Yahoo Message Number: 7803 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/7803)
Hi Sully
And we were told by both a local Mercedes dealer and Remco that, with a transmission cooler installed, the ML tows fine and probably even the transmission cooler isn't vital, but good insurance. And thus far, towing several time now over a few 1000 miles every thing has gone great with the exception of the braking problem directly related to the Brake Buddy. Like so many things were found in Raving over our years of enjoying the experience, it does depend up who you talk to.
I've learn my best approach is gather all the information/advice I can and then make my own best decision. That's what we've done with the Mercedes ML and I know we're not alone in towing this car.
Tom
Yahoo Message Number: 7804 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/7804)
Hello to all:
Being a "newbie" to all this RV Stuff I need to ask a question about towing a 2004 Navigator 2WD behind my Dynasty. I have been to the dealer and they are absolutely clueless about how to do this..... Any help would be GREATLY appreciated....
Happy New Year to all.... Lorene and I hope to meet some of you during our travels this year!
Thank in advance for the help!
Kevin Doukas
Packet Design Inc.
Regional Sales Manager, Midwest Region
1317 Hidden Meadow
McKinney, Texas 75070
972.529.2450 Office
214.282.1855 Mobile
www.packetdesign.com (http://www.packetdesign.com/)
kdoukas@... (kdoukas@...)
Simplifying Route Analysis
Network Magazine Product of the Year
Yahoo Message Number: 7806 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/7806)
Yahoo Message Number: 7808 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/7808)
From: "Kevin Doukas" kdoukas@...>
According to the Motorhome magazine website http://www.motorhomemagazine.com/dinghytowingguide/index.cfm (http://www.motorhomemagazine.com/dinghytowingguide/index.cfm) the '03 Navigator isn't listed as towable; however the '04 may be different, therefore towable. Check the January issue of the magazine for the latest info. Also check with http://www.remcotowing.com (http://www.remcotowing.com)
Dick (& Geri) Campagna
'98 36' Intrigue #10571
Mfd: 11/97
Yahoo Message Number: 7809 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/7809)
about
the dealer
help
different,
the latest
I think you will find that a 2 wheel drive 2004 Navigator will not be flat-towable without a drive-line disconnect. Check REMCO for drive-line disconnect information. Most of the larger size SUV type vehicles (GMC, FORD, DODGE) that are not 4 wheel drive are probably not going to be flat-towable without the drive line disconnect OR a transmission fluid pump also from REMCO. If you have a 4 wheel drive unit with a "neutral" selectable position it is usually towable with all 4 wheels down by just swithcing the transfer case into "neutral" position.
Bill-CC-Prevost XL 40' 1998
Yahoo Message Number: 7812 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/7812)
I currently tow an Olds Alero--a little under 3,000 pounds. I would love to have an Chevy Avalanche which is shown as 5,600 pounds. How much difference would I notice with a change like this? I had about decided on a Trail Blazer or Envoy (4,500 to 5,000 pounds), but have not driven either one.
Really have the bug for a new vehicle, but trying to resist the urge for a while. I had to put new tires on the Alero just a few months ago.
Ree
Full-Timin' 2003 Allure 30852 Currently in Victoria, Texas
Home is www.eldoradoranch.com near www.sanfelipe.com.mx
Yahoo Message Number: 7819 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/7819)
I have to cringe every time I see and hear motorhome owners talk about towing a heavy vehicle. I am not a big fan of 4000 pound plus vehicles to begin with, unless there is a specific functional need.
I am especially concerned when heavy vehicles are slapped on the back of a motorhome. While all those pounds sit on the vehicles own wheels when standing still, they are the burden of the motorhome when traveling at 65 miles per hour down the highway. While toad brakes can handle much of the burden of stopping the rig, it is not the best solution. In another post someone is talking about towing a Navigator ? ouch! I think he would find that with a loaded coach and a Navigator they would be over the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) for the coach. It just doesn't make sense to push or exceed these limits ? it is unsafe and wearing on the equipment.
Arthur Block
2002 Intrigue #11332
1999 Chevy Metro Toad
Yahoo Message Number: 7820 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/7820)
I tow a yukon, no problem. rolling resistance is very small until hills
john
afinityy 2003
Yahoo Message Number: 7821 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/7821)
--- In Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com (Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com), "artblocknj" w= rote:
Not at all art! The 2003 coaches came with a 10K hitch capacity. Im posit= ive that CC wouldnt put a hitch on that would allow ( numerically) for you to go over their GCVWR... Of course toad brakes are a= DEFINATE...but as far as actual overloading goes...naw!!
Yahoo Message Number: 7822 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/7822)
Correct! If it doesnt have an actual "neutral" position in the transfer box....expect a real PITA to pull it "4 down"
Sully
2000 Allure 36 ft
Yahoo Message Number: 7823 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/7823)
The numbers don't always add up. The capacity of the hitch is exactly what it says. It is only what the hitch is capable of - NOT THE WHOLE COACH GVWR.
For example, in my breaker panel in my motorhome, the individual breakers add up to 80 amps, but I only have 50 amp service. You need to look at the whole picture.
