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T Theunisz · 03-21-2022, 12:03 PM

Dear all I'm from the Netherlands and speak enough English but can't write it so have to translate via google. I have an urgent question that I have not been able to answer until now in the Netherlands and the USA. So please help. I have a 2005 Coachmen Mirada 340MBS Ford engine 10v cassie F35. I need an official document from say Ford or Coachmen, folder or something. Which states what my RV can pull, for example my boat trailer. It now has a trailer hitch from Hidden Hitch from Canada. But the Dutch state must have proof that the RV is allowed to pull a certain weight. Ford USA says they don't have that ??.If anyone can help me I'd be very happy. Because I'm not insured now and can't take anything with it. Please if you can have me please send to this mail address : <toohet@gmail.com > or whatsapp tel +31 6 54310562.
Regards Toon(tony) Theunisz Helmond-Netherlands

carybosse · 03-21-2022, 12:13 PM

I would suggest you contact Coachmen directly. Ford would have supplied the chassis, but would not provide specifications for the tow capacity of the finished product, as they cannot know what Coachmen might have done to the vehicle in the course of their manufacturing.

https://coachmenrv.com/contact-us

Jim_HiTek · 03-21-2022, 12:18 PM

That style of coach usually has a small plaque next to the driver that has the VIN number on it. You can google that number and you should find a document that shows the amount you can tow. It may also show weights and tire sizes and whatnot.

Also, check for a paper stuck to the inside of one of the doors or walls of a closet in the bedroom. They put all the weight info on that sticker. Required by law. Find that paper and it'll give your all those weights for your RV and you can calculate what it can tow if it doesn't say directly. You might have to do maths to come up with the tow weight. Note that most Class A's built in the US have at LEAST a 5,000 lb tow bar at the rear end. Many have a 10,000 lb bar.

TXiceman · 03-21-2022, 02:10 PM

The F53 is the base chassis supplied by Ford and used on class A RVs. This chassis has a maximum GCWR or gross combined weight rating based on the engine and rear axle gear ratio. The GCWR should be available from Coachman. and is the maximum that the RV and towed load can weigh.

There are two limiting factors as to how much you can tow. First you look at the tag in the motorhome that shows a GVWR or gross vehicle weight rating. The most that you can tow is the maximum weight of the motorhome subtracted from the GCWR unless you know the actual loaded weight of the RV when ready to travel.

The other limiting factor on what you can tow is the maximum as stated on the actual hitch. Some RVs come with a 5000# hitch and some with a 10000# hitch. You are not to exceed the lesser or the two, the hitch rating or the difference in GCWR minus GVWR.

In addition to towing a vehicle or trailer, you will need a braking system with a break- away switch on the towed load that meets the requirements of the states as you travel through them. Some require a braking system on loads over 4000# and some are as low as 1500#. It is better to be safe and have a braking system installed.

Best of luck in your travels,

Ken