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Topic: Tow an Avalanche? (Read 653 times) previous topic - next topic

Tow an Avalanche?

Looking for info on this I recall Dave Cobb towed one and has a post.  I could just ask Dave but he had a different model Foretravel.

I would like to help a good friend.  Would it be practical, safe, within specs to tow an Avalache truck behind a 40 FT 1999 with the ISM engine?

(Assume engine, etc good shape, right tow bar).

I think it would not strain the system as that engine and tranny pull heavier total loads .  But I have no experience to help him.

Thanks

Mike
Mike
2001 U320 4010 Build 5878 (Gus)
Wrangle Unlimited Toad
Nacogdoches

Re: Tow an Avalanche?

Reply #1 –
Michael:  Tow on a short trip to see about the pull.  I changed from a HHR to a Terrain and it appears to me, it is a harder pull up mountain inclines but easily done.  On a 6% incline for say 3 miles you will know the tow car is there.  I have 400 hp 40 ft no tag.  Going to Branson I think I didn't give the inclines a lot of respect as I was in a hurry both ways. Most places you go won't make difference but mountains are a different driving experience. DAn
Dan & Shirley Stansel
2002 U295 4020 AGDS Build#6054
Towing Buick Enclave & M &  G Braking
Emerald Bay, Lake Palestine, Texas
MC# 16650

Re: Tow an Avalanche?

Reply #2 –
I owned an Avalanche once. I found out that it wasn't towable because it was a 2-wheel drive. More than likely, you have the 4-wheel drive model and won't have an issue.

I am a Foretravel wannabe. My current rig (Itasca) does fine with a 190-hp Cummins 5.9 pulling a 3500lb Honda CR-V. I barely know that is back there. An avalanch is probably another 1500lbs and you are hitching it up to a much more capable rig. I doubt that you'll notice it either.
Bob and Pam Brumbaugh
Ernie (English Bulldog)
2000 U320 WTFE 40' Build # 5740 (former)
Xtreme "Lights and Paintjob"
Motorcade# 18659
Souderton, PA
Towd: 2021 Ford Ranger
Quickee Mini Golf Cart (former)

We Are....Penn State!

Re: Tow an Avalanche?

Reply #3 –
I have an 88' 40' GV 300HP
I pulled my 2004 4x4 from MS thru Nashville to VA and from WI into Florida.  Hills have an effect both up and down. You will know it is there. I think mine weighted 5200#

Be safe - John
The selected media item is not currently available.
My advice and experiences are Free, you decide if they are worth anything .

John - driving Old Faithful
1994 U280 GV
C8.3, Banks, Pacbrake, 900 watts, Resonator, XLHD tow dolly
Retired Army Warrant Officer

Life is what you make of it - if it is lemons, make lemonade!
Former Coaches:
1988 GV 40' ORED 300HP CAT - 9 years
1990 Winnebago LeSharo - 3 years
2000 Newmar London Aire - 3 years (#18 of 23 produced)

Re: Tow an Avalanche?

Reply #4 –
Tow, get aux brake, no problem
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: Tow an Avalanche?

Reply #5 –
I looked at them before I bought the Tahoe. They were slightly heavier which surprised me. Mine tows fine behind the M11. But I can feel it.
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

Re: Tow an Avalanche?

Reply #6 –
I have towed mine with the old coach, and sure knew it was there on the 900 mile trip.  But the U225 had only the 5.9 with 230 hp, and 4 speed.  Stepping up to the newer coach with the 8.3, and the 6 speed is way better with 325 hp.  With the U295 we have only towed from NAC to Dallas, Ft. Worth, then to Alvarado, and very happy with the upgraded power and transmission covering 250 miles.

I added the M&G air brake system with the break away to the truck.  We also have a SnugTop shell on the rear of the Avalanche and it might add a couple hundred more pounds as well.  We still have the Saturn, and will tow what we need, depending on the trips needs.  Less weight is better, but I sure love my Avalanche way more than the tiny Saturn wagon.
Dave Cobb
Buckhorn Lake Resort The Club, #6202, Kerrville TX
check the map.  I do rent it out when I am traveling!
2001, U320, 36' #5887, in Kerrville, FT Club #17006, (7/23 to present)
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Summit, white
EX: 98 U295, 36' #5219, (mid door), (4/13-10/23)
EX: 93 U225, 36' (4/11 to 4/13)

Re: Tow an Avalanche?

Reply #7 –
We tow a Jeep Grand Cherokee @4080# behind a 36' U295 with C8.3-325 (with Stinger). The tow package includes an electric brake actuator that applies pressure only during a hard stop or a breakaway. I don't notice the weight ... UNTIL I make a run without the Jeep. My thought is, "Wow, the coach is agile today ... Oh, yeh, the Jeep is not on the back."

