What do you (can you) pull with your Class B?

[saenzm]

Can you pull a trailer behind these Class Bs? Small car on a dolly? Just wondering if you guys pull anything. I have been thinking of buying a small enclosed trailer for Bikes and gear and what not.

Thoughts?

[BBQ]

Originally Posted by saenzm

Can you pull a trailer behind these Class Bs? Small car on a dolly? Just wondering if you guys pull anything. I have been thinking of buying a small enclosed trailer for Bikes and gear and what not.

Thoughts?

>Can you pull a trailer behind these Class Bs?

The short answer is -- It depends...

Which ClassB do you have?
Which engine/transmission?

What is your gross weight?

What is the permitted Combined gross weight?

[saenzm]

1997 Dodge 3500 PW

[hepcat]

To expand on BBQ's post...

Engine/trans combo?

Factory tow package? Tow package capacity?

GVWR of the van? Actual curb weight of the van?

GCVWR of the van?

If you answer those questions, you'll know what you'll be able to tow.

[booster]

Most of the various class b's are able to handle a small trailer for bikes and stuff. They are usually in the under 2500# range for the nice and light ones.

As the others have said, checking everything against the ratings is necessary, and it is always a good idea to have trailer brakes, even if you are below the weight the charts say you will need them.

[markopolo]

I agree with all the previous posters and would add that you need to know the hitch weight rating, trailer tongue weight and trailer tongue weight rating for your van.

I tow a lightweight category travel trailer (much bigger than what you describe) and find that the van makes for a good tow vehicle. I use a weight distribution hitch and my van has added rear airbag suspension. It is all very stable while being towed.

van with trailer.JPG

For security, if leaving the trailer unattended at campsites, you can purchase a hitch latch lock, and/or lock that blocks access to to where the ball goes and/or a wheel locking device.

[BBQ]

.

The RV model is important --

some have extended chassis (eg. the RT 210),

which might impact on the hitch weight.

.

[Bruceper]

If you do not know the answers to the above questions, there are some data plates on the drivers door or door sill. Take pictures of those and post them here or type out the info if you can.

[rjf7g]

I have a 1999 American Cruiser - a lot of weight already sitting on a 3500 Dodge RAM Maxi heavy duty van chassis. I have a 5'x8' mesh floor utility trailer and I use it to pull a golf cart and tubs-o-stuff. The Cruiser does fine with this and the most I would do beyond this is upgrade my utility trailer.