RV towing hitch - quick question
I'm finishing up the installation of my tow setup and out of curiousity I looked at the factory tow bracket under my MH. It appears to be connected by 4 large bolts/nuts to the frame (2 per side). T...
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This is a new or fairly new motorhome, right? Given that it is, within the last 10 years or even a little older, the coach builders followed Ford's specs for the frame extensions that permit them to build such a long body on what started out as a short chassis. Likewise the trailer hitch people have their specs. May sound counterintuitive, but BOLTED is the recommended mounting for trailer hitches.
In short, you're OK.
Remember the hitch also has a vertical rating. Usually around 10% of the tow rating, so a "5000-lb" hitch probably has a 500-lb weight rating, pressing down on the ball. That's 500 (in this example) on a ball mounted in a standard drawbar. Extend that drawbar and the load has to be reduced. Also, because of the long rear overhang motorhomes have, weight on the ball is multiplied as it adds to rear axle load, and can also lighten the front end.
In short, you're OK.
Remember the hitch also has a vertical rating. Usually around 10% of the tow rating, so a "5000-lb" hitch probably has a 500-lb weight rating, pressing down on the ball. That's 500 (in this example) on a ball mounted in a standard drawbar. Extend that drawbar and the load has to be reduced. Also, because of the long rear overhang motorhomes have, weight on the ball is multiplied as it adds to rear axle load, and can also lighten the front end.
