VLDP 3412 Load/Towing Capacities

[Taylode]

DW and I are trying to decide on the right coach of us and it looks like the 3412 will meet our needs. However, it looks like when you factor in our 5,000 lb. Jeep and us there isn't much capacity left. I'm I confused or is this coach close to capacity right from the get go?

[Norm Mac]

You may be misinterpreting the weight ratings...

The Jeep doesn't count as part of your GVWR Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or as part of your NCC Net Carrying Capacity

It does count as part of you GCWR Gross Combined Weight Rating

Your GVWR is ALL the weight riding on your coach tires. This includes the coach, all your stuff, you and your guests and any tongue weight on the hitch. If you are towing the Jeep on the ground, there is no tongue weight.

Your NCC is what is left of the GVW when you subtract the Weight of the coach itself. In other words... The NCC is you and all your Stuff.

The GCWR is ALL the weight of your GVWR PLUS the weight of anything you are towing behind you. This would include everything listed above under GVWR plus the entire weight of the Jeep and anything you are carrying in it.

This is the simple answer and my guess is that you should have plenty of NCC left even after you load up the coach.

[Taylode]

Originally Posted by Norm Mac

You may be misinterpreting the weight ratings...

The Jeep doesn't count as part of your GVWR Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or as part of your NCC Net Carrying Capacity

It does count as part of you GCWR Gross Combined Weight Rating

Your GVWR is ALL the weight riding on your coach tires. This includes the coach, all your stuff, you and your guests and any tongue weight on the hitch. If you are towing the Jeep on the ground, there is no tongue weight.

Your NCC is what is left of the GVW when you subtract the Weight of the coach itself. In other words... The NCC is you and all your Stuff.

The GCWR is ALL the weight of your GVWR PLUS the weight of anything you are towing behind you. This would include everything listed above under GVWR plus the entire weight of the Jeep and anything you are carrying in it.

This is the simple answer and my guess is that you should have plenty of NCC left even after you load up the coach.

Thanks for the explanation. I'll plug that into a spreadsheet and see what I come up with.

[Taylode]

Okay, please let me know if I have this right.

31,000 (GVWR) + 5,000 (Jeep) = 36,000 or 3,000 over GCWR

25,700 (UVW) +5,000 (Jeep) + 2,300 (adjusted NCC) = 33,000 (GCWR)

If the second equation is correct where I am legal with my weights, is 2,300 lbs enough carrying capacity for us and everything you would typically load into your coach?

[Norm Mac]

Originally Posted by Taylode

Okay, please let me know if I have this right.

31,000 (GVWR) + 5,000 (Jeep) = 36,000 or 3,000 over GCWR

25,700 (UVW) +5,000 (Jeep) + 2,300 (adjusted NCC) = 33,000 (GCWR)

If the second equation is correct where I am legal with my weights, is 2,300 lbs enough carrying capacity for us and everything you would typically load into your coach?

Okay, I was in disbelief at first but just checked the Newmar Spec which suggests only 2000 pound towing capacity. That just doesn't sound right to me.

Based on the specs online, your equations are correct. But I would call Newmar or your dealer and find out the tow rating on the hitch and then find out why they have ONLY allowed 2000 pounds of towing.
My guess is that the hitch is rated for 5000 pounds (that would seem more normal) Hopefully it is just a misprint.

[Scottybdivin]

Originally Posted by Norm Mac

Okay, I was in disbelief at first but just checked the Newmar Spec which suggests only 2000 pound towing capacity. That just doesn't sound right to me.

Based on the specs online, your equations are correct. But I would call Newmar or your dealer and find out the tow rating on the hitch and then find out why they have ONLY allowed 2000 pounds of towing.
My guess is that the hitch is rated for 5000 pounds (that would seem more normal) Hopefully it is just a misprint.

I agree. 2000 wouldn't allow you to tow anything. Something doesn'y sound right. Surely they don't expect you to sacrifice NCC to tow any kind of toad. Every GCWR I ever looked at was on the tow rating + the GVWR.

[Taylode]

Thanks guys at least now I know I'm not crazy. 👍

[Taylode]

Just got off the phone with Newmar and they stick by the numbers on the WEB site. So the LE is off my list and now it looks like it will be the Ventana which, has 10,000 pound capacity.

[Norm Mac]

I asked about this issue in person at Newmar yesterday.

The numbers for the LE are correct.
The actual tow capacity is higher than 2000 pounds BUT it is the overall GCWR that is limited.

I am told that the limiting factor is the drivetrain itself and it was suggested that the limitation was the transmission capability.

I would also recommend a move up to the Ventana rather than the LE.

It is interesting to note that this ONLY affects the 34 and 37 foot LE model, the 40 foot LE does have 5000 pounds additional GCWR. I am guessing the 40 footer has the Allison 3000 transmission which can handle more weight.

[pilotspike]

Originally Posted by Norm Mac

I asked about this issue in person at Newmar yesterday.

The numbers for the LE are correct.
The actual tow capacity is higher than 2000 pounds BUT it is the overall GCWR that is limited.

I am told that the limiting factor is the drivetrain itself and it was suggested that the limitation was the transmission capability.

I would also recommend a move up to the Ventana rather than the LE.

It is interesting to note that this ONLY affects the 34 and 37 foot LE model, the 40 foot LE does have 5000 pounds additional GCWR. I am guessing the 40 footer has the Allison 3000 transmission which can handle more weight.

I believe that to be correct. At least it was with the '16 model year. We went with a 40' VLDP and that got us the Allison 3000 and the 360HP rather than the 340HP.

John

[Taylode]

Thanks everyone for your assistance in getting this sorted out. It has ensured that I didn't make a costly mistake.