| Author | Message | ||
| Bob McSeveney (Scout70)
Registered Member Username: Scout70 Post Number: 3 Registered: 8-2008 Posted From: 24.22.240.106 Rating: N/A |
I have a 1973 35 foot MCI 5B with an 8V71 detroit. I also have a Hummer H3 Alpha which I'd like to tow behind the bus on occasion. The Hummer weighs 4883 pounds. Does anyone think that this is too much weight to tow? Thoughts? The engine runs great and has an Allison automatic. Thanks. | ||
| John MC9 (John_mc9)
Registered Member Username: John_mc9 Post Number: 734 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 72.146.79.40  Rating: N/A |
I'm surprised no-one has posted an answer yet?? Although I don't feel it's too much weight to tow, it may not be a total delight to stop. There's numerous braking options for any tow vehicle, and a simple, wireless, "Brake Buddy" system had been in my plans... The price of that system is fair, and it's easily moved from vehicle to vehicle, if needed. It's also easier to sell a system like that, when that time comes...  http://www.brakebuddy.com/ | ||
| Ian Giffin (Admin)
Board Administrator Username: Admin Post Number: 1153 Registered: 7-1997 Posted From: 24.239.13.27  Rating: N/A |
Hi Bob, I don't think you'll feel that 4883 lbs behind you. FMCA has a bunch of info on towed vehicles at http://www.fmca.com/motorhomingguide/research/towing/index.asp Ian www.busnut.com | ||
| Arnie Smith (Arniemc5a)
Registered Member Username: Arniemc5a Post Number: 6 Registered: 11-2008 Posted From: 24.71.46.230  Rating: N/A |
The engine will not have to much of a problem dragging around a 5000 pound car until you run into a long 4 - 6 percent grade like you find on I-5 southern Oregon, Donnar's pass, or I-90 going over Snoquami east of Seattle, to name a few. You will experience a considerable slow down in forward velocity. If your cooling system is not top notch you will likely experience engine cooling problems. Then you have to be prepared to go up the hill a gear lower than you would normally.. The speed going up is relative to the size of injectors in the engine, which could be 55,60,65,or 70's.. It should be noted that the higher the injector number, the hot the engine runs while under heavy load.. which brings you back to the condition of the cooling system. Coming down the hill presents a situation you want to consider... You will need auxiliary braking on the towed vehicle.. eg a brake master unit. There are many other makes and models. In most states and provinces it is mandatory for that kind of weight. You should have a jake brake on the engine. This allows the engine to do the work during the descent and you brakes remain cool and ready if they are needed. And lastly, you should install a "double receiver hitch" on the coach. What that means is you weld a piece of square tubing about 24 inches long to the bottom of the engine rails, insert a square tube one size smaller into the tubes, as shown below.  As the tubing is bolted with a Grade 8 bolt on each side, it gives you the convenience of removing it to take your engine out with interference, if required, from a hitch assembly. This configuration also is very strong as we were hit a year ago from the rear by a drunk driver going to fast and was trying to dodge to the left. He hit our car on the left side tailight, veered across the road and flipped. There was one little mark on the the back door of the coach, but the towbar was totaled a well as the car... Damage to the receiver hitch was a slight bend on the cross piece. Just food for thought | ||
| niles steckbauer (Niles500)
Registered Member Username: Niles500 Post Number: 892 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 71.180.124.221 Rating: N/A |
Nice design Arnie - I see you used the offset hitch reciever - | ||
| Nick Badame Refrigeration Co. (Dnick85)
Registered Member Username: Dnick85 Post Number: 261 Registered: 2-2006 Posted From: 76.124.92.192 Rating: N/A |
Hi Bob, I tow an H2 with my MCI 102C3. It weighs 7700lbs and I do have the Roadmaster Evenbrake system. i don't think you will have any problems towing the H3 with your bus. Good Luck Nick-  | ||
| niles steckbauer (Niles500)
Registered Member Username: Niles500 Post Number: 897 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 71.180.124.221 Rating: N/A |
You might want to buy a H1 and tow the bus - I had one pull me out of the muck in Iowa this summer - FWIW |