Can a 2000 Monaco Diplomat safely tow 9000#'s

[Mariooch97]

Despite hours of searching I can's seem to find a definite answer.
We found a 2000 Monaco Diplomat 40 pbd with 315hp turbo for sale and I was quite sure that "this is the one" it's has everything we are looking for and then some , the problem is the specs, it's rated for 5000# tow capacity ,
We would like to tow my 9000# enclosed 25' race car trailer a few times a year, 400mi round trip, so the questions are,
Is the limiting factor:
A) the chassis
B) the engine/tranny
C) the hitch
Should We look at a different MH?
Any suggestions/ advice will be greatly appreciated
Thank you

[Grandpere]

5000 pound tow limit means the mfgr put on a class 3 hitch and not a class 4. Class 3 hitches are limited to 5000 pounds whereas a class 4 hitch is rated at 10,000 pounds. Call a U-Haul dealership that installs receiver hitches, they will be the best place to get your questions answered and to have a class 4 hitch installed.

[Mariooch97]

That thought crossed my mind but then I started to wonder that it might the chassis that can only handle the 5000# and therefore the 5000# hitch.
I had a bad experience with the local U-haul in the past and figure he'll say any thing to make the sale, I will follow your advice and call a different U-haul dealer
Thanks for you input

[Gorlininc]

I have a 2000 diplomat 38A with a class 4 hitch rated 10000 lb. I'm sure your chassis can handle it. I never heard of a class 3 hitch on a road master chassis. You may want someone to verify that.

[Libero]

X2 Gorlininc's post. Check with Monaco. Have coach ser number handy. Unusual for a 40ft DP on a Roadmaster chassis to have a class 3 hitch.

[bruceisla]

Originally Posted by Mariooch97

Despite hours of searching I can's seem to find a definite answer.
We found a 2000 Monaco Diplomat 40 pbd with 315hp turbo for sale and I was quite sure that "this is the one" it's has everything we are looking for and then some , the problem is the specs, it's rated for 5000# tow capacity ,
We would like to tow my 9000# enclosed 25' race car trailer a few times a year, 400mi round trip, so the questions are,
Is the limiting factor:
A) the chassis
B) the engine/tranny
C) the hitch
Should We look at a different MH?
Any suggestions/ advice will be greatly appreciated
Thank you

In addition to the hitch capacity you will need to look at the GVWR and GCWR.

Tow Vehicle Sizing

[jacwjames]

http://www.monacocoach.com//library/...0_Diplomat.pdf

Here is a link to the 2000 brochure, it is only rated for 5000 lb capacity based on the difference of the GCWR versus the GVWR.

Based on this it is not rated to tow the weight you list

[bruceisla]

Originally Posted by jacwjames

http://www.monacocoach.com//library/...0_Diplomat.pdf

Here is a link to the 2000 brochure, it is only rated for 5000 lb capacity based on the difference of the GCWR versus the GVWR.

Based on this it is not rated to tow the weight you list

I don't see the 40 footer on the brochure but in 2001 I think the 38 and 40 were rated the same.

Should be on the sticker in the RV though.

[Skip426]

Possible that the GCWR, is because of the max weight, trans rating.

[Nana25K]

Our 2000 Dynasty 38PBS has a GCWR of 43000 per sticker in cabinet. Brochure says 42500. Our GVWR is 33000. We have a class 4 hitch and per specs we are underweight on just rig loaded. We can tow 10K. I'd look at those cabinet sticker and call Monaco.

[racer478r]

I have a 2000 Dip. 38 ft and have pulled a heavy 30 ft Exiss trailer with my super gas Lumina and a Honda four wheeler and tools and jacks. Pulled it all over the Southeast chasing points for many years and never had a problem. Some of the hills needed a head start with the 315 hp to maintain speed.

[Gorlininc]

It says the standard engine is a 275 HP and an optional 315HP.
What engine do you have?
The Boucher says standard is 5000 lb hitch. If be surprised if yours wasn't upgraded.
In 2001 they upgraded the engine and a standard 10K hitch. It's very possible your rig is upgraded.
Check your plaque in your rig for your weights.

[Gorlininc]

I see you have the 315HP upgraded engine. Is bet the hitch is also upgraded.

[Mariooch97]

First of all, I like to thank all of you for taking the time to respond to my question(s)
The rig is a few hours drive from us and it's pointless to go see it if it won't tow the 9000# safely, the information I have is from the brochure & you're right, I don't see a 40' nor a PBD there, however I did see the 315hp option as advertised, it is in that same brochure I read about the 5000# tow capacity.
so far all the research i've done (hours-days) has been on the Internet.
Today I found a 40' 2000 American tradition that fits the bill as well, curiously enough, despite having 15 hp less is rated with a 10000# tow capasity, it obviously has the 10k hitch, that makes me go back to the original question, why put a 5k# hitch if the rest of the rig (eng, trans, chassis) can handle 10k#
We will be buying a MH in the next few weeks, just want to make sure that we'll be safe while having fun
Thanks again, you guys are fantastic!