way2roll wrote:
As some of you may have read we are shopping for a new coach to full/part time in next year. In shopping I came across some surprising info on capacity.
I know a lot of gassers with the 5k or 7k hitch actually have very little capacity when doing the math. What was a surprise to me is that some DP's also suffer from this. As an example, the Forza line, the difference between the weight and GCWR on some models is only 3k. Makes the 10k hitch almost useless. Our CRV is about 3500 lbs, never mind we also like to eat, have water and clothes.
I know the actual weight needs to be done in order to arrive at real world conditions, but off the shelf advertised weights of some of these coaches simply won't work. Do they rely on people not knowing or caring? Or am I calculating something wrong?
Anyway, found it very surprising for a DP. Makes shopping and finding models you like a real let down.
I noticed this, when friends bought a new 17 Pace Arrow, which is good for about 800lbs of towing capacity. Still they pull a jeep toad.
This DP's specs are even less than our old gasser, but only because of the GM tranny and most sure, that the tranny is the weak link with the Pace, as well.
On another note, our present coach is good for 15Klbs tow and 1500lbs hitch weight. Sounds good, along with more than a ton left of CCC, but just so happens that the rear axle is at max. when loaded, so probably not so good if pulling a heavy trailer.
Not a factor with our four down toad, but just saying.....
Oh well and just as long as they continue to install huge TV's and fireplaces, sales will continue to flourish.