According to the specifications listed at beamalarm.com, the 1999 coach of interest should have plenty of capacity to tow the Avalanche. My experience is that you learn to drive the vehicle with "normal" load and will make appropriate decisions regarding acceleration, stopping distance, and expectations.

Dave M's expectations for acceleration are much greater than mine ... and we are both happy! :P
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Tow an Avalanche?

Reply #8 –
Thanks so much guys, Don Hay sent me a pm and I have asked Dr. C to look at your analysis.  He really hates to give up the Avalanche, he and DW both love it.  I was encouraging him, that I thought it fine but I have no experience.  Still, our Jeep is about 4750 lbs so the avalanche is only about 1250 more I think.  Yet a little more may make a huge difference, not something I know about

thanks again

mike
Mike
2001 U320 4010 Build 5878 (Gus)
Wrangle Unlimited Toad
Nacogdoches

Re: Tow an Avalanche?

Reply #9 –
I know when the wrangler is not behind me. I also know that it is not a big issue and only a couple MPH at the top of the hill. It is about 1/2 mpg hit to fuel mileage too. I do not think there is any issue towing an avalanche.  I have seen lots of full sized pickups and suburbans as well as tahoes behind FTs.  I even saw a few H2s.  The coach can handle it and if it is a 4x4 with a position for neutral on the shift lever he should be fine.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Tow an Avalanche?

Reply #10 –
My Avalanche has a procedure to follow with the electronic 4x4 switches to get to neutral lights.  Then you move the shift lever from neutral to reverse to drive and then to park.  Then I can turn the key to the lock position, and remove the key and lock the door.
Dave Cobb
Buckhorn Lake Resort The Club, #6202, Kerrville TX
check the map.  I do rent it out when I am traveling!
2001, U320, 36' #5887, in Kerrville, FT Club #17006, (7/23 to present)
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Summit, white
EX: 98 U295, 36' #5219, (mid door), (4/13-10/23)
EX: 93 U225, 36' (4/11 to 4/13)

Re: Tow an Avalanche?

Reply #11 –
My 07 NNBS Tahoe (GM full size speak - New New Body Style) has the same procedure. Foot on brake, trans in N, twist knob and hold until xfer case shifts to 'N' and light illuminates. Shift to reverse and drive then N. Turn off engine, shift to park and remove key.
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

Re: Tow an Avalanche?

Reply #12 –
No one has mentioned weight.  I found a '99 40' U320 to have marginal CCC capacity for my use, forcing me into the 42' with tag.  If you have overloaded the coach, a heavy toad will make matters much worse.  Weight your coach before making a final decision on the toad.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R

Re: Tow an Avalanche?

Reply #13 –
DaveH,
Is that a new feature on the NNBS where you can remove key and tow without steering being locked ? or do you tow with the steering locked ?
Dave M

Re: Tow an Avalanche?

Reply #14 –
Tahoes/GM pickups haven't had a steering wheel lock for a decade or so. You have to have the 2 speed electronic transfer case. Denalis and Escalades need not apply. They have full time four wheel drive.
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

Re: Tow an Avalanche?

Reply #15 –
As Dave Head said, I can go lever to park, and key to lock/off position, and remove the keys.  Steering wheel turns freely, but you do need the electronic switched transmission 4x4.
Dave Cobb
Buckhorn Lake Resort The Club, #6202, Kerrville TX
check the map.  I do rent it out when I am traveling!
2001, U320, 36' #5887, in Kerrville, FT Club #17006, (7/23 to present)
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Summit, white
EX: 98 U295, 36' #5219, (mid door), (4/13-10/23)
EX: 93 U225, 36' (4/11 to 4/13)

Re: Tow an Avalanche?

Reply #16 –
We have been towing our 2004 Z71 Avalanche since 2006 and have at least 80k towing miles on it (from Texas, 3 times to AK and twice to NL plus numerous other shorter trips). Before that we towed our 2000 Jeep Wrangler and frankly I can't tell the difference other than the turning radius. Both vehicles had/have the M&G brake system. Our 2001 34' U270 has the ISC 350 HP engine.

Rob & Di
2001 U270 34'
 

Re: Tow an Avalanche?

Reply #17 –
Quote from: Dave Head –
My 07 NNBS Tahoe (GM full size speak - New New Body Style) has the same procedure. Foot on brake, trans in N, twist knob and hold until xfer case shifts to 'N' and light illuminates. Shift to reverse and drive then N. Turn off engine, shift to park and remove key.
Whew! I'm thinking that after all that, I might want click my heels together three times and say over and over, "There's no place like the motorhome!" :)) :))
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX