Community Forums

Rcjustin · 02-01-2020, 10:21 PM

Hello all,

I'm new here and joined to be able to use your experience. I am looking for a class a diesel pusher to pull my stacker trailer. The trailer can weight up to 20000 lbs but I will keep it around 14000. I have done a bunch of searching and researching.
I'm seeing some odd things with the gvwr and gcwr specs in most manufacturers. What I'm finding is that they are simply adding the hitch rating to the gvwr and calling that the gcwr. I believe this doesn't make much sense in alot of applications.
For ex... 2002 monaco executive tag axle I can get into for around 50000. This appears to be one hell of a machine... cummins ISM 500 hp... allison 4000mh trans... tag axle... etc. But only rated for 10000 lbs towing hitch and 10000 lb gcwr above its gvwr.
In comparison, a 2005 fleetwood revolution LE is rated for 15000 lb towing hitch, and the gcwr is generously rated as well. But this unit is without the tag axle. Has a 400hp car, and an allison 3000. All downgrades from the monaco but yet rated quite a bit more.
I know legally it is not acceptable to simply upgrade the hitch on say the monaco to a 20000 lb hitch, and call it good unless the gcvw was able to handle that.
These ratings are all given by the rv builder though. Are there separate chassis manufacturer specs that go above what the motorhome manufacturer says?

I'm looking for a rig for under 60000, preferably closer to the 50000 mark. Not afraid of older units if well kept and will do the job. Any specific recommendations for makes and models to be looking at that came with high gcvw and towing ratings?

Thanks in advance
Justin Lehr

BigLar368 · 02-02-2020, 06:46 AM

Foretravel is a bit more expensive than the average used RV but they are out there in that price range. They offered lots of models that were rated to tow 18K and 20K. I have not seen many others that offer anything rated more than 10K.

Rkesselus · 02-02-2020, 08:12 AM

I think you are correct in questioning the towing rate listed by the MH manufacture which i think is solely based on the hitch they install on the chassis. I have not done this but it might be possible to start with the chassis manufacturer and do some searching on each of the units that various coach guys use and see the difference in listed towing capacity. I know in my case I exceed the rating but have not had any problem in doing so. I, along with a certified pipeline welder, took a good look at my hitch and were confident that I was good to tow my 24' trailer with car, motorcycle and other stuff at about 11,000 lbs. We have logged over 30,000 miles all over the country, hills, dales and mountain passes. Good luck Richard

jacwjames · 02-02-2020, 08:36 AM

Newel coach has high towing capacities but you'll pay for it.

It's not only the hitch that has to be designed correctly for high towing capacity but the chassis and drive train.

V3600 · 02-02-2020, 08:51 AM

You can do it cheaper with an American Coach such as a Revolution, Tradition, or Eagle. These coaches, at one time at least, had tow capacities of 15,000 pounds. Another way to go is a Super C which is a Class A with a truck front end. I've seen most of those with a 20,000 pound hitch.

deandec · 02-02-2020, 11:07 AM

When buying new Garbage trucks years ago, payload was paramount for profit.

I learned that the Final Manufacturer determines the legal weight ratings of the combined vehicle for its registration.

Of course, the chassis creates much of the legal weight basis, but the outfit that installs the body on that chassis is the final combined vehicle legal weight source.

The hitch rating is not a factor in determining the GCWR to my knowledge. The hitch just facilitates the legal load safety.

Crasher · 02-02-2020, 12:37 PM

My 2013 Allegro Bus came with a 10,000# rated hitch. A couple years later they came with a 15,000# rated hitch. I called Tiffin and asked what if any difference there was between mine and the newer ones. I was told there was no difference. I ordered a hitch from them and installed it. I towed a 12,000# enclosed trailer for a few years. Check with the manufacturer, if possible, to determine if one you are interested it might be the same.

Rcjustin · 02-03-2020, 08:19 PM

Any idea what motorhomes come with 15000 plus factory hitch? So far I've found the fleetwood revolution LE on spartan chassis in 2005-2007. Any others off the top of your heads to look into?

Skiddy · 02-03-2020, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacwjames

Newel coach has high towing capacities but you'll pay for it.

It's not only the hitch that has to be designed correctly for high towing capacity but the chassis and drive train.

and the rear axle load, guess that's part of the drive train though

mchero · 02-03-2020, 08:35 PM

You should be looking at a Super C

Mr_D · 02-03-2020, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rcjustin

Any idea what motorhomes come with 15000 plus factory hitch? So far I've found the fleetwood revolution LE on spartan chassis in 2005-2007. Any others off the top of your heads to look into?

My CC Magna is rated for 15,000 from the factory.

Solo_RV_Guy · 02-03-2020, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

My CC Magna is rated for 15,000 from the factory.

Yep but I think that a Magna, even well loved, is above his price range.

At 15k-20k lbs and $60k his desire is probably a pipe dream. He's got more toys than he can afford to haul; I suppose there are worse things in life.

The answer is carry fewer toys per journey or come up with significantly more money or look at a Super C (also more money to reach that towing capacity).

Maybe he lucks out and finds a Prevost conversion for cheap, but it's gonna be a long wait for the price and capacity to reach his targets.

Prof_T · 02-04-2020, 03:27 AM

If I was towing heavy I would go with a super C. If the manufacturer states it will tow 15K you should have a 4000 Allison transmission and at least 400 HP with a side radiator and tag axle. My Wanderlodge is factory rated to tow 15K. Don't know if I would want to do that much but at 50K pounds, tag axle, 525 Cat, and side radiator, I figure it would do that much.

RWDJR. · 02-04-2020, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crasher

My 2013 Allegro Bus came with a 10,000# rated hitch. A couple years later they came with a 15,000# rated hitch. I called Tiffin and asked what if any difference there was between mine and the newer ones. I was told there was no difference. I ordered a hitch from them and installed it. I towed a 12,000# enclosed trailer for a few years. Check with the manufacturer, if possible, to determine if one you are interested it might be the same.

Just because you can tow 12k with a 10k it’s not advisable. There’s good reason why it’s 10k and not 12 or 15k. Just because we can, does not mean we should for the safety of others.