Near the maximum weight

[CharlieTwo]

I have a 95 Winnebago Brave (27') and it has a new engine in it (454). The maximum tow weight for the hitch is 3,500 lbs. My Ranger weight is 3400# with the fiberglass topper on it. Am I cutting things too close or is it safe to go the the maximum weight?

[Midniteoyl]

Good to go

[sandpiper]

Everyone has an opinion and advice - worth exactly what you paid for it. Mine is that you are cutting it close and probably going over. Did you actually weigh your vehicle so you know the weight? Was it full of gas? Did it have "stuff" in the back like you typically will have when you tow? Did you include the weight of the base plate, tow bar, etc? You can certainly go at the max 3500# but how much over is OK before you damage something? 100#, 200#?? My opinion and advice is not to exceed the manufacturers recommendation. Maybe I'm too cautious but that's the way I am when it comes to safety and taking care of my equipment. Do you want to be a test pilot?

Also, what does the manufacturer say about the max combined gross weight of the coach and tow? Will you have sufficient weight left over to put the gas, water, gear, pets and people in the coach that you want?

[CharlieTwo]

I did weigh the truck. I had about 100 lbs of wood and stuff in the back of it. Base plate and tow bar was not included. .............. hmmmm.

[Midniteoyl]

sandpiper has good points... I assumed you had included everything in your tow weight.. If you did not, then you need to reconsider.

What is the actual max towing weight of your RV? GCVW? If your good on these, but simply have too small a hitch, then you are still good as long as you upgrade it..

[CharlieTwo]

I don't know what the GCVW is. I can't find it anywhere that I know of. It is not on the plate by the driver or in any of my paperwork. It just says it has a 3,500# hitch. I will take the fiberglass topper off and that will help.

[sandpiper]

I've alwys found GCVW and other information in the closet. Weird place to put it.

[ahicks]

My '93 didn't have a GCWR on it either. I don't think they started that for a couple more years yet. Then, I think they just add whatever they figure the hitch is good for to the GVWR. That's just my guess though.

Regarding the truck, I'd go for it on 2 conditions. 1st would be to make sure it was empty or lightly loaded if you absolutely have to. 2nd, I'd make sure it was equipped with some type of reliable toad braking system.

[Midniteoyl]

Looking around, Winnie placed it at 3500#'s...

IMHO, you can do it, and prolly with ease. Your coach has the same engine and tranny combo as much larger rigs that also tow 3500#, so I know yours will do it. Just make sure you have a good brake system for the toad, you put in enough air for the tires, and leave 'extra' room for stopping.

[CharlieTwo]

Thanks guys. I will get a good braking system for the truck. I put a Rear View monitor on the MH and that helps me to see what is going on, along with a TPMS.