Towability of Classic with older Diesel

[SPW]

My wife and I are considering purchasing a newer (2007-2012) 27' Classic. We currently have a very nice 1987 29' Sovereign. My main concern is the impact on towing of the added weight of the Classic. The Unit Base Weight of the Classic is 6592# and the Sovereign is 5300#. Our tow vehicle is a 2002 Chevy Duramax--it's in excellent condition with only 200K miles. However, that generation Duramax has less power (300hp and 520 lb-ft torque) than newer versions but we do not want to also purchase a new tow vehicle. I would appreciate input on the impact of the added weight on this tow vehicle--should I be concerned? And, are the features of the Classic worth the added weight. Thanks

Steve

[HowieE]

You might call John at Kennedy diesel and ask the question. If there is a limit to your truck, and I doubt there is, he will be able to tell you how to overcome it. That engine is not even broken in yet.
www.kennedydiesel.com

[tjdonahoe]

It will handle the classic with no problems, just drive it....

[dznf0g]

You're fine.....and I do think the Classic is worth the weight.

[Siegmann]

My Classic weighs in at 7600 lb when loaded for towing. I pulled all through the West for 16 years with a Ford 5.4L with 235 HP and 330 Torque. I did slow down on steep, high elevation passes, but you'll obviously do better. You'll be fine.

[CBWELL]

I pull our 1994 34' with a 2002 Duramax 4X4 extended cab and have no problems. Ours gets better mileage than most of the newer Duramax models, and have no problems with any hills we have encountered. It would be nice to have the newer model with the exhaust brake. Chris

[SPW]

Thanks everyone for the feedback--I'm really looking forward to trying out the Classic. To experiment, today I filled all three tanks of my Sovereign and drove up a long 6%/7% grade and the cruise control held 60mpg--only about 2 mpg less than with the tanks empty. I agree, the weight of the Classic will not be an issue. Thanks again.

[Larry C]

You won't have a problem, mine TV is a 2003 Dodge/Cummins, with 115K miles, of which about 100K of that has been towing our 30' Excella, and more recently our 34' Excella.

Regardless of what some people say about it "not even broke in yet", my truck, and your also, are well broke in, and should be just fine for at least double, or triple the mileage we currently have on the trucks, and that's a good thing.

The main thing is, we don't owe any money on them, and we don't have to brag about driving a $65,000, to $75,000 truck.....and that is a really good thing..

Larry C

[wvstreamer]

What they all said.
Dave with 2002 7.3 and Classic 31. Just go

[ShinyPete]

Agreed here too, hook up and go with your '02 D'Max beast. We had an '03 like it that towed a 30' two slide SunnyBrook tt that was 9000 lb dry and super boxy and tall. You're gonna love that truck with any Airstream.


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[m.hony]

Your truck will do fine.

[joel]

I tow a 90 32 excella with a 2003 duramax with 180000 miles. Pull mostly in hills and mountains without breaking a sweat. Enjoy the new rig.

[excellaf350]

no problems. I tow a 34' (9800 lb gvw)with an 03 -F350 7.3.... 250HP and 525TQ and only a 4 speed auto. I set the cruise at 70 and let run. Piece of cake.