Community Forums

Oldtrooper · 08-25-2014, 08:44 PM

Don't know if Im nuts or crazy. I love the AV and would like to flat tow it. WE have a Vista 26HE with a 2v V10. The AV weighs around 5100-5300. The Vista has a GVWR or 16000 and a GCVWR 23000. Under normal conditions we have never come close to the GVWR as the Vista;s dry weight is around 13500. So my question is whether this is a good idea or not. The numbers seem to suggest yes, but that a pretty big truck to hauling on a gasser.......Thought anyone.

walt2137 · 08-25-2014, 08:56 PM

Trooper you are talking about towing over 5500 ld , I would be worried about stopping it more than towing it, I think the V10 would tow it ok just more fuel just get a good toad brake system.

Sky_Boss · 08-25-2014, 10:05 PM

UM...your hitch is only rated to 5000#. That creates a problem already. That assumes you have properly weighed your AV and verified your information. Of course, if you weigh it with full fuel and stuff you would typically carry in it behind your Vista and found it less than you thought. COOL! OTOH...if it is more...well how far will you push the limits?

The bottom line is that it is not correct to use additional GCWR to justify exceeding your hitch rating. None of the numbers adds up to a "yes you can" answer.

Oldtrooper · 08-27-2014, 12:37 PM

Walt2137 & Sky_Boss.

Thanks for the response guys. I agree on all counts. I don't want to skimp on safety. The hitch would be upgraded, I think at a 5000lb limit it fits into a class III hitch, I would definitely go up one more level to make sure it could handle the AV. Ditto on any brake package on the AV as well. I certainly agree that having 5500lbs pushing from the back would need an substantial brake package, that is a necessity.

Where I'm coming from is I see 32-35ft V10's pulling 3100lb Toad's. My 27ft Vista and these larger MH's share the same super duty F53 chassis and the same 3v V10. I can't find anywhere that there is a difference in the brakes on F53 if the length is 27 or 32-35.

So with an upgraded hitch and a capable brake package for the AV it should be ok. I guess my only concern is handling in regards to a 27 footer pullin 1/3 it's weight versus a 34 footer pulling 1/5 the weight.

Sky_Boss · 08-27-2014, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oldtrooper

Walt2137 & Sky_Boss.

Thanks for the response guys. I agree on all counts. I don't want to skimp on safety. The hitch would be upgraded, I think at a 5000lb limit it fits into a class III hitch, I would definitely go up one more level to make sure it could handle the AV. ...

I am the eternal worry wart. LOL I'm not convinced that one can legally/properly increase the hitch capabilities without the approval of the manufacturer.

As to the AV/RV weight ratio (1/3), I'm still a tad concerned. Here is why. Your RV will have ABS but I'm not sure if aux brakes provide for an ABS function or at least as functional as your your RVs system. I guess I should do more homework on mine now. LOL So, my concern with that ratio is that on slick roads your AV could still push you around...literally.

Oldtrooper · 08-27-2014, 02:52 PM

Thanks for being the devils advocate Sky_Boss, good conversation and thoughts.

Good point on the ABS. I didn't give it much thought because I was looking at it being similar to that of a truck and trailer, I don't know if some trailers have ABS capability. In some cases the weight of the trailer would be darn near that of the truck.

I agree on you point of what the manufacture states on hitch rates. Winnebago says 5000 limit on the hitch. Ford claims 7000lb tow capacity. Wonder if the 5000lb hitch was determined because not many toad's out there would exceed that and I suspect production cost would prevent a bigger 7000lb hitch being installed. Again given that very few toads exceed the 5000 limit.

I own three vehicles now and the DW doesn't drive. Buying another vehicle just for a toad seems to be a waste. I love driving the AV, hence why I'm trying to scope out all the hidden problem stuff. Lol. I think if I was doing coast to coast I would not be thinking this way, but most of the trips will be around 500 with the occasional one around the 2500 mile limit. And I don't know if I would take the AV through the Rockies anyway.