Community Forums

max49 · 08-18-2011, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rkh

Gary, as a new RV owner and new to this board, I appreciate yours and all others input. It has mostly been very helpful. However, I am solely responsible for this 13 year old Winnie even if I towed within it's range and the frame extension fell out..There are many extended frames out there that have a higher tow rating than this RV...In fact, my local Camping World used to beef these F53 frames up and hang class three hitches on them...The job, if done by a certified welder, is safer than the lousy weld job Winnebago did back in 1998. I would never find some half assed joker to do this job..CW gave me two shops in my town that are certified to perform this task...Ive made an appointment with the one nearest me. You need not worry about me coming down the road towing my 5000lb load...It will be safer than most.

I know how you feel Rkh. Please spare yourself, don't even mention brakes for your toad.

ga traveler · 08-18-2011, 07:53 PM

Almost always, it is the hitch itself that determines the weight you can tow. You can talk to the hitch manufacturer and many times they sell add on plates that can be welded to the hitch and take it from 3500 to 5000 lbs. We ordered these many times for our customers.

ahicks · 08-18-2011, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triker56

This web site for Thor says your GCWR is 16,000 lb chassis GVWR 12,300 lb

I'm following the link and find info relative to a '95 27' Winnie Brave. All I see are specs for what I think are late model Class C's by Thor? How might they apply? Or am I doing something wrong?

My experience has been the older coaches that don't specify a GCWR on the manf. spec. plate, were not rated for a GCWR, period. If that's wrong, I'd sure like to know more.

Mr_D · 08-18-2011, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triker56

This web site for Thor says your GCWR is 16,000 lb chassis GVWR 12,300 lb

Sounds about right, leaving 3,700#'s for towing, so a 3,500# hitch is correct.

ahicks · 08-19-2011, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Sounds about right, leaving 3,700#'s for towing, so a 3,500# hitch is correct.

I still don't get it. Can somebody explain? How can 2011 Thor specifications (found when clicking on the supplied link) have anything to do with a '95 Winnie Brave?

Eric_H_E · 08-19-2011, 07:42 AM

Do they have the same frame? Same motor? Same axels?
Just a thought

Topflite51 · 08-19-2011, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ahicks

I still don't get it. Can somebody explain? How can 2011 Thor specifications (found when clicking on the supplied link) have anything to do with a '95 Winnie Brave?

They CAN'T.

The weak link in tow capacity of that vintage is either the brakes or the frame extension. The hitch/extension can be beefed up, the brakes are something else. If beefing up the hitch/extension to safely (not legally)increase the tow capacity one should definitely consider adding some kind of brake system to the overall system. I personally use Ready Brake. I have a 98 Southwind on a 97 F53 chassis.