Towing Rating at 5000 pounds
Have a question on towing rating.. The MH we are looking at only has a tow rating of 5000 pounds. I want to tow my subaru legacy in an enclosed trailer...but if I run the numbers, Im at 6100 pounds, 1...
Forum Discussion
On a Hurricane, the reason for Thor bringing towing capacity down to 5000 pounds will be frame extensions and grade of hitch. That 5000 is for flat towing, not trailering. You might see the hitch annotated for maximum tongue weight of 300 or 350 pounds, which means not much more than 2000 pounds of trailer.
Another typical limitation on extended frame motorhomes is that weight distributing hitches are not recommended. Aside from loads on the frame extensions, the proportions, wheelbase to overall length to rear overhang, are wrong for the assumptions in the weight distribution model, so a WD hitch that might work will be rated very differently than the rating used to fit the hitch to the load for a pickup truck, van, or SUV.
If you want a motorhome to pull a moderately heavy trailer, look at diesel pusher models in the 33,000 pound or higher GVWR class. They have heavy frames all the way to the hitch, air suspension for leveling with a hitch load, and often have tag axles to help pick up and adjust to the added weight out at the end of a long lever.
Or you might consider pulling a "four wheel" trailer, i.e. a design that supports all of the load on trailer axles, puts only the weight of the hitch mechanism (rather half of that) on the tow vehicle. This is how heavy duty trucks manage to haul heavy non-semi trailers.
Another typical limitation on extended frame motorhomes is that weight distributing hitches are not recommended. Aside from loads on the frame extensions, the proportions, wheelbase to overall length to rear overhang, are wrong for the assumptions in the weight distribution model, so a WD hitch that might work will be rated very differently than the rating used to fit the hitch to the load for a pickup truck, van, or SUV.
If you want a motorhome to pull a moderately heavy trailer, look at diesel pusher models in the 33,000 pound or higher GVWR class. They have heavy frames all the way to the hitch, air suspension for leveling with a hitch load, and often have tag axles to help pick up and adjust to the added weight out at the end of a long lever.
Or you might consider pulling a "four wheel" trailer, i.e. a design that supports all of the load on trailer axles, puts only the weight of the hitch mechanism (rather half of that) on the tow vehicle. This is how heavy duty trucks manage to haul heavy non-semi trailers.
