Heavy Duty Hitch for a Class C

Another factor in towing capacity is the braking capacity that the Mfg. determines for the MH. There are more factors than just hitch rating.

MH Stopping Distances to be considered.
Reaction Time
30 MPH = 3 + 30 = 33' distance traveled
65 MPH = 6 + 65 = 71'
70 MPH = 7 + 70 = 77'
80 MPH = 8 + 80 = 88'
90 MPH = 9 + 90 = 99'

Stopping Distance

30 MPH = 3 x 30 = 90'
65 MPH = 6 x 65 = 390'
70 MPH = 7 x 70 = 490'
80 MPH = 8 x 80 = 640'
90 MPH = 9 x 90 = 810'
Now when you consider the distance you will travel while you are reacting and then add to this the stopping distance, the faster you are going the longer distance you will travel before you stop. Yes stopping distance will vary with the type of RV, weight, etc

Consider the stopping distance of the MH loaded, as you travel, and then added the total weight of the dinghy you are towing, that will increase this distance.

The only time I've seen a E-450 based "C" with the ability to tow more than 5000 pounds was a custom "C" maker which offered to do exactly as above -- have a hitch (might need to be custom fabbed) directly bolted onto the main frame of the E-450 (not the frame extensions.) I think that would get one 7500-10k of tow rating... but you are still limited by RAWR (the further away the hitch is, the more the de-rating) and the GCVWR. The "C" that had this higher weight capability was a short model (24 feet) as well. I doubt this could be done with a 30 footer or longer... but I could be wrong.

Ponderosa wrote:

rvten wrote:
Question is. Is the frame rated to handle a 7000# load?

That is a question that has no answer. My GCVWR is 22,000 lbs and the unit weighs about 11,000 dry. I have a lot of weight to play with there. I am considering flat towing my new RAM truck which tips the scales at 6800 with a tank of gas. I would imagine that flat towing puts far less strain on the frame than a conventional tow would. Putting 800 lbs cantilevered over the rear axles is a very different ball of wax than having zero vertical load from a flat tow. My thought is that the issue is more with the hitch itself than the frame.

Your issues are with the hitch and the frame extensions added on by Coachmen. Although your Ford van is good for the 22,000# GCWR, I doubt Coachmen rates that MH to tow more than 5,000#. Your best is probably to find a Bob the welder, to make up a custom hitch for you and tie it into the main Ford frame or at least beef it up considerably so you'll be able to tow up to what Ford allows for a GCWR.

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Ponderosa , You need to weigh your rig completely loaded with everything that you camp with ( people , water , fuel , and stuff ) . Then add your fueled and ready to travel weight of your truck to the weight of the "C" . This will give you a true picture of your GCVWR . Also check the front and rear axle weights of the "C" against the the manufacturer specs . You now have information to base a decision on and the welder / hitch guys can make the correct decisions !

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rvten wrote:
Question is. Is the frame rated to handle a 7000# load?

That is a question that has no answer. My GCVWR is 22,000 lbs and the unit weighs about 11,000 dry. I have a lot of weight to play with there. I am considering flat towing my new RAM truck which tips the scales at 6800 with a tank of gas. I would imagine that flat towing puts far less strain on the frame than a conventional tow would. Putting 800 lbs cantilevered over the rear axles is a very different ball of wax than having zero vertical load from a flat tow. My thought is that the issue is more with the hitch itself than the frame.

E