My other point is that even when you are within the specifications, it is best not to push limits when not necessary. It is better to tow a 2500 lb vehicle than a 5000 lb vehicle - they will both do a good job as a toad vehicle, but the 5000 lb will stress your rig and lower your gas milage more than the 2500 lb. This all assumes that you have a choice of toad vehicles to use.
Regards,
Arthur Block
Yahoo Message Number: 7824 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/7824)
Arthur:
Yes, I agree with you that you should never tax the capacity of the coach, however, when I'm toeing my trailer w/ a Ferrari 550 Marenello inside the trailer we will be approaching 7500 lbs. which is well within the coach and the limits of the towing capacity.
As for the Navigator it is what we have today and it weighs less than the trailer and Ferrari combination, so, if this does not work we purchased a coach with the WRONG set of needs. while we plan to vacation in the coach it was also purchased for me to take my Ferrari to club track events allowing us a nice comfortable place to relax between racing the Ferrari. I sure hope that I have made the right choice with a coach! I know that several of my friends are currently using Monaco, CC, and Prevost Coaches for this venue....
THANKS for the help and support to us "newbies"
Kevin and Lorene Doukas
McKinney TX
Yahoo Message Number: 7825 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/7825)
From: "Kevin Doukas" kdoukas@...>
I think the point that almost everyone makes is that, although you can tow up to "X" pounds with a coach, there's no doubt that towing less than that weight (or traveling below GVWR) provides a safety and mechanical longevity factor that's attractive to many; i.e., the more weight you tow ... the more your wallet will be low .
Sort've like knowing that racing your Maranello will result in increased maintenance and operating costs, eh?
Of course, if you don't use either much, they'll last "forever" (but not really). But that's no fun.
Dick (& Geri) Campagna
'98 36' Intrigue #10571
Mfd: 11/97
Yahoo Message Number: 7831 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/7831)
plus
that with a loaded coach and
exceed
Art, I hear you "but I ain't listening." My Prevost does not have a GVWR like other motorhomes have since it is actually a bus to begin with. It does have a 10K pound rating on the receiver and you can order them with a 20K receiver if you wish for large trailers, etc.
And when I pull my pickup with my Harley in the end the toad is over 7500#+. I use a brake system with break-a-way also. Prevost does not even know the load is back there. Mileage only affected by about 1/2 mpg east of the Rockies when pulling that heavy of a load.
Bill-CC Prevost XL 40' 1998
Yahoo Message Number: 7832 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/7832)
a
begin
etc.
over
not
1/2
Bill,
Well .... if its a Prevost -- never mind!!
Happy towing,
Arthur Block
2002 Intrigue #11332
Yahoo Message Number: 7833 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/7833)
My Alero is just not comfortable for traveling and not large enough to carry "stuff" when traveling in it, especially if others are with me. Also, I feel much safer in a larger vehicle. Several years ago I was driving a pick-up and hit a deer. It did some damage to the truck, but would have REALLY done damage to a small car. Said that I never wanted a small vehicle after that, but ended up getting the little car anyway.
I feel that the MH can safely tow a heavier vehicle, but just wondered how much difference I would notice.
Ree
Full-Timin' 2003 Allure 30852 Currently in Victoria, Texas
Home is www.eldoradoranch.com near www.sanfelipe.com.mx
Yahoo Message Number: 7835 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/7835)
Dick:
Oh so right! where's the fun in having toys if you can't use them!!!!!??????!!!!! The Navigator is the vehicle that we currently own when we purchased our coach. Once we can justify trading the Navigator for a "smaller" SUV like a Jeep Grand Cherokee or Liberty we will do so, our problem is that with the depreciation that these vehicles take (Navigator) it will be a while before we can financially make that move, Bad planning on our part! Should have purchased the coach FIRST....
Thanks for the help and support!
Kevin Doukas
Packet Design Inc.
Regional Sales Manager, Midwest Region
1317 Hidden Meadow
McKinney, Texas 75070
972.529.2450 Office
214.282.1855 Mobile
www.packetdesign.com (http://www.packetdesign.com/)
kdoukas@... (kdoukas@...)
Simplifying Route Analysis
Network Magazine Product of the Year
Yahoo Message Number: 7836 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/7836)
Ree,
The difference between a 2500 lb car and a 4500 lb car is 2000 lbs. I don't mean to be pedantic, but 2000 lbs is not inconsequential, especially barreling down the road at 70 mph. Many will tell you that they can't tell if a toad is behind their coach or not - therefore how much effect can it be having? The kinetic energy of a toad is enormous and the effort to stop it is also enormous. Yes your motorcoach can do the job, but it costs, especially when you consider the number of times you execute this stopping maneouver (and what about the energy to bring it back up to 70mpg). Towing a lightweight car is a significant advantage over a heavyweight, but there are compromises in terms of comfort and maybe safety. Often we end up using a car that was not selected for towing, but if you have the opportunity to trade or buy a new vehicle I would go for the lightweight.
Regards,
Arthur Block
Yahoo Message Number: 7837 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/7837)