2000 Tioga, Ford chassis, tongue weight question....

[IamTymURnot]

I've searched high and low and can't find a specific answer to my question. My Class C is a 29z and I want to occaissionally carry my 366# dual sport motorcycle on a motorcycle hitch hauler. According to the paper work this rig is rated at 3500# towing and the normal 10% of that in tongue weight. I'm no stranger to towing, but, my concern is frame extensions (new to me) added by the coach mfg. With a 366# bike and a 36# hauler I'm exceeding the tongue weight by a bit, and I know this is a no-no on paper, but my question is has anyone done this or had issues with frame rail flex or bending by slightly exceeding the tongue weight?

I don't plan on doing this often or for long distances, but for short trips (within 60 miles or so) it would be nice to not drive separate vehicles, or tow a separate vehicle...

Thanks,
Tym

[motochris]

The front hitch is a dang good idea...don't know why I didn't think of that, as my dually has a front hitch already.
That would solve my issue as long as I can still see around the bike. Put one on front and one on back.

[pnichols]

You might want to consider carrying your motorcycle in a front carrier, instead.

The physics of this work out a lot better and from what I've read in the forums about carrying motorcycles in the front, there are no over-heating issues when doing this. Headlight interference may be a problem, however, if you expect to do much night driving ... not sure on this headlight issue however ... just a guess.

[Holiday27]

I just quickly read through the posts, so not sure if this was suggested. I think your best bet is to add a front hitch and haul it there. I easily installed one and I haul my son’s bike with it. Plus, I’m pretty sure it’s rated for 500#. Another plus is that it won’t be bouncing around in the back. Some 350# hitched are pretty wimpy. I busted mine just from bicycles bouncing around (it was a bolt together). Before you install one though position your bike in front and make sure you are ok with your field of view from the driver seat.

[Dakzuki]

Bobbo wrote:
Not always. Factors on the RV itself may impact those ratings. My Winnebago has a 2" receiver and a 5000 pound pull weight, but Winnebago has put a 350 pound tongue weight limit because of the frame extensions.

Correct. Frame extensions installed by a coachbuilder get a a vote irrespective of what the hitch (which is often of third party manufacture) is rated for. Always check the RV manufacturer's specs for your particular RV.

[motochris]

I'm tossing around this same dilemma... I have a '98 Winn 31' Class C and want to haul two dirtbikes on a receiver hitch out back. Manual says 350# tongue weight... I'll be closer to 450-500# not including the extra leverage of the bikes so far back.
In looking under/around the hitch and frame, I see no reason why it is rated as low as it is, other than Winn covering themselves.

[Bobbo]

Not always. Factors on the RV itself may impact those ratings. My Winnebago has a 2" receiver and a 5000 pound pull weight, but Winnebago has put a 350 pound tongue weight limit because of the frame extensions.

[IamTymURnot]

Sounds like I definitely have to do some more research, nto worth risking my new investment. 🙂 I do know that it is a 2" reciever and if memory servers the minimum 2" is a Class III rated for 5000# and 500# tongue weight. The 3500# class II should be a 1-1/4" reciever tube, right?

Thanks,
Tym

[carringb]

IamTymURnot wrote:

Yeah, there is a separate sheet that lists the towing weight at 3500# and for an E450 with a V10 that has to be de-rated. Does this mean that de-rated takes into account the distance behind the axle, etc.?

Thanks,
Tym

That 3500# limit is probably just due to the receiver they installed. Ford says full factory limits stay intact if the extensions were done properly. Those limits include 10k towing, rear axle weight rating, and maintaining 32% of total wight on the front axle. Ford does not have a fixed tongue weight limit, however the rear axle limit is easy to exceed (same with front axle off-loading), sometimes even without weight hanging off the hitch.

The RV makers are free to make their own limits. Forest River (including Coachmen) now retain the full Ford limits but I'm not sure if that was always the case. I believe Winnebago has a 350# vertical limit but I don't know if that is a structural limit, or if they are attempting to prevent axle overloading. When they do de-rate the chassis, there should be a sticker above the hitch (assuming it hasn't been removed).

My suggestion: take your rig to a fabrication shop for an evaluation. RVs of your era didn't always fully follow Ford's frame specs, so there may be merit to a lower limit. Keep in mind that even if nothing is at risk of failing, excessive frame flex can cause RV body problems like leaks from body joints and windows, since chassis flex can cause joints to pop open.

[rjstractor]

My C only was rated for 300 pounds tongue weight. Even if the hitch is up to the task, keep in mind that adding 450 or so pounds to the rear hitch will add more that to the rear axle because of the levering effect of the load so far behind the axle.

[IamTymURnot]

carringb wrote:
If the RV manufacturer did not de-rate the chassis, then your real limit is either receiver capacity, or rear axle capacity. Keep in mind that the actual load of bike carrier is 2-3x normal trailer tongue weight due the distance of the load center. You probably should have a Class-5 receiver for carrying a dirt bike.

Yeah, there is a separate sheet that lists the towing weight at 3500# and for an E450 with a V10 that has to be de-rated. Does this mean that de-rated takes into account the distance behind the axle, etc.?

Thanks,
Tym

[carringb]

If the RV manufacturer did not de-rate the chassis, then your real limit is either receiver capacity, or rear axle capacity. Keep in mind that the actual load of bike carrier is 2-3x normal trailer tongue weight due the distance of the load center. You probably should have a Class-5 receiver for carrying a dirt bike.