Community Forums

TommyHarris · 10-20-2019, 07:45 AM

As I am shopping for a newer coach, I am interested in knowing what weight vehicle I can tow. Does the hitch capacity tell me that, or is there something else I also need to consider??

Thanks!

Gary RVRoamer · 10-20-2019, 08:59 AM

It's the lesser of a couple numbers:
1. The hitch rating
2. The GCWR minus the actual loaded weight of the coach

For example, the coach has a hitch rated for 5000 lbs, a GCWR of 24,000 lbs and a loaded weight (from a scale) of 19,500 lbs. The max tow capability is 24,000-19,500 = 4500 lbs, the lesser of the two values.

If you are shopping and don't yet have the scaled loaded weight, assume the weight is the GVWR (max loaded weight), so use GCWR-GVWR for that. It's often less than the hitch rating, but not always.

TommyHarris · 10-20-2019, 09:54 AM

Thanks, very much, Gary!
Tommy

paddler1954 · 10-20-2019, 11:03 AM

Then to make things even more confusing some manufacturer's of DP are putting the Alison 2500 transmissions in their entry level motorhomes. And the problem with that you ask? Well, some of them (REV) don't always give a Combined Gross Weight Rating. In order to determine how much you can tow you have to weigh the coach loaded for travel then subtract it from the GWR which is limited by the Alison 2500. I've heard of some cases where towing a 3000 lb. car was at the limit. So take you time, and look over all the numbers and asterisks.

Gary RVRoamer · 10-20-2019, 02:48 PM

The GCWR is issued by the chassis builder and can always be found even if Rev/Fleetwood doesn't put it in the brochure. Whether gas or diesel chassis.

Quote:

In order to determine how much you can tow you have to weigh the coach loaded for travel then subtract it from the GWR which is limited by the Alison 2500.

I don't see how that tells you anything about the two capacity when you don't have GCWR. The coach could be loaded right up to the GVWR and still have tow capacity left. Typically does, in fact.

Yes, the Allison 2400 and 2500 have lower ratings than the 3000 or 4000, but that's just one part of how the GVWR and GCWR are determined by the chassis engineers.