Forum Discussion

Db327's avatar
Db327
Explorer
Mar 27, 2019

F53 motorhome towing 7k realistic?

Hi,

We just purchased a 2019 THOR ACE 27.2 on a Ford F53 chassis, GCWR 23000, GVWR 16000, thus 7k towing capacity.

We plan to tow near the 7k towing capacity. Would you recommend an additional transmission cooler?

We previously owned a 2005 class c e450 motorhome with 5k towing capacity. That transmission overheated when towing 4k pounds. Adding a transmission cooler solved that problem.

I'd appreciate any info whether the 2019 f53 towing specs are realistic, or whether to immediately add a transmission cooler and/or fan.

Thanks, Dave
Class A
  • TWZMYJP's avatar
    TWZMYJP
    Explorer
    Mar 27, 2019
    Lots of variables here, such as towing speed, terrain, etc. I spent over 10 years in an E-450 Class C towing about 6k with zero issues, and last summer changed it up to a F53 Class A and towed the same load all season with zero issues. Looking at forums, specs, ratings, etc is always good for research purposes, but odds are good you simply won't know until you try.
  • MetalGator's avatar
    MetalGator
    Nomad
    Mar 27, 2019
    I know some newer F53 Class As come with a 8K hitch. Our 2018 Miramar comes with an 8K hitch although towing 7K would put us over GCWR.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Mar 27, 2019
    Bruce Brown wrote:
    s N s wrote:
    What's your hitch rated for regarding weight???? Most on gas Class A's are only rated for 5000#.


    This.

    Just because your GVWR is 16,000 and your GCWR is 23,000 doesn't mean you're rated to tow 7,000.

    X2

    GCWR

    GVWR
  • Bruce_Brown's avatar
    Bruce_Brown
    Moderator
    Mar 27, 2019
    s N s wrote:
    What's your hitch rated for regarding weight???? Most on gas Class A's are only rated for 5000#.


    This.

    Just because your GVWR is 16,000 and your GCWR is 23,000 doesn't mean you're rated to tow 7,000.
  • badboy368's avatar
    badboy368
    Explorer
    Mar 27, 2019
    I used to tow with an F-53 chassis and overheated the transmission. Definitely put a cooler on it.
  • s_N_s's avatar
    s_N_s
    Explorer
    Mar 27, 2019
    What's your hitch rated for regarding weight???? Most on gas Class A's are only rated for 5000#.

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