Community Forums

jyjcbs · 08-09-2022, 02:09 PM

OK, I wasn't the brightest when it came to buying our 2019 Southwind. When it came time to flat tow a vehicle, I found out 4,000 pounds was the max the tow vehicle could weigh. Only having a GVWR of 22,000, we are close to max on any of our trips. What do others do or tow that have this 22,000 lb. chassis.
Shame on Fleetwood for putting a large gas class A on a 22,000 lb. chassis. A very tough lesson to learn.

KingKid · 08-09-2022, 03:18 PM

Are you sure that it's not 5000lbs max? I'm not flat towing but I have a tow dolly.

gatorb8 · 08-09-2022, 04:19 PM

lighten up your GVW and you may get another 1000 on the GCW
many of rv’s are done that way
gvwr = 22000
gcwr = 26000

get your gvw to 21000
then gcwr = 21000 + 5000 = 26000

Tha_Rooster · 08-09-2022, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jyjcbs

OK, I wasn't the brightest when it came to buying our 2019 Southwind. When it came time to flat tow a vehicle, I found out 4,000 pounds was the max the tow vehicle could weigh. Only having a GVWR of 22,000, we are close to max on any of our trips. What do others do or tow that have this 22,000 lb. chassis.
Shame on Fleetwood for putting a large gas class A on a 22,000 lb. chassis. A very tough lesson to learn.

The truth is most people do it anyway just like a lot of pickups driving around clearly over weighted. Not saying it’s the right thing just answering your question.

TXiceman · 08-09-2022, 05:41 PM

What is the GCWR or gross combined weight rating for the chassis?

Ken

computerguy · 08-09-2022, 05:48 PM

2016 Ford Focus With my ebike, tools and some other stuff comes in at 3300 lbs.

Rockwood27 · 08-09-2022, 06:35 PM

RV manufacturers (not just Fleetwood) have been building 36 foot Class A's on the 22K/26K Workhorse or Ford chassis for almost 20 years. It's well known what the towing limitations are for this chassis.

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jyjcbs · 08-10-2022, 06:43 AM

Gcwr 26,000

mack73 · 08-14-2022, 10:37 PM

2014 and older CRV. Well under 4k

But yes, I would kill for a 24k 242" chassis with this floor plan vs the 22k 228"

FlyingRVers · 08-16-2022, 01:07 PM

Our toad is a 2020 Ford Escape Titanium Hybrid which we really like. 3,700 pounds and averages 38 mpg - the toad, not the coach ;-)

gatorb8 · 08-16-2022, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jyjcbs

Gcwr 26,000

so get your gvw to 21000 and you can tow 5000# if your hitch is rated at 5000#

tundra9 · 08-16-2022, 04:05 PM

2017 Fleetwood Bounder LX. Lx package makes it pretty much the same as a Southwind. We flat tow a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. We often travel with minimal fresh water. Even at that we're always pushing the GCWR limit of 26K. Last time we were on the scales we checked in at 25,860lbs.

VentanaOdyssey · 08-16-2022, 05:46 PM

We have a 2021 Bounder 33C with the 22K chassis and a 26K Gross combined. The hitch is rated for 5k and we tow a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited that weighs in about 4,300. We just keep the loaded coach weight down to about 21K which has not been an issue and our loaded combined top out at around 25,300 or so.

You just have to play with individual weights, and you'll be fine as long as the hitch you have is rated for 5K.

Jthigh · 08-17-2022, 06:51 AM

GVRW (gross vehicle weight rating) = Is what the motorhome chassis can carry. This is the coach with you, personal items, fuel, water, and anything else you put in the coach.

GCWR (gross combined weight rating) = Is your GVRW + Anything else you what to tow that is not loaded in the motorhome itself. The towed unit does not add to the weight the coach carries on its axles since it is just pulling it.

The difference between GVRW and GCWR is the amount that you can tow if coach is fully loaded to the max but you probably aren’t. I would load up unit full of fuel, water and all the regular items you pack and go get weighed. You are probably under 22k so you can add that amount towards your towed weight.