2003 Fleetwood Expedition Towing

[PKM]

I just purchased a 2003 Expedition and was dismayed to find that it only has a #5000 towing capacity. This is a ridiculously low limit for a 300hp diesel motorhome. What is the limiting factor? (Hitch/transmission/engine)? I had really hoped to tow a full sized pickup on a dolly. Any info on your experience or knowledge on this subject is appreciated.

[Mr_D]

The RV manufacturer is the one that sets the loading weights and they are the only ones that can change them under Federal Law. It could be anything from the hitch rating to the frame rating to the brakes to the transmission or a combination of them.
Anything said here is just a WAG. Call the manufacturer and see what they say.

[Nick-B]

As a side note - You mention towing a "full sized pickup on a dolly". Make sure you research that option fully. If it is a 4X4 pickup the dolly would likely be a big no-no due to possible transfer case damage. If 2WD then you would likely need to pull the driveshaft or have a driveshaft disconnect. Unless of course it is a 2WD with a manual transmission (left in Neutral). That setup should work with a dolly.

[navigator336]

What version Allison transmission do you have?

[G Anderson]

I have been towing an 8000# trailer with my 34W 300HP Cummins and 3000 series Allison I also know someone who does the same with his. Freightliner rates the GCWR at 38,000+ but the * beside it says depends on the hitch provided by you coach Mfg. unfortunately Fleetwood has put a light hitch on I inspect my hitch regularly. And when I find one of those "RoundToIts" I will Reinforce my hitch adequately !

[Cat320]

This has been posted before, but looks like we need it again...

Tow rating is the lower of:

1. Coach's hitch rating.

2. Coach tow rating.

3. Chassis tow rating (sometimes different than the coach's).

4. The difference in weight between the coach's GCWR and the coach's actual weight when ready to tow.