Visit our Popular Forums

spinolio · 10-29-2002, 07:38 PM

I've been searching the forum (and others on the net) to find out if it's feasible to tow a 2800 pound Subaru Outback Sport behind a 1983 310 MH (454 chevy) . MH mag says the Subaru's towable so that part of the equation is settled. I'm looking at buying the motorhome out of state, and the seller does not know the towing capacity. 2000 lbs seems to come up as the capacity in most of the posts I've read (but none specific to the 310). Does anyone have any practical experience towing behind a 310? Is 2000 lbs really the capacity? Can it be increased with transmission cooling and a class 3 hitch? I'm planning on full timing for up to a year so having the Toad is critical, I really want an Airstream, but if I can't pull a car behind it (gasp) I'll have to buy something else, probably a 73-78 GMC.

Help me, I don't want to go to the dark side

wb13798 · 10-29-2002, 07:52 PM

i tow a s-10 blazer (3500 lbs ) with my as310 . no problem the 454 has lots of power and does a good job. when you exceed 2000 lbs in some states you are required to have some sort of braking equipment in the toad. most other states it is 3000 lbs. i use a brake buddy. it is a little expensive but it works. i think that is why an airstream isnt ceretified to pul more than 2000lbs it cant stop in the required distance. and airstream isnt liable if you get in a wreck pulling your heavy cAR. DOES THAT MAKE SENCE.
HOPE THAT HELPS..

ViewRVs · 10-29-2002, 08:02 PM

Spinolio,

Welcome to the group!

That is one of the most asked questions that there is no clear answer. There are folks that will chime in a say you're in great shape. Others will caution you. It can be done. Is it ideal? that's your call.

I have seem a 325 tow a GMC Jimmy (more than the 2800 lbs of the Outback) with a Motorscooter on the tow bar. I have seen a 350 pulling a Honda Odyssey (at some 4,000 lbs). Does it work. Yes. Is it right or ideal or safe? I'm not answering. I'm not qualified to answer.

The 2,000 lbs listed in the manual limits you to an econo-box. The new Honda Civics check in at almost 2,400 lbs.! I would say you will need braking on the toad for sure. Tranmission cooling is also a real good idea.

spinolio · 10-29-2002, 08:21 PM

Geez Fred, if you're not qualified I'm in trouble. From what I've seen there aren't alot of people that know more about these rigs.
Maybe I'll sell the Suby and buy a 66 Beetle

PeterH-350LE · 10-29-2002, 08:39 PM

Spinolio.
please don't boost Fred's ego anymore than you have to. We already get enough trouble out of him as is.

We had one of the attendent of our Mystic Springs Rally pull a 5000 pound mini van behind his 345. He said it was a bit on the heavy side and had his co-pilot drive it back home.
Be safe and get some brake assist.
A 66 Silver beetle would look good.

ViewRVs · 10-30-2002, 05:37 AM

I saw the "Forgive my ignorance" title and thought it was MY post!

I have the good looks. Peter has all the smarts!

My knowledge is all surface (models, styles, interior, etc.). I am not a mechanic by any stretch. My huge accomplishment of 2002 was changing the spark plug wires! I suck a little each day from the brains here at the Forums. I had dinner last night with Brett and Edie and learned some more.

I would LOVE to have a silver Beetle to pull behind mine. At 1,600 pounds, it would meet all the requirements and look cool. If I really lose it, I'll put a matching wood grain strip on the Beetle to match the (dog ugly) wood stripe on the 345!

wb13798 · 10-30-2002, 08:27 AM

hi
forgot to add external cooler for transmission is a must. or you will be making a visit to you xmission shop... the weights for the toad having a braking system is the law. as stated 2000lbs in some states and all other states it is 3000lbs . i pulled my toad for a year and didnt have any problems,i got one. and it do make a difference. i was in atlanta and an idiot cut me off and stoped , ihad to do a panic stop and almost hit the jerk . with out the brake buddy i would have hit him.. well that is my 2 cents for today///

ALANSD · 10-30-2002, 08:32 AM

I have a Saturn sedan which is quite towable...not much over the 2000 lbs, and easily pulled by the 454 in my 280.

spinolio · 10-30-2002, 09:47 AM

Thanks!!!
You folks have been a huge help. I'll have lots more questions once I get the rig. Matter of fact I have a couple more now. Since I'm buying mine sight unseen, I guess I want to know the worst case scenario.

If (fingers crossed) the engine or tranny needs to be rebuilt, what can I expect to spend?

The coach has some body damage on the upper left rear corner, no puncture, but the panel will need to be replaced, again, $$$??

What's the most common problem with these, what warning signs should i look for?

