New hitch

[ntar827]

I have a 2004 Coachmen Freedom FR200RB Class C.
The installed hitch is rated at 3500 lb.

RV is lightly loaded so I would like to tow a [COLOR=#0072BC ! important][COLOR=#0072BC ! important]car[/COLOR][/COLOR]. Will stay well within all load limits but would like to have extra capacity on the hitch.
Can I install a 5000 lb rated hitch on this RV?

I know that Coachmen was bought by another manufacturer (? which one).
Can I get any help from them in answering this question?

Thanks

Nick

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ntar827 Can I get any help from them in answering this question?

Nick, Typically you are not going to want to up-rate the stock hitch UNLESS you weigh your rig as it is fully loaded for the road and then subtract that number from the gross combined weight rating. (GCWR) Once you know that number you can better make that determination. I expect that when you are fully loaded that you'll be pushing the 3500 max limit and that 5000 pounds would be an impractical goal.

[ntar827]

Driver

I have weighed my rig and know that I have the capacity to tow.

Thinking of towing a 3000 lb car and would like to have more margin on the hitch.

Would like to know if the frame, if modified by Coachmen, can take the new hitch.

Thanks

Nick

[woodworker414]

ntar827, try this pdf from Ford Q-18 R5
GUIDELINES for MODIFYING FORD LIGHT TRUCK WHEELBASES
It tells how to beef up the frame after its been extened. To put a heavy capacity hitch you need to add an addional crossmember in the frame, bolted and welded. I will be doing this mod, as I want to be able to tow the car I have and my C came a 3500# hitch not big enough so I will go to a 5k hitch
Review this pdf to see if it helps
Bill

[TXiceman]

The hitch rating is up to the company modifying the chassis. They will weld extensions to the main frame that are smaller than the main frame. I would contact the RV manufacturer and see if they would approve the hitch up grade.

Ken

[DriVer]

You could weld a 10,000 hitch back there including adequately fabricated frame extensions however the limiting number that your are looking NOT to exceed is the GCWR or Gross Combination Weight Rating. Before you spend the money to pursue this make sure you know the numbers.

[TXiceman]

One thing to point out is that the RV manufacturer adds the frame extension to be in strict compliance with the chassis manufacturers requirements. An after market welded is not going to meet those requirements, so you will be going strictly on the ability of a welder, not an engineer.

Since it is out of warranty, there is no warranty from the chassis manufacturer. Maybe you will get lucky and get a decent welder that knows what he is doing and maybe not.

Ken