Motor home towing limit

[aden]

Is there any way to increase the towing capacity of a class a dp?

[barmcd]

Probably not. There are so many things that go into determining the towing capacity of a motor home it'd be tough to fix all of them. First, what kind of engine does it have and does it have enough oomph to tow more. Next, will the transmission survive pulling more weight? A lot of less expensive motor homes have Allison 2000 transmission which limit towing to 5000 lbs. Then, what class hitch does it have on the back and what is it connected to? It'd probably be easier to reduce the weight of what you want to tow.

[BlueThunder4]

Most likely not cost effective to do it legally as any change in axle, springs, etc that MAY increase a capacity from the rated manufacturer certification would need to be inspected, approved and updated by the DOT. By the time you put all of the time and effort, costs into doing this you would most likely have been better off reducing weight needs or upgrading to a suitable rig that meets your demands.

[Dark Sky]

Brakes might be a consideration also, not sure if the coach makers take 'credit' for towed vehicle/trailer brakes.

[winniman]

You have several factors including limitations already noted. All rvs have a gross vehicle weight. This is the maximum the rv can weigh fully loaded. You then have a combined gross vehicle weight. This is the maximum the weight of the loaded rv, plus whatever you are towing can weigh. Most rvs loaded don't weigh what the gross weight allowed is. For example, my rv weighs around 22,000 lbs empty. Its gross weight allowed is 26, 400. This means I have a cargo carrying capacity of just over 4000 lbs. My gross combined is around 33,000 lbs. This means if my rv was loaded to maximum, I could tow around 6,600 lbs. If I had less weight in the rv, it would increase my towing ability slightly. This is assuming my hitch is up to the task. If you check the difference between your gross vehicle weight, and your combined gross vehicle weight, it will give you a rough idea on towing capacity. People are often unpleasantly surprised when the find out their big DP isn't rated to pull what they thought. Hope this helps.

[Mr_D]

Even the bigger rigs have limitations. Mine is:
Empty weight 46,700
GVWR is 54,000
GCVWR is 69,000

But the 15,000# hitch is only rated for 800#'s tongue weight.

[aden]

I just bought a 2018 gmc 4x4, I will be looking to upgrade my coach, currently have a 97 dutchstar dp and tow an Infiniti on a dolly. I want to make sure when I purchase my last coach I will get one capable of towing my new truck. Thanks for all of the info.