Towing weight limits
We have a relatively new to us 2004 Winnebago Sightseer 35N. It's docs say that it's towing weight limits are 5000 pounds with a 350 tongue weight. What does that mean exactly? We have a Dodge Ram ...
Forum Discussion
M.A.Taylor wrote:Apart from exceeding your hitch limit by at least 10% you do realize that 5500# on the back of your MoHo will significantly increase your emergency stopping distance? With a 20,500# GVWR Motorhome, that increased distance will be close to 30%. Enough to put you in the back of a semi-trailer or the back seat of the car in front.
No, I have not yet added a braking system to the truck, but will. The only braking system I've seen was well over $1000 but I've not done any further checking yet. What system do you use or recommend??
Just went out and looked close at the hitch, it says 5000 with a 500 pound tongue. The good news is that it appears to be bolted on so I think it can be upgraded. If that's the case I'll make that happen. Looks like it bolts on between two plate on either side and would be a simple job to change out with a stronger hitch, maybe I can do it myself?
You may feel it's OK for normal slowing/stopping but have you tried a "pedal to the metal" emergency stop yet? Maybe you should!
Personally I think you are pushing your luck and leaving yourself wide open to a civil liability situation if you were ever involved in an accident!
- Exceeding hitch capacity - check
- No brakes on toad - check
Case closed.
