Forum Discussion

johnxhc's avatar
johnxhc
Explorer
Jan 27, 2020

Please advise - determining max tow capacity

Hi,All,
I have a 2017 Thor WindSport J34, The GVWR is 22,000 lbs, I could not find the GCWR for 2017, but for 2020, it is 26,000.00 (link as following)

https://www.thormotorcoach.com/hurricane/specs/

I assume it is the same as 2017 (please let me know if anyone believe it is different for 2017 model).

The dry weight of the motorhome is 16,800. so my calculation is as following:
Max towing capacity = 26,000 - 16,800 (Motorhome Weight) - 2,000 (cargo, passengers) - 420 (water) - 88 (propane tank) - 480 (gas) = 6,212 (lbs)

I would like to flat tow my 2019 Escalade , curb weight 5,856

The motorhome hitch is rated 8,000lbs.

the difference between Max towing capacity 6,212 - Escalade weight 5,825 = 400 lbs.

I understand this is not ideal, I definitely would prefer more than 400 lbs difference between my Max towing capacity and towed vehicle. However it is what it is, I figure I probably will not able to drive 70 miles/hour or even 55 mile uphills.

Other than that, does any experts here see any major problems here? (I would like to drive around north American with this)

Please advise.

Thanks in advance.
John
Class A
  • Ductape's avatar
    Ductape
    Explorer
    Jan 27, 2020
    We had a 2014 F53 coach and at that time Fords ratings were 22k / 26k. Towed a 6k F150 crew cab all over North America. No issues whatsoever. I always weigh my rigs and that combo was right at 26k with a full load of water and fuel.

    Do some searching and you’ll find Ford chassis manuals online for the previous years of F53.
  • Dale_Traveling's avatar
    Dale_Traveling
    Explorer II
    Jan 27, 2020
    Ford, not Thor, establishes the various weight limits of the chassis (GAWR, GVWR and GCWR) so you need to research using Ford as the base. Historically the limit has been 26,000 lbs for the F53 except for the largest of the chassis models which has a combined limit of 30,000 lbs.

    Also, even though the coach is a Thor 2017 model the chassis model year can be an earlier version. You need to check the Ford incomplete vehicle stickers or decode the VIN to determine the exact chassis you have.
  • valhalla360's avatar
    valhalla360
    Navigator
    Jan 27, 2020
    If you already have the rig, swing by a CAT station and get the real weight (ideally packed and ready for a trip).
  • johnxhc's avatar
    johnxhc
    Explorer
    Jan 27, 2020
    Don,
    Good point! I will check with Thor on that.

    Thank you.
    John
  • DFord's avatar
    DFord
    Explorer
    Jan 27, 2020
    I don't know which chassis you've got but 2020 saw a major upgrade for the Ford F-53 chassis and drive train so you may be comparing apples to oranges. The weakest link determines what's allowable.
  • johnxhc's avatar
    johnxhc
    Explorer
    Jan 27, 2020
    Rich,
    Thanks for the quick response, Yes, this is exactly what I am going to do, I will take the motorhome and weight it this week.

    Great idea! I will call Thor first tomorrow morning to make sure the GCWR is 26,000.

    Assuming my estimate is right and there are only 400 lbs difference between the Max Tow capacity & flat towed vehicle, did you see any major problems driving this around North America?

    Thanks again.
    John
  • rk911's avatar
    rk911
    Explorer
    Jan 27, 2020
    if it were me i would want to KNOW the dry weight rather than trust a brochure or closet sticker. after determining the actual dry weight (by axle) i'd fill the fuel, fresh water and lp tanks and re-weigh (again by axle). that gives me the wet weight. the difference between the GVWR and the wet weight is your payload (by axle). then i'd load it as i would for travel and re-weigh (by axle). now you know your rolling weight and can determine how much weight can be safely towed.

    but that's me. you are on the right track but...

    - you're assuming that neither axle is overweight. it IS possible to have one axle overweight and still be at or under the GVWR. i know from personal experience. load up your motorhome as you would for a trip...clothes, food, supplies, full fresh water, lp and fuel tanks, pets and people. get it weighed....4-corner weights are best but individual axle weights at a minimum. now you'll KNOW your actual rolling weight. make adjustments as needed.

    - call Thor and ask them for the GCWR.

    in both of the above do not assume. good luck.

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