Towing a utility trailer with Mallard

[83Eagle]

Well the combined would depend on the trailer I got right? Or is the combined calculated when the rig is built?

[alvinc]

Both the GVWR and the GCWR are calculated when the tow vehicle is designed. Thus the maximum weight of a pickup (GVWR) and the maximum the pickup plus it's trailer can weigh (GCWR) is determined when the pickup is designed.

If the pickup is lightly loaded this will increase the amount it can tow. The maximum the trailer can weigh is the GCWR minus the "actual weight of the pickup" (GVW). (Substitute whatever you want for "pickup" in the earlier statements).

If no GCWR is provided by the manufacturer of the tow vehicle, this implies they didn't intend or think about anyone towing a trailer. We know this is not entirely true because they installed a trailer hitch. That being said, I would honor the GVWR, keep the weight of the Mallard within that.

Then honor the hitch rating and don't tow more that 5,000 lbs.

Keep in mind the extra weight will slow you down on hills.

[83Eagle]

Thank you Alvin C. Got a good look at the hitch today. I have the Mallard out at my friend's machine shed. I have the roof all prepped for resealing tomorrow. After prepping the roof I grabbed the creaper and took a tour of the undercarriage of the rig.

Before I tow anything with the motor home I want my hitch guy to take a look at the rig. He'll know exactly what the Mallard has. I may even see what it would take to put a receiver on there instead of the current hitch configuration. That way it has the capability to haul the bike rack or the hitch haul platform I have.

The hitch on the back of the Mallard looks like a bumper hitch to me. There is no way it has a 5000 lb tow rating. Especially not with a tongue weight of 350. Heck my Caravan has a tongue weight capacity of 350 lbs. Doesn't mean it can tow 3500 lbs.

I took some pictures of it. If I get a chance I will load them up tonight.