1998 Chieftain 33wb F53 Chassis -what to tow?

Rkh · 01-12-2012, 10:59 AM

Our first RV and we are hooked! But, Winnebago rated this at only 3500lb towing capacity. I never thought to check this before I bought it. The hitch is definitely a class II 5000lb hitch but that is NOT the same as the rating..
We own a 4000lb sedan that can't be flat towed and a 4800lb SUV.
What do any others out there tow with this?

Duner · 01-14-2012, 12:51 AM

I've been towing a 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara since 2000. It is spec'd at 3200 lbs and needs no modifications for towing. But on the scales it comes in at 3400 lbs.

The 1st 5 yrs I towed with a 1999 Chieftain 34Y on F53 chassis. I did add the full Banks exhaust system to get a little more power for pulling the long grades ..... and with Banks it ran a lot cooler so the big radiator fan didn't kick as often. Since the '98 and '99 V10 were rated at 275 hp, the Banks gave me poower to keep up with my brother's 2001 V10 (310 hp rated).

I still tow the Suzuki Grand Vitara but now have GM 8.1 in my 2004 Chieftain to pull it. The Suz has been trouble free after 91K miles on OD, plus and additional 56K miles towing for last 11 yrs.

I like the Grand Vitara for the true 4x4 drive since I enjoy getting off into the back country. But the trade-off for the additional drive gears is lower gas mileage. I get 18-19 mpg around town, and 22 mpg on long interstate trips.

My Mom & Dad have been towing a 2000 Saturn four door for years trouble free. Those are pretty light cars to tow and the mpg's are more like 26-32.

Good luck & Happy Trails,
Bill

Catcoach · 01-14-2012, 11:37 AM

We tow a 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon with our 98 Chieftain, 33WB. We tow it on a trailer so I have added weight. I too have the banks full exhaust kit installed for extra power. To date no issues and we pull some long steep grades here in Colorado.

Rkh · 01-14-2012, 12:48 PM

Thanks guys..Catcoach, I assume you're well over the 3500lb rating?

Nick-B · 01-14-2012, 01:05 PM

Advertised curb weight on that Wrangler is 3716 lbs and its probably closer to 4K in reality. Add a 2000 lb (minimum) trailer and the numbers look "uncomfortable". Many people exceed the limits for years and never have a problem, BUT . . .

Wanabee FTer · 01-14-2012, 02:55 PM

My V-6 Accord 4 dr sedan weighs in at 3250 at the scales including a full tank of gas.
It gets 29 mpg on the road, a little less around town. It does not need any mods to tow.
The manual does not state it can be towed 4 down, but I know many people (including myself) that have not had any problems.

Rkh · 01-15-2012, 08:04 AM

Honda accord...
https://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/.../ACC0808OM.pdf

Page 379...not towable 4 wheels down...transmission will melt eventually..

pushtrk99 · 01-15-2012, 08:43 AM

Put it on a Demco tow dolly and you will be able to tow either one of your cars.If down the road you end up with just one car to tow then maybe consider 4-down-That is why we tow with a dolly --to many cars---Rich
pauperspride.blogspot.com

Catcoach · 01-15-2012, 11:42 AM

I'm sure I am, but to date no issues. I do watch my gauges closely, no issues with temperature to date, especially since we added the Banks full power kit. I also reduce my speed, mainly to help with fuel mileage but I also recognize that fuel mileage will be whatever it is. Not looking forward to the predicated 4.50-5.00 a gallon cost this summer but I learned a long time ago to not worry about the things I can't control.

Wanabee FTer · 01-15-2012, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rkh

Honda accord...
https://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/.../ACC0808OM.pdf

Page 379...not towable 4 wheels down...transmission will melt eventually..

Go to Remco's site to see what is towable and what needs mods to be able to be towed 4 down

This has been discussed on many previous threads. Most manufactures did not perform 4 down testing on their vehicles, there for they can not state in the owners manual that it's safe to tow 4 down.
Having worked for Honda for 15 years I can verify many RV'ers tow FWD Honda's without issue. You can not tow all wheel drive and Hybrid (CVT Trans) Honda vehicles.

Quote:

We own a 4000lb sedan that can't be flat towed and a 4800lb SUV.
What do any others out there tow with this?

If you are looking at you GVWR, that is different then your actual wet/dry weight. GVWR is the maximum weight of the vehicle and it's carrying capacity.