ntar827
Bay Village, Ohio, USA
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Joined: 09/02/2003
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I have a Coachmen Freedom FR200RB that is on a Chevy Express chassis.
The engine is a Vortex 6000 V8 with an MT1 transmission.
Wondering if I can tow a car with all four wheels down with this combination.
If so, what experiences and cars?
Thanks
Nick
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tenbear
Northern Vermont, USA
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Joined: 08/11/2004
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My Class C is a little bigger than yours and I have the same engine. I have no problem towing my Subaru, 3100 pounds. You might check your owners manual to see what weight limit they recommend. Most Class Cs can tow 3500 lbs and some 5000. Depends on the hitch and any frame extensions the manufacturer has added.
Class C, 2004/5 Four Winds Dutchman Express 28A, Chevy chassis
2010 Subaru Impreza Sedan
Camped in 45 states, 7 Provinces and 1 Territory
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Midge&Me
Addison IL USA
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Joined: 01/07/2005
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We have the Freedom 256db, and pull a Jeep Wrangler Sport. It may effect your mpg a bit, but only minor amount. The Chevy Vortic seems to have plenty of power, and the tow hold mode is sweet.
Midge & Me
2004 Coachman
Jeep Wrangler
Catch me on Channel 13 on the road
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Cloud 9
Guilford, Vt
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Joined: 07/15/2007
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You should have no problem towing a small car. We have a 31 ft Class C w/ the same engine and transmission. We tow a Pontiac Vibe, no issues noted.
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rockhillmanor
On the Road
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Joined: 12/06/2003
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Check what your towing capacity is and stay BELOW that figure. Buy the lightest car you can find. And you are going to be surprised just what some of these newer little cars weigh.
Check the weight of the cars you look at and be prepared to have the saleman rolling his eyes the whole time. AND the salesmen will ALL tell you "sure this car can be towed". CHECK the cars manual under Recreational Towing to be SURE the car you are buying CAN be towed four down. Which BTW...car salesmen don't even know what four down even means! 
I found it VERY hard to find one that was around 3,000 lbs.and could be towed four down.
If you push the weight limits on your towing capacity you will regret it.
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Stennis
Starkville, Mississippi
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Joined: 04/28/2003
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We were out of the MH business but about a year ago, we acquired a small Class C Dutchmen Dorado (Ford 450 V-10). It has no bedroom and not the best for much more than what we got it for - primarily to attend our grandsons' ballgames.
One needs to be careful about such selections. The first of the year we found that my wife would require some medical treatments. The best place was 300 miles away and the treatments were set up as an outpatient program. Every day one goes in for treatment and returns to their lodging. We have found the RV challenging but acceptable lodging - my wife on the fold down dinette and me on the couch (not worth the hassel to do the foldout queen air matress bed). Given at times her resistance was down, this also reduced the chance of my exposing her to something. We felt this was safer than a hotel room or appartment. Off hand, I would guess about 75% of the Feb-July period this was home. You do what you have to do. A digression but brings me to your question.
I agree with others that you need to select a very light tow vehicle. We considered the Smart for Two and the Honda fit - both towable four down with no modification (one of our criteria). We finally decided on the Honda Fit (the instructions for towing the Fit four down are in the Owner's Manual).
As it turned out, that decision was a blessing. The Smart had very little room and storage. The Class C has very little storage and the exterior compartments are small. The Fit saved us. When went to Little Rock, the Fit was full. Including a large lockable plastic locker - which we could put outside the RV. Some stuff stayed in the Fit. It was worth the added weight.
We have towed it 2500+ miles and driven thousands more. The Fit has exceeded our expectations. There is no perfect tow vehicle. It just depends upon what the individual is looking for. I would encourage you to look at the Fit. The only negative thing I can say is that I liked our AWD CRV better but it would have added about 1000#
For your information, I installed the baseplate and did the wiring on the Fit. I did it in the garage with the Fit jack, a drill, some basic tools, some blocks, and time. If one follows the instructions, it is not that hard. Also, I found some helpful information on the Dingy Forum.
Good luck on finding what is best for you.
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rreece
Austin TX on the road full time now
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Joined: 12/15/2003
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We have a 2004 200RB Freedom 6.0L Chevy and have towed 4 down a 2004 Jeep Liberty over 12,000' passes.(including Bear Claw in the snow) It has been great. In the process of selling and moving to a 5th wheel.
Ron & Pat
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Healeyman
Carrollton, TX
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I have towed our Miata (2,500#) over 30,000 miles with our 1999 Four Winds. It has a 350 Chevy engine. You should do fine.
Tim
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Sea Dog
Ontario Can.
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Joined: 04/15/2001
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ntar827 wrote:I have a Coachmen Freedom FR200RB that is on a Chevy Express chassis.
The engine is a Vortex 6000 V8 with an MT1 transmission.
Wondering if I can tow a car with all four wheels down with this combination.
If so, what experiences and cars?
Thanks
Nick
Why do you want to tow?
We have a 22ft classC have never towed , can go and park almost anywhere.
I have no desire to tow, if I did, I would have a fiver!
Life is short,Death is long,
Take a vacation.
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Bobbo
Wherever I park
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Joined: 09/16/2007
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Sea Dog wrote:Why do you want to tow?
We have a 22ft classC have never towed , can go and park almost anywhere.
I have no desire to tow, if I did, I would have a fiver!
Why would you NOT want to tow?
I tow to keep from having to break camp every time DW wants to shop or see something!
I wouldn't consider NOT towing.
Everyone is different in his needs and desires.
* This post was
edited 08/15/10 09:53am by Bobbo *
Bobbo, Linda and the furry kids (1&1/2 German Shepherds)
2007 Winnebago Outlook WF331C on a Ford E450 Super Duty Chassis
2010 Subaru Forester w/BlueOx baseplate & Ready Brute Elite towbar
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