Vehicle Weights - Class A with Dinghy
My wife and I are considering changes in our RV Future. Specifically to Travel more. We are moving from Truck and TT (Toyhauler) to a used Class A (RED) with a Dinghy. I am having Number Troubles. O...
Forum Discussion
it can be confusing. let’s see if this helps.
the amount of weight you can safely tow will be the lesser of the following:
- the gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of the MH minus the actual weight of the MH as it is loaded and configured for travel. actual or rolling weight is determined by loading the MH as you would for a trip. fill the fuel, fresh water and LP tanks. add clothes, food, supplies, etc. don't forget people. find a scale and get individual axle weights at a minimum. compare the actual axle weight to the axle weight rating (GAWR) for that axle. each axle will have a different weight rating. for every pound your mh exceeds its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) you lose a pound of available tow weight. don't guess or assume...know.
- the weight rating of your hitch. the amount of weight your hitch is engineered to carry should be in your owner's manual.
- the weight rating of your tow bar. check the specs of your tow bar if you already have one. if not i'd look for one that is capable of towing 8000-10,000 lbs.
once you know the actual loaded weight of your MH (by axle) then apply the three tests. your max safe towing weight is the lesser of the three tests.
the amount of weight you can safely tow will be the lesser of the following:
- the gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of the MH minus the actual weight of the MH as it is loaded and configured for travel. actual or rolling weight is determined by loading the MH as you would for a trip. fill the fuel, fresh water and LP tanks. add clothes, food, supplies, etc. don't forget people. find a scale and get individual axle weights at a minimum. compare the actual axle weight to the axle weight rating (GAWR) for that axle. each axle will have a different weight rating. for every pound your mh exceeds its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) you lose a pound of available tow weight. don't guess or assume...know.
- the weight rating of your hitch. the amount of weight your hitch is engineered to carry should be in your owner's manual.
- the weight rating of your tow bar. check the specs of your tow bar if you already have one. if not i'd look for one that is capable of towing 8000-10,000 lbs.
once you know the actual loaded weight of your MH (by axle) then apply the three tests. your max safe towing weight is the lesser of the three tests.