Again, thanks for all the info, While they were helpfull too, I didn't get half the response on the GMC boards.

ALANSD · 10-30-2002, 12:25 PM

The panel repairs are expensive, however if you do it yourself it can be done at the expense of a lot of sweat instead of a lot of dollars. Look at the thread on Peter's panel replacement .
He replaced a relatively flat, although large section of his motorhome due to serious hail damage. Curved areas are a tough fix.
Engine and trans repairs could be estimated by any qualified repair facility- as the chevy parts are readily available.Check for rebuilt engine installers.

http://www.airforums.com/forum...el+replacement

74Argosy24MH · 10-30-2002, 02:25 PM

I will second replacing curved panels is a lot of work. My motorhome had 3 rear windows which I replaced with aluminum panels. These were relatively easy to make, but fitting them under the existing panels was a lot of work. Getting the alignment right can be fun.

I paid $800 to get my transmission rebuilt, I removed and installed. Prices ran from $800-$1400. Complete engine rebuilds are quite a bit more, depending on what has to be replaced.

John

PeterH-350LE · 10-30-2002, 05:42 PM

Spinolio,
congrats on your new 310. Both Alan and I have kept on eye on the auction you just won.
Even with the exterior panel damage, I really think you got a great deal.
Since it is cosmetic damage. it certainly does not have to be a priority in your restoration plans.
Are you going to fly to Alabama to pick it up.
If you do and you are taking the southern route (I10) back to California, consider yourself and the 310 a welcome guest for the night.

wb13798 · 10-30-2002, 07:54 PM

congratulations
didnt know bob was going to auction the MH . he has a fifth wheel
to replace the coach. i live across the river from bob stop by and visit before you take off. the drive trane on that coach is ok. you got a bargain . i was telling a friend of mine today he needed to go see bob and buy the motor home .

al

ALANSD · 10-31-2002, 12:17 PM

I will second the idea of it being a bargain. i was going to bid also, but my wife wanted to have me committed.

Its not that she doesn't like the one we have, its that we have the one we have!!

ViewRVs · 10-31-2002, 12:57 PM

Just tell her that if your door lock ever breaks and you need spare parts, it will have paid for itself!

Parts for these aren't cheap!

spinolio · 10-31-2002, 02:11 PM

I agree, it is a bargain. I thought it would go higher, figured a few of you were watching that auction, that's why I waited til the last minute (literally) to bid. It didn't seem to get as much attention as the 345's that ended a few days earlier probably due to lack of good pics and the fact that the coach needs work. I talked to the owner - Bob- a couple of times before bidding, he seemed like a stand-up guy and the type of guy that taks care of his gear. Besides, after remodeling two houses in the past 5 years while living in them, I'm not afraid to tackle a motorhome. My friends all say I have "the Sickness"- always need a project. My Fiance and I are planning on full-timing for up to a year after the wedding next May, so I've got 7 months to get it ready. I'm sure I'll be back with lots of dumb newbie questions. I'll post pics as the project continues and from the road as well.

Thanks again for all the info and assistance, I feel like I just joined a huge family. . . or maybe a cult

davidz71 · 10-31-2002, 04:18 PM

spinolio,
I'm jealous! I would love to fulltime for a year after getting married. The only problem I have is that I would have to get a divorce first and my wife wouldn't stand for that!

spinolio · 11-02-2002, 10:45 AM

Got a flight!. Going next weekend to pick it up!!! Taking it to the Grandfather-in-law-to-be's place in Nashville, where it'll stay 'til x-mas. He's an old hot rodder from way back and will check the engine top to bottom for me. Might even get the top panel fixed at his friends body shop. We'll drive it out here after the holidays and I'll start on any interior restoration/remodelling.

I can't wait!

At this point it looks like we'll do a straight shot on the I-40, but you never know, maybe we'll change our minds and hook south. In that case Peter, you just might have yourself some guests.

P.S. hope I didn't offend anyone with the cult comment, was trying to make a joke, sometimes that gets lost in the typing.

ALANSD · 11-02-2002, 03:13 PM

from Webster's Dictionary-
cult: a devoted attachment to a person, concept, etc.

guess we could all be considered a cult of some sort. Just don't serve Kool Aid at our next rally.

If you are able , maybe you can make the rally in April...

davidz71 · 11-02-2002, 08:41 PM

spinolio,
Strange, I stopped by Cullum & Maxey RV in Nashville yesterday for a couple 50 amp elec. fuses and what was pulling out of the parking lot but a nice Airstream 310 MH. I say dozens of MHs with AL. license plates then remembered that Alabama was playing Vanderbilt on Sat. I'm not sure where the 310 was from but it was nice.