Montana receiver

[Forest_Creature]

I recently purchased a new Montana 5er and would like to pull a small trailer with RZR on it. Is the Montana receiver strong enough. I pulled the same trailer behind my old Cougar with no problem, but I had the receiver installed.

[laknox]

Forest Creature wrote:
Thanks Lyle. The sticker on the receiver says 200 lbs. camping world told me I could safely pull 3500, hence the question. I have checked the state laws for the states we will be traveling and I am within the limits. I think I will have checked at another trailer outfit before going forward.

Makes no sense, to me, but then, it =was= someone from Camping World. Most bumper hitches are rated for a GVW tow with a 10% load limit, hence 300/3000, like the Jayco OEM hitches. 300 lbs load on the receiver, whether it's cargo or a hitch, and 3,000 lbs GVW tow limit for a trailer. I'm sure whatever's there could be beefed up to the 300/3000 limit, but you'd likely void the frame warranty in doing so, which is why I suggested waiting until the warranty is up before doing any mods.

The OEM cargo rack on my KZ has a 200 lb limit sticker on it. Personally, I think it's CYA from LCI's legal people; the rack looks more than stout enough to carry up to 300 lbs.

Lyle

[Bipeflier]

B.O. Plenty wrote:
Get Camping World to put it in writing. That way when it comes apart you will have a good case. Usually those are for bike racks only. Call Montana cust service for the final say.

B.O.

I'm betting they won't!

[B_O__Plenty]

Get Camping World to put it in writing. That way when it comes apart you will have a good case. Usually those are for bike racks only. Call Montana cust service for the final say.

B.O.

[Forest_Creature]

Thanks Lyle. The sticker on the receiver says 200 lbs. camping world told me I could safely pull 3500, hence the question. I have checked the state laws for the states we will be traveling and I am within the limits. I think I will have checked at another trailer outfit before going forward.

[laknox]

Forest Creature wrote:
I recently purchased a new Montana 5er and would like to pull a small trailer with RZR on it. Is the Montana receiver strong enough. I pulled the same trailer behind my old Cougar with no problem, but I had the receiver installed.

Legally, there =must= be a load sticker on the hitch. I know that Jayco's OEM hitches are rated for 300/3,000 lbs and =are= built for towing. IMO, wait the year until the warranty's up, then reinforce the existing hitch to the 300/3,000 load rating, and you should be good to go.

That being said, is it legal to tow doubles where you are and/or where you want to go? If so, what's the legal length in those areas, as it can vary from state to state? Here in AZ, towing doubles is legal with these requirements:

1) 1st hitch must be FW; second hitch can be ball, pintle or clevis and =must= have safety chains. If the double is > 3k GVW, it must also have brakes (true for =any= trailer here).
2) 65' is max unpermitted length from front bumper to center of rear axle, BUT there is an allowed "overhang" of up to 10', which gives an unpermitted OAL of 75'.

Lyle

[DutchmenSport]

Forest Creature, you didn't mention what model you have. But another factor you need to consider if you decide to double tow, is the total length of your entire rig. Each state has limitations on the total length you can be even when double towing is allowed. You still have to keep the entire rig under that length limitation. If I added a 6 foot utility trailer, I'd be at the max limit in Indiana.

[azdryheat]

"Use for towing or exceeding load limit will void the warranty."

That tells me to get a new hitch

[Forest_Creature]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the information

[DutchmenSport]

Here's what's installed on the Montana 5er line from information I found on different dealer websites:

Rear Hitch
Rear Hitch Type Receiver
Size 0.17 ft. (2 in.)
Size (cm)5.1


I checked the factory installed receiver hitch on my Montana and found the weight limitation sticker under the trailer on the cross member part of the frame the receiver is welded to. Here's what it looks like:



This image may be hard to read, so here's what it says:

Warning

Cargo carrying accessory receiver only.
DO NOT tow any trailer or another vehicle.

Maximum load capacity 300 lbs. (136 kg) including the weight of the cargo carrying container or equipment.

Use for towing or exceeding load limit will void the warranty. Failure to follow the instructions can cause the carrier to collapse or items to fall which could cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.

My suggestion? Use the hitch with caution. Absolutely do not add more than 300 pounds and absolutely do not use it for towing anything.

Look under the trailer on the cross frame and you'll find the sticker.

FYI, we've had our 2019 Montana High Country 375FL for 4 weeks now. Very happy with it.

[TXiceman]

Saw a new Montana with the factory hitch. No way would I tow anything with it.

Ken

[BB_TX]

200 sounds more like the tongue weight than the tow rating. I know this has been discussed before on the Montana Owners Club forum. You might try your question there.

[Forest_Creature]

Thanks for your reply. Ours has a 2” receiver and is cross welded to frame. My question arises because camping world said I could pull 3500 lbs but tag on hitch says 200. I think it’s an insurance disclaimer but wanted to check with others

[Lwiddis]

Check your owner’s booklet. It should give max towing weights.

[Michelle_S]

What size receiver is on your Monty? When we had our '10 in came with a light weight cheap 1 1/4" receiver that wouldn't hardly hold a bike rack.
I would advise having a good 2" receiver installed with proper bracing before pulling anything behind the Monty.