's kind of the industry standard.
Other Options:
You may want to consider one of the toy hauler fifth wheels using a HDT to pull it with and carry everything inside the toy hauler (no need for enclosed trailer). When empty the garage area makes for a nice living room and on most models the ramp converts to a deck.
Or an HDT with an extended frame to haul the car and motorcycles and then tow a nice big fifth wheel. Several of these combinations on the road. See Escapees HDT forum and HDT Birds of a Feather group.
Good luck with your plans.
RVDude said
09:32 AM May 11, 2009
Yes the OMG over the top above is real.... http://www.nextautos.com/auto-news/german-rv-maker-hold-everything
-----
Toterman's toy ----
----- Newmar's offering a couple years ago... ----
Bike haulers and lifts ---- of course, the all purpose stacker trailers that hold more than you can imagine.
----
--- and really almost anything you can imagine!
-- Edited by RVDude on Wednesday 13th of May 2009 07:27:09 AM
SplusH said
10:50 AM May 11, 2009
RV Dude~ Awesome pics, thanks so much. So now I know that what we want to do is possible, it's just figuring out how we want to do it. That sports car underneath is nuts! That had to be a pretty spend conversion.
Also thanks for TheBearII :)
SplusH said
09:39 PM May 11, 2009
As of right now, we're thinking we're going to go with a Toyhauler. I really like this set up,
http://dieselgem.shutterfly.com/10
it seems perfect for us. The only thing is I would have to forego getting a Smart Car, which I really wanted, but certainly didn't need. Just going with two bikes in the toy hauler and pulling it with a big ol' Ford seems darn near perfect. That way we'd have the truck to drive if the weather did not permit riding the bikes.
Now my goal is to learn all I can about these RV's. I'm on a mission. :)
I recently saw a setup like this...a MD truck hauling a FW and piggybacking a smart car. Looked like a very nice setup. I didn't take a picture but here is one I found on the net that shows a similar setup. (image removed)
-- Edited by NorCal Dan on Thursday 14th of May 2009 01:23:58 PM
SplusH said
09:08 AM May 12, 2009
Thanks for adding to this discussion, it is so appreciated. The link doesn't work though and I can't find it myself. What exactly did you search for?
RVDude said
12:27 PM May 12, 2009
Looks like it was Toterman's rig picture from my post above and this rig...
-- Edited by RVDude on Tuesday 12th of May 2009 12:27:53 PM
NorCal Dan said
01:38 PM May 12, 2009
I just searched google for piggyback smartcar rv
I don't know much about trucks so I wouldn't know a MDT from a tractor. The one I saw in person, in Deming NM, I was told belonged to the inventor/owner of the TPMS company Pressure Pro. I wish I had taken a picture as everything was painted to match, and the smartcar could be driven onto the truck or it had a winch so you could drag it into position.
I don't think it would work for me as the car looks way to small for me to fit into and be comfortable, but I do like the idea. One of the cons for us not selecting a FW over a MH for full-timing was being stuck doing everything in that big TV.
Anyways, I just wanted to share...
SplusH said
01:53 AM May 13, 2009
I found this picture and would love to know how they get this car up & down. http://tiny.cc/A3VJz
-- Edited by SplusH on Wednesday 13th of May 2009 01:54:28 AM
On the Smart: do not discount them until you have driven in one. I am 6'2" and 200+ lbs. I have to put the seat FORWARD to reach the pedals. I rode in one with a 6'4", 300+lb guy and we had plenty of shoulder room. Plus, when in them it feels like you are in a much larger vehicle. But they ARE 2-seaters. There is grocery room behing the seats, and enough room for my Aussie. But no more.....
You can cross load either a grey market or "new" Smart on an HDT. The "new" model will exceed the 102" width limit, but frankley you can not tell that by looking and it is almost impossible to measure it on the truck. Some people ramp the new ones at an angle to shorten them. Personally, I would just flat load it.
The advantage of the HDT in this situation is you can configure it just about any way you want to if you are starting from scratch. That way, you may not have to "waste" the living space of a toyhauler.
How about some possibilities like: a stacker deck on the HDT with Smart below, MC above. Or, MC below on loaders, and ATV's stacked above. Or a Jeep front-loaded. Or a Smart crossloaded on the HDT, with 2 MCs on a swivel-trailer behind a regular 5er. It goes on and on.....
I'm happy to personally talk to anyone about what the in's and out's of the HDT world are. You would be surprised what is possible. You might be more surprised to find that and HDT is more comfortable and as easy to drive as a CC dually. An HDT and 5er are not for everyone. But it does open up many possibilities that otherwise are difficult to execute.
-- Edited by Jack Mayer on Thursday 14th of May 2009 10:46:01 AM
-- Edited by Jack Mayer on Thursday 14th of May 2009 11:10:10 AM
SplusH said
10:39 PM May 15, 2009
Thanks for all the input Jack. You've given me a lot to check into. I have drive an HDT and I have a CDL. So that part doesn't scare me.
This is my second post. I browsed this area, but couldn't find what I was looking for.
My husband & I just made the decision to go fulltime in six years after our youngest graduates from high school. We are excited and anxious, but feel grateful to have so much time to save & plan.
Right now we're putting a 'game plan' together. I will tell you what we've discussed and then hopefully will get some input on if this is even possible, and if so, then how?
We want to tow an enclosed trailer such as this one:
We want to haul a smart car & 2 motorcycles. So is this doable? If so, then what would be the best to tow it? We are thinking a Class C MH since it is shorter, but then someone yesterday in the chat mentioned towing capacity. I would think a 5th wheel would be the worst, because you'd be double towing. Has anyone done this? Do you have pictures? I would love any advice. Thank you in advance.
~Stacy
Hi Stacy,
What you are planning to do is certainly possible, but you got good advice in the Chat Room. The traditional Class Cs probably don't have the towing capacity for that trailer and contents. However, there are Class Cs now built on semi-truck chassis that would have the towing capacity if you don't mind that "look and feel".
There are certainly many Class As towing trailers such as the one pictured. I'd look into diesel pushers. I'm sure there are members of this forum that have similar set-ups.
With either a Class C or a Class A, you will run into length issues in campgrounds with the trailer. I'd go with the larger living space of the Class A and the much better towing capacity (in most cases).
But don't take it from me. You'll probably get some responses from those experienced in what you are looking to do.
-- Edited by Howard on Sunday 10th of May 2009 10:55:53 AM
Folks with large DP mohos pull stacker trailers all the time. Just make sure you stay within all the weight ratings of the trailer and tow vehicle.
Here's the glossary
http://www.rvsafety.org/custompage2736.html?pg=defintiions
Yes the OMG over the top above is real.... http://www.nextautos.com/auto-news/german-rv-maker-hold-everything
-----
Toterman's toy
----
-----
Newmar's offering a couple years ago...
----
Bike haulers and lifts
----
of course, the all purpose stacker trailers that hold more than you can imagine.
----
---
and really almost anything you can imagine!
-- Edited by RVDude on Wednesday 13th of May 2009 07:27:09 AM
I recently saw a setup like this...a MD truck hauling a FW and piggybacking a smart car. Looked like a very nice setup. I didn't take a picture but here is one I found on the net that shows a similar setup. (image removed)
-- Edited by NorCal Dan on Thursday 14th of May 2009 01:23:58 PM
It's from Jack Mayer's site who is an excellent MDT/HDT resource too. http://www.jackdanmayer.com/
Travis Toterman is also not to be missed for MDT/HDT tech experience. http://travis410.blogspot.com/2007/06/toterman.html
-- Edited by RVDude on Tuesday 12th of May 2009 12:27:53 PM
http://tiny.cc/A3VJz
-- Edited by SplusH on Wednesday 13th of May 2009 01:54:28 AM
http://picasaweb.google.com/jackdanmayer/PiggybackCars?feat=directlink
On the Smart: do not discount them until you have driven in one. I am 6'2" and 200+ lbs. I have to put the seat FORWARD to reach the pedals. I rode in one with a 6'4", 300+lb guy and we had plenty of shoulder room. Plus, when in them it feels like you are in a much larger vehicle. But they ARE 2-seaters. There is grocery room behing the seats, and enough room for my Aussie. But no more.....
You can cross load either a grey market or "new" Smart on an HDT. The "new" model will exceed the 102" width limit, but frankley you can not tell that by looking and it is almost impossible to measure it on the truck. Some people ramp the new ones at an angle to shorten them. Personally, I would just flat load it.
The advantage of the HDT in this situation is you can configure it just about any way you want to if you are starting from scratch. That way, you may not have to "waste" the living space of a toyhauler.
How about some possibilities like: a stacker deck on the HDT with Smart below, MC above. Or, MC below on loaders, and ATV's stacked above. Or a Jeep front-loaded. Or a Smart crossloaded on the HDT, with 2 MCs on a swivel-trailer behind a regular 5er. It goes on and on.....
I'm happy to personally talk to anyone about what the in's and out's of the HDT world are. You would be surprised what is possible. You might be more surprised to find that and HDT is more comfortable and as easy to drive as a CC dually. An HDT and 5er are not for everyone. But it does open up many possibilities that otherwise are difficult to execute.
-- Edited by Jack Mayer on Thursday 14th of May 2009 10:46:01 AM
-- Edited by Jack Mayer on Thursday 14th of May 2009 11:10:10 AM