Community Forums

bettertogeth · 10-01-2015, 01:58 PM

Looking at used Winnebago Journey 36G with 300 Cummins. Towing capacity is 5000lbs. Looking to tow just about that. Don't want to tow at max capacity, so is it possible to reinforce the hitch, or is the 300 maxed out at towing 5000lbs?
Thanks

BFlinn181 · 10-01-2015, 02:08 PM

The weight rating includes, axle, suspension, frame, and tire limits, braking and other factors. In general, it's best to stay within the stated limits, remember, those ratings were based on a new unit. Just putting a beefed up receiver doesn't make all the rest able to handle the weight.

bluepill · 10-01-2015, 02:12 PM

As long as you don't exceed the total weight limit for the combination, I would not be worried about being near, or even a bit over the hitch capacity.

It has been established that on the 36G and 37H models, the factory usually supplies the same hitch, which on my rig is rated at 10,000 pounds because I have the Cummins 350HP and MH3000 transmission combo. On some Journeys with a lesser drivetrain, they de=rate the hitch to 5K.

Any rating has a safety factor built into it.

Solask · 10-01-2015, 02:13 PM

Az, find out what the gcwr is. This is the limit your coach can carry included the tow vehicle. Separately, the weight of your tow vehicle is limited by the hitch rating, which I believe is the 5000lb you refer too.
I would never "beef" up a hitch to increase towing capacity. I have no nerve.

Rod

Just For Fun · 10-01-2015, 02:21 PM

If it's a frame hitch - not a bumper hitch, that structure can be reinforced to carry more. But I wouldn't consider doubling the posted capacity.

Frutza · 10-01-2015, 09:35 PM

Now I'm not saying your's is, but I wanted to change to the #10k hitch also, not to increase my total capacity, but I'm heavy on the ball, anyway, I buy a #10k hitch, and low and behold, it's the exact same hitch with a #10000 sticker, just saying, just stay within your total vehicle limits, oh, my original is a #6000.
I also wasnt so sure of the brackets the hitch is bolted to, seeing it also holds up the radiator, but Freightliner said its good for #10k

Skip426 · 10-01-2015, 09:49 PM

You need to get all the facts on the drive line , not all Allison transmissions are created equal , some manufactures order a lower price ( Capacity ) trans to save a few $$, then de-tune the engine to the trans. In those cases any attemps to increase engine power or exceed GCWR can result in early $$$$ trans failure.