Community Forums

JamesDumas · 12-10-2010, 05:28 PM

I need to tow 7,500lbs with a 2004 Pace Arrow 37A with a Workhorse Chassis . . . assuming ALL re-enforcements are made, and the proper reciever hitch is installed . . . will the powertrain and chasis pull the load? 500lbs tongue weight, dual axle trailer, 4 brakes, weight includes trailer and cargo.

Thanks!

Tha_Rooster · 12-10-2010, 05:57 PM

Will it pull it probably yes keep up with the flow of traffic up hills probably not.

JMonroe · 12-10-2010, 06:13 PM

You've left out a lot of information. What is the loaded weight of the MH (full fuel, water, and ready for travel) as compared not only to the gross vehicle weight rating, but the gross combined weight rating? If the rig weighs 30k lbs on its own and has a 32k GCWR (numbers just used to illustrate), the strongest hitch in the world won't increase the tow capacity - you've got 2k left over.

The strength of the hitch is only one factor. The manufacturer, when setting a tow rating, must also consider the drivetrain. Besides the power of the engine, is the cooling system up to managing the heat from pulling the weight. Will the U-joints hold up, are the brakes big enough, will the trans hold up, on and on.

Changing only the hitch and its bracing will not give you a higher tow rating. Stay safe, get a rig with a higher rating, or trim the load. I may be the rig stopped ahead of you when your's, ah, won't.

Gary RVRoamer · 12-10-2010, 07:05 PM

You are almost surely going to exceed the coach GCWR with that much weight. You probably have the Workhorse W22 chassis, which is rated for a max of 26,000 lbs f coach, gear and towed trailer or vehicle. As Jay says, the biggest hitch in the world isn't going to change that, with or without reinforcements. You also have to consider the load on the transmission, drive shaft & universal, and the rear axle.

And in addition, the performance is going to be mediocre on anything but the flatlands.