P30 chieftain tow rating

[Eric_H_E]

We are looking at a 1986 Winnebago chieftain on a p30 frame and a 454 V8. It has a 3,000 lb hitch. We want to tow our 95 Jeep on a trailer. Jeep weighs 3,300 plus the Tlr guessing 1,500 for a total of 4,800. Is the p30 capable of towing that much with a new hitch? All I can find is a tag with the GVWR of 12,500. Nothing about GCWR.

[CJ7365]

Originally Posted by Eric_H_E

We are looking at a 1986 Winnebago chieftain on a p30 frame and a 454 V8. It has a 3,000 lb hitch. We want to tow our 95 Jeep on a trailer. Jeep weighs 3,300 plus the Tlr guessing 1,500 for a total of 4,800. Is the p30 capable of towing that much with a new hitch? All I can find is a tag with the GVWR of 12,500. Nothing about GCWR.

You don't say what type of Jeep you have, have you actually weighed it? You should also weigh your trailer so your not guessing.

I had a 1995 Brave P30 27' although it did have a 5000lb hitch, I noticed that there was a frame extension that was welded onto the P30 frame, I would think this would be a limiting factor, as well as drive train, transmission and axle.

Because you want to use a trailer it will also add tongue weight as well, just something else to consider.

I have flat towed my CJ7 for thousands of miles, the only low point is I have to disconnect the driveshaft, only takes a few minutes. Just another option.


In my opinion, I would look for something else that has a 5000lb hitch, and also weigh your Jeep and trailer to get an actual weight.


Another concern and you mentioned it before is GCWR, just because you have a hitch rated at 5000 lbs does NOT mean you can tow that much.


You are going to have to know these weights and no guess.


Sometimes the manufacture puts weight info inside the cabinets doors, mine is in the bedroom closet door.

[Charlie 5320]

If that 86 Winnebago has rear drum brakes you will have a hard time stopping that rig. Even if your trailer has 4 wheel brakes and you do get the frame modified to tow that much. There IS a reason why there is only a 3000 lb hitch on that coach. Even if Winny used a c channel for the frame extension you will have to have the tank dropped and the frame boxed back there. It may only have an angle iron extension, even more work. Been there, not fun.

[8SEC6SPD]

thanks for the responses. I have a 2001 fleetwood storm 32 ft. with P30 chassis as well. and I am looking at buying a trailer toad to pull my race car with, in a 28' enclosed trailer. that is 11,00 pounds loaded up! but minimal tongue weight as the toad will handle the load.

[Charlie 5320]

Originally Posted by 8SEC6SPD

thanks for the responses. I have a 2001 fleetwood storm 32 ft. with P30 chassis as well. and I am looking at buying a trailer toad to pull my race car with, in a 28' enclosed trailer. that is 11,00 pounds loaded up! but minimal tongue weight as the toad will handle the load.

My buddy has a 96 Storm on a P30, it has a frame on top of the GM frame. Built much better than the coachs of the 80s early 90s. Using a toad to take most of the tongue weight is a very good idea, but remember you may be over taxing the braking system of your coach. Be sure your braking system is in great shape. Later coachs had a much better brake system on them, starting in about 98. My 98 Daybreak had ABS and I believe it was the first year for it on the P30.

[8SEC6SPD]

Thanks for your input. Sorry 11,000 #'s
Brakes and lines are newer. Trailer of course has its own brakes, which I guess is a no brainer.

Chassis is a 2000 so sounds like I am in ok shape there and sorry I believe it is a P32 chassis. Not sure how much of a difference there is between P30 and 32.

[Charlie 5320]

Originally Posted by 8SEC6SPD

Thanks for your input. Sorry 11,000 #'s
Brakes and lines are newer. Trailer of course has its own brakes, which I guess is a no brainer.

Chassis is a 2000 so sounds like I am in ok shape there and sorry I believe it is a P32 chassis. Not sure how much of a difference there is between P30 and 32.

Same thing people just call them different name. I got in the habit of doing that because that is what the parts are listed under at most supply houses. P32 is the MH chassis and the P30 is like fedex and UPS uses.