Maximum towing weight

[MarkB33C]

We have a 2017 Fleetwood Bounder 33C. Manual says the max towing weight is 5,000lbs. We are looking at 2017 Jeep Wranglers and GMC Canyon Pickups as tow vehicles. Specs indicate GVW at between 4,700 and 5,900 pounds. Is there a reasonable way we can increase the tow weight of the chasis of the RV to accomodate the vehicles we are looking at?

[Mr_D]

The only one that can legally change the rating is Fleetwood, by Federal law.
Newmar issued us a "Modified vehicle" weight sticker after Spartan replaced the 12,000# front axle with a 14,600# unit back in 2004.

[A32Deuce]

Have the Jeep weighed. GVW is all loaded. I would guess you are towing it empty?

[Rocky Larson]

No It is a complicated formula that includes tires/suspension/hitch/brakes/weight/etc. Trying to upgrade the weakest link in the chain would be a legal nightmare down the road.

[l1v3fr33ord1]

MarkB33C-

First off,



Second, I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but... my analysis says that your coach is limited to towing 4,000 pounds. The 5,000 pounds in the manual is the tow hitch rating.

It appears as if Fleetwood built your coach on a 22,000 GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) Ford F-53 chassis, which has a GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) of 26,000 pounds. The difference, 4,000 pounds, is the maximum you can flat tow without "borrowing" carrying capacity from the coach.

If you look at the brochure, it has these weasel words:

Hitch receiver ratings expressed are maximum for the hitch receiver installed

which means the hitch is rated for 5,000 pounds, but the coach may not be- and in your case, probably isn't.

My analysis could be incorrect.

[JohnBoyToo]

Mark, a 2 door wrangler may be under 4k lbs, but once you start adding things like wheels tires, etc...
it will bounce that weight up...
stock our 2013 four door JKU was 4400 lbs, once outfitted like we wanted, 4900 lbs...

[MSHappyCampers]

Hi Mark! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

I think others have covered it! Keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[Cousin Ed]

As A32Duece said you are looking at GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) which is the maximum the vehicle can weight fully loaded. I am sure both those vehicles are under 5000 empty. You have to check that weight.

[Sky_Boss]

I think a couple others have been on target but I'm going to break it down in a way *I* think is simpler or more complete.

Your coach GVWR is 22,000 pounds. That is the MAX weight you can carry on/in your coach. That would include any tongue weight on the hitch but NOT what you are towing.

Your GCWR is 26,00 pounds. That is the most your coach and towed vehicle can weight together under an circumstances.

Your tow hitch is rated at 5,000 pounds which is the most your towed vehicle and tow bar can weigh under any circumstances. There is NOTHING that I can see that specifically says your tow rating is limited to 4,000 pounds based on the hitch itself.

You are within manufacturer specs as long as:

1. Your towed vehicle does not exceed #5,000 AND
2. Your combined coach and towed weight does not exceed 26,000 pounds AND
3. Your coach doesn't exceed 22,000 pounds AND
4. Your coach doesn't exceed the weight rating of either axle. (Front 8,000 & Rear 15,000 pounds) AND
5. No corner exceeds the tire weight ratings.

Now, to remain within above limitations is the trick. To tow either of your heavier vehicle it would most likely require you to restrict your loading of the coach with "stuff" (food, clothes, water...). The more the tow vehicle weighs, the more stuff you might have to leave behind.

That is the brute (brutal?) truth you have to deal with. IMHO, and given the weights of the toads you provided there is nothing you can or should do the the hitch itself.

1. The Jeep weight should be well below the hitch rating BUT it could require restricting stuff in the coach but you will have to figure out if it is too restrictive.

2. You will not be able to tow the GMC because it's base weight is well above 5,000 pounds. Even if you decided to ignore that fact the additional weight would further restrict your ability to put stiff in the coach. Perhaps the reduction of stuff would make the MH seriously unusable. Upgrading the hitch (if you could do so safely) and towing the GMC could seriously affect the MH's usability.

3. Upgrading the hitch will NOT increase the GCWR.

There will be a test following the reading of this post. LOL

[Flyin4Fun]

Sky_Boss nailed it down tight! I thought I was going to catch him on tire loads, but even that was covered. Guessing you spent your career as a weighmaster!

[Roadyacht]

Originally Posted by l1v3fr33ord1

MarkB33C-

First off,



Second, I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but... my analysis says that your coach is limited to towing 4,000 pounds. The 5,000 pounds in the manual is the tow hitch rating.

It appears as if Fleetwood built your coach on a 22,000 GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) Ford F-53 chassis, which has a GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) of 26,000 pounds. The difference, 4,000 pounds, is the maximum you can flat tow without "borrowing" carrying capacity from the coach.

If you look at the brochure, it has these weasel words:



which means the hitch is rated for 5,000 pounds, but the coach may not be- and in your case, probably isn't.

My analysis could be incorrect.

Good answer!

[Cousin Ed]

Roadyacth, if they only load the Bounder to 21,000 lb they will be able to tow 5,000. That's where you have to know what you weigh and what you can carry.

[Roadyacht]

This subject has many variables. If you're not sure, get help from a transportation professional.

[viewfinder]

This is a 22000# GVWR FORD. In this case you can NOT use DP magic math for towing. Your FORD owners manual will tell you GCVWR (26000#) - GVWR (22000#) = Amount you can tow. In this case 4000#. (as a side note it also tells you to NEVER use 85 octane gas.)

jim