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Unicorn Driver · 10-01-2020, 12:36 PM

Hi

My coachs had this sticker on the back. I currently tow a 4700lb and coach with my 23000lbs fully loaded coach. My gcwr is 30,000lb.

For some reason I had thought my toe rating was 5000lbs. Does this mean I can flat tow over 5000lbs?

I ask as would like to maybe add a bit more weight to my jeep for a lift and winch and new bumper.

Thanks,

Unicorn Driver · 10-01-2020, 12:37 PM

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Wrascal · 10-01-2020, 07:04 PM

You are currently flat towing 4700 pounds - your max allowable is 5000 pounds.
To me that is a too close for comfort 300 pound difference.

Speculation: I suspect a lift, wench (ooops, winch) and bumper may approach 300 pounds.

Options: reduce Jeep weight (remove roof, doors, etc).

Unicorn Driver · 10-01-2020, 07:14 PM

Thanks,

That's what I kind of guessed. I was checking here.

arcaguy · 10-01-2020, 07:24 PM

I disagree. His weight distributing hitch weight is 6,000 lbs. I know that toads don't have a weight distributing hitch but they are by nature weight distributed with only about 25 or 30 lbs of tongue weight. This is just my opinion. I asked essentially this same question in another thread that didn't get much traffic. It will be interesting if more educated folks chime in.

HarryStone · 10-01-2020, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arcaguy

I disagree. His weight distributing hitch weight is 6,000 lbs. I know that toads don't have a weight distributing hitch but they are by nature weight distributed with only about 25 or 30 lbs of tongue weight. This is just my opinion. I asked essentially this same question in another thread that didn't get much traffic. It will be interesting if more educated folks chime in.

I don't know much about weight distributing hitches, but it seems that to get to the 6k weight, you have to use a weight distributing hitch, and not fudge the numbers because you don't have any tongue weight.

tderonne · 10-02-2020, 08:09 AM

Latitude brochure says it has a 5000 hitch.

Unicorn Driver · 10-02-2020, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tderonne

Latitude brochure says it has a 5000 hitch.

Thanks, just went and looked.

Gary RVRoamer · 10-03-2020, 09:19 AM

Quote:

I disagree. His weight distributing hitch weight is 6,000 lbs. I know that toads don't have a weight distributing hitch but they are by nature weight distributed with only about 25 or 30 lbs of tongue weight.

Quote:

I don't know much about weight distributing hitches, but it seems that to get to the 6k weight, you have to use a weight distributing hitch, and not fudge the numbers because you don't have any tongue weight.

This difference of opinion is based on applying some specific knowledge vs simply following the directions. An engineer would choose the 6000 lb answer while a lawyer would choose 5000.

Weight distributing affects how the hitch handles the downward-force but not the amount it can tow. Therefore it seems evident that a receiver that can tow 6000 lbs with a WD hitch should also be able to tow 6000 lbs without it as long as the down-force (tongue weight) stays within the 500 lb weight carrying limit.

One could argue that a civil lawsuit could get messy if it ever came to whether the driver knowingly and negligently operated an overloaded vehicle, but I think an engineer qualified to give expert testimony would agree with arcaguy. And for those who worry their insurance might balk, forget it. Your insurer could care less. They cover the damages if the driver is drunk and speeding, so why would they worry about some obscure tech tidbit like that?