Short Answer: Most Class A motorhomes can tow between 5,000 and 20,000 pounds, depending on engine type, chassis, and manufacturer specifications. To find your specific towing capacity, subtract the GVWR from the GCWR—and always check the hitch and transmission limits.
What Determines How Much a Class A Can Tow?
Towing Capacity = GCWR – GVWR
- GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating): The maximum combined weight of your motorhome and whatever you’re towing.
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): The maximum loaded weight of your motorhome alone.
Other critical factors include:
- OCCC (Occupant and Cargo Carrying Capacity) – how much weight you’re adding with gear, water, and people.
- Rear axle capacity (GAWR) – determines how much weight your rear suspension can handle.
- Hitch and transmission ratings – you can’t exceed the lowest-rated component.
Typical Towing Capacity by Engine Type
- Gas engine Class A motorhomes: 5,000 to 10,000 lbs
- Diesel pushers: 10,000 to 20,000 lbs
High-end diesel models like the American Coach Eagle or Newmar Essex can tow up to 20,000 lbs, while more common diesel units average 10,000 to 15,000 lbs.
How to Calculate Your Actual Towing Capacity
- Find your motorhome’s GVWR and GCWR (usually on a label inside the driver’s area).
- Subtract the GVWR from the GCWR to get a rough tow rating.
- Weigh your fully loaded RV at a CAT scale.
- Subtract the loaded weight from the GCWR.
- Check that your hitch, axle, and transmission can handle that number.
Example: If your GCWR is 60,000 lbs and your loaded RV weighs 45,000 lbs, your towing capacity is 15,000 lbs—only if your hitch and components support it.
What Can You Tow?
You can tow almost anything under your rated capacity, including:
- Compact cars (2,000–3,500 lbs)
- Small SUVs or Jeeps
- Boats and jet skis
- Cargo or toy haulers
- Full-size trucks and trailers (if your motorhome allows)
3 Towing Methods Behind a Class A
1. Flat Towing (4-down):
This is the most common method. Some vehicles can be towed without a dolly or trailer, but only if the transmission and drivetrain allow it.
2. Tow Dolly:
Used for front-wheel-drive cars. The front wheels sit on the dolly, rear wheels roll freely.
3. Flatbed Trailer:
Supports the entire vehicle and protects your toad (tow car) from wear and tear. Safest, but adds the most weight.
Do You Need a Weight Distribution Hitch?
In most cases, no. Class A motorhomes are not designed to use weight distribution hitches. They can cause frame stress and aren’t necessary because motorhomes have large, heavy-duty suspensions designed for tongue weight.
Can You Double or Triple Tow?
Some diesel Class A rigs can legally tow multiple trailers, like a toad + boat. However:
- It’s only legal in certain states
- Your total weight must stay within GCWR
- Braking systems and lights must be installed for each trailer
Real-World Insight from RV Owners
Many owners find that real-world towing capacity is lower than advertised. Just because your hitch is rated for 10,000 lbs doesn’t mean your engine, suspension, or transmission can handle that.
Always use the lowest-rated component in your towing setup when making decisions.
Class A Motorhomes That Can Tow 15,000 lbs.
As aforementioned, Class A Motorhomes can tow between 5,000 and 20,000 lbs. There are exceptions to the rules, but 95% of the time, this is what you will find on the market.
1. Thor Motor Coach Tuscany 45MX
Pros and Cons:
✅ Exceptional living space and counter space throughout
⛔ Bathroom ceilings are a little on the low side for 6’ + individuals
- Engine: Cummins ISL 8.9L
- Chassis: Freightliner
- Length: 44’ 10”
- GVWR: 46,000lbs
- Tow Capacity: 15,000 lbs
- Sleep: 7
With the Thor Motorcoach Tuscany 45MX, you won’t need to worry much about what you can and cannot tow. You can haul the average cabin cruiser boat behind this bad boy.
That’s not to mention the incredible space inside Tuscany. It’s like walking into a spacious condo with tan and cream interior aesthetics offset by stainless steel and pale, grey wood patterns.
2. Forest River Berkshire XLT 45E
Pros and Cons:
✅ Mirror-shine, stone-tile flooring and solid-surface countertops
⛔ TV is kind of in your face, directly above the kitchen countertop prep area
- Engine: Cummins ISL 450HP
- Chassis: Freightliner XCR
- Length: 44’ 11”
- GVWR: 47,000lbs
- Tow Capacity: 15,000 lbs
- Sleep: 9
The Forest River Berkshire XLT 45E is a monstrous house on wheels that is just a shade longer than the above-listed Tuscany and has all the same amenities, including a 15,000-lb tow capacity. The interior is a light gray/tan that seamlessly mingles with a dark mahogany aesthetic.
It sleeps 9 and can haul a travel trailer large enough to sleep an additional 10. What’s also great about this diesel-pusher motorhome is that the rear bunk space can become another wardrobe or pet palace once the kids leave.
3. Entegra Anthem 44D
Pros and Cons:
✅ Premium leather Crown and Compass Furniture
⛔ The half bathroom can be a bit tight
- Engine: Cummins L9 Turbocharged 450HP
- Chassis: Spartan K2 Raised-Rail
- Length: 44’ 11”
- GVWR: 52,000lbs
- Tow Capacity: 15,000 lbs
- Sleep: 10
The Entegra Anthem 44D is a luxury diesel pusher and a smart device aficionado’s dream. Anywhere you go inside and outside the motorhome, there’s a USB port for charging and connecting various devices.
Everything is automated, even the reclining options on the theater seating. Since it can tow 15,000 lbs, you’re free to tow a luxury travel trailer along for the ride.
4. Newmar King Aire 4596
Pros and Cons:
✅ One of the best-looking interiors on the market
⛔ The TV is located behind the passenger couch
- Engine: Cummins X15 605HP
- Chassis: Spartan K2 Raised-Rail
- Length: 44’ 11”
- GVWR: 54,000lbs
- Tow Capacity: 20,000 lbs
- Sleep: 10
You won’t find a Newmar King Aire 4596, or one of the remaining three floorplans, for an MSRP lower than a million bucks. But, if you have the money, this rolling kingdom is worth every penny.
Newmar focuses on extravagant features both inside and out. The luxury aesthetic is combined with smart home-like innovations, with tons of cabinetry and fully automated blinds, a drop-down TV, and fully integrated, invisible AC and heating vents.
You’ll also love the new front and rear cap styling and other exterior innovations they made for 2023.
5. American Eagle 45E
Pros and Cons:
✅ Smartphone control with a fully integrated, multiplex electric control system
⛔ In travel mode, the spacing gets tight around the kitchen island
- Engine: Cummins ISX15 605HP
- Chassis: Liberty Bridge Freightliner
- Length: 45’
- GVWR: 54,000 lbs
- Tow Capacity: 20,000 lbs
- Sleep: 4
Another luxury on wheels, the American Eagle 45E is an impressive Class A Motorhome with enough interior space to feature a kitchen counter island. The shiny white and grey interior aesthetic is sheer eye candy, resplendent and futuristic simultaneously.
American Eagle used subtle curves in their designs, spotted in nearly every interior piece, from furniture to the crown molding hanging over mirror-shine cabinetry. It’s everything you could want in brick-and-stick homes with comfort with vivacious style.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I tow more than my hitch rating if GCWR allows?
No. Hitch rating is a hard limit. Never exceed it.
2. How do I know if my car is flat-towable?
Check the vehicle’s owner’s manual or visit manufacturer sites. Not all vehicles are approved for flat towing, even if they’re lightweight.
3. Can I upgrade my hitch to tow more?
In some cases, yes—but only if your transmission, axle, and frame can handle more. Upgrading the hitch alone doesn’t increase your safe capacity.
4. What’s the easiest car to flat tow behind a Class A?
Popular choices include Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco, Chevy Equinox (certain trims), and Honda CR-V (older models). Always verify flat-towability with current model year specs.
VIDEO BELOW: How We Flat Tow in 9 Simple Steps with Our Blue Ox Tow Bar
Final Thoughts
Before you hitch up:
- ✅ Know your motorhome’s GCWR and GVWR
- ✅ Weigh your RV fully loaded
- ✅ Confirm hitch, axle, and transmission limits
- ✅ Choose the right towing method
- ✅ Check towing laws for every state on your route
When in doubt, contact your motorhome manufacturer or a certified RV mechanic to review your setup.
Related Reading:
– How Much Can a Class C RV Tow?
– How Much Can a Class B RV Tow?
– Do They Make Toy Hauler Motorhomes?
About the Author:
Thomas Godwin is a full-time freelance writer with a BFA in Creative Writing, a U.S. Marine, and an avid outdoorsman.
When he’s not writing, he’s raising chickens and Appleyard ducks. Thomas also constructs teardrop campers (attempting to anyway) and kayaks the Blackwater River with his wife, two daughters, and his Dobermans.
