Hitch rating

[caymann]

Why are Monaco coaches stuck at 1000(tongue)/10,000 hitch rating?
Can the hitch be upgraded to a 1500/15000lb rating by changing to a class V hitch? If so what else needs to be done?
Jim

[Dr4Film]

Yes, it can. They will or should cutoff the old one and start from scratch with a brand new class V hitch. It won't be cheap, but it can be done. The shop I went to prior to driving to Alaska where I wanted them to inspect my hitch to make sure it was in good shape and certified at 10,000 lb's and 1000 lb tongue weight. They looked at it but would not certify it as then they would be responsible for any future problem. I asked at the time if they could beef up the hitch and they said , yes. By cutting it off and starting over.

Dr4Film ----- Richard.

[caymann]

Aside from the changes in the hitch - cut off and replace with class V, is there anything else in the rear end that needs to be upgraded? This is the only way i can pull a stacker trailer

[Diplomat Don]

Jim....I'm sure you know that the hitch rating has a variety of factors figured into that number, not just the hitch type/size. The 1000/10000 pound rating includes cooling capacity, axle capacity, braking, transmission, frame strength and engine capabilities all combined to safely tow the rated amount.

Even though you have a tag axle, the 1500 pounds may exceed it's capability. You might be able to shift a little weight and get down to 1200 and be okay. You would definitely need electric brakes that you could control from the dash.

[caymann]

I am sure i will be needing and using electric brakes on the trailer.

The coach weighs (loaded) about 38.5 k lbs with a GVWR of 46k and GCWR of 56k
(On the tag i have about 4k lbs left over and the drive can take another 3.5k lbs)
So i have 56k(GCWR)-39k(loaded weight) = 17k room left to pull something behind

I am guessing that means the cooling capacity and brakes and rear axles can absorb
another 17k lbs behind. Hence my thinking of a stacker trailer provided i can upgrade
the hitch to go 1500/15000 lbs

[DonBaja]

I don't know if my 1995 36' Monaco's hitch (10,0000#) is Class IV or V. I do know that the hitch receiver was awful long and I shortened it so that with boat attached I would not be longer than the law allows (65'). I did not realize then that shortening the hitch would not allow the hood to open with boat attached. My point is that any hitch long enough to allow the hood to open will be under a lot of strain, regardless of class, due to the excessive receiver length required to clear the hood.

[walt2137]

Rear axle weight is important, I attached a file to help you figure your correct weight.