Tongue weight capacity 97 pace arrow

[tidalwave]

Hello everyone,

I am new to this forum and have recently purchased a 97 pace arrow 36S. I have read all of the threads regarding motorcycle racks. I have calculated the additional weight added to the rear axle using the blue ox formula. The question I had was if anyone knows what the actual tongue weight capacity is for my motorhome. I have checked the label on the back of the closet door and this particular info was left blank. My bike and rack only weigh about 490lbs and I do have a tag axle. The blue ox calculator put the weight on the rear axle at 843lbs. Would appreciate anyones input. I just want to know if you all still think this isn't safe (since the weight is so much less than what has been previously discussed) and also will it damage my motorhome.

[DriVer]

You will often see that the benchmark number in most of these situations is going to be 500 pounds. On the Valley hitch that is installed on my Winnebago Adventurer, that's the stock rating. If there have been extensive modifications and welding applied to the hitch the hitch rating may become more keyed into the gross axle weight (GAWR) rating and the gross vehicle weight (GVW) rating. Many diesel pushers will have hydraulically operated bike carriers and are seen hauling large bikes. Obviously those installations will exceed 500 pounds.

One other thing you need to be concerned about is whether the hitch is attached directly to the frame rails OR attached on a frame extension. The extension is typically built using smaller C channel and its task is to support the weight of the box. Overloading a frame extension with a heavy tongue weight isn't a good thing.

Know your vehicle and make an informed decision as to whether or not you can sustain the type of load your are needing to carry.

[Gary RVRoamer]

Two concerns: (1) the weight carrying capacity of the hitch receiver and (2) the carrying capacity of the axle(s). The receiver has a weight carrying rating and, on a 5000 lb Class III, it is a minimum of 500 lbs. I would not assume more unless specifically stated by the receiver manufacturer somewhere.

You will have to weigh the coach to see if the extra 843 lbs will put you over the axle GAWRs of one or both axles.. I don't know how to compute what share of the extra weight each axle will carry in your tag configuration. 50/50 maybe?

[tidalwave]

Thank you for your responses, I think I am within my limits. We only use the camper for weekend trips and I do not have anything stored in the back of the camper. I have found that the tongue weight is actually 500 lbs and I am under that weight. Also the fresh water tank is on the back of the motorhome and it holds 100 gallons. I do not ever carry more than a 1/4 tank of freshwater. So I think if the back of the motorhome can handle a 100 gallons of freshwater and my tongue rating is 500lbs I should be OK.