1987 Southwind towing capacity

Grandpere wrote:
Our 87 Southwind has a mfgr listed towing capacity of 3500 pounds. It has a Chevy chassis with a 454, TH400, and 4.88 axle ratio. I know that is has a class 3 hitch. Here is my confusion, the hitch has a weight carrying capacity of 350 pounds tongue weight and 3500 pounds total capacity. However, if it is set up using a WDH, it has a 500 pound tongue weight and a capacity to tow 5000 pounds. Why the difference? Does the hitch handle 3500 pounds or 5000 pounds? The reason I am asking is that our toad, a 2003 Kia Sedona has a curb weight of 4802 pounds and we use a tow dolly. So my final question is can my MH tow our toad?

Maybe it is just me, but the number you need to be looking for is the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) for your coach. That is the number your coach is rated to tow whether on a trailer, dolly or flat towed. The standard definition for GCWR is as follows: Gross combination weight rating (GCWR) Maximum allowable combined weight of the tow vehicle and the trailer, according to the vehicle manufacturer; includes the weight of both vehicles plus all fuel, water, supplies and passengers.

Also, the standard definition for hitch weight is as follows: Hitch weight Amount of a trailer’s weight that rests on the tow vehicle; should be 10 to 15 percent with conventional trailers, 15 to 20 percent for fifth-wheels.

Safe travels.