DP with only a 7000lb or less towing capacity...why?

Chassis consideration and small call capacity hitches are cheaper.

JCGibson wrote:
In our research, we have seen a few DPs from the mid-2000s that only had a towing capacity of 7000lb or less (one was only 4000lb). The ones in particular were HR Vacationer, Cross Country, and Monaco LaPalma. Why is this? Is it a limitation of the chassis/engine/transmission, hitch, or a combination? Are all Roadmaster chassis' limited to this little?

Thanks in advance.

John

You're talking about three entry level coaches with small engines and the Allison 2500 transmission. The LaPalma and Vacationer started out as gas coaches and were elevated to DP's. Similar to the Fleetwood Bounder. It has traditionally been a gas coach and then they upgraded a few to DP's.

These are typically coaches priced at a level that allows gas shoppers to make that first step up into a DP. The Thor Palazzo would be another example.

Not every DP has a huge chassis. The majority are designed to tow 10K with some of the big boys being able to do 15K.

I think it depends on the GVWR of the MH and the rating of the hitch installed at mfgr. The 2000 Safari we had was rated at 5k towing. Our 2004 Holiday Rambler Imperial is rated at 10k.
Ron

Depends, I'm sure, on the weight of the rig and size of the engine, too. Our 38' Monaco DP had a 10,000 # towing capacity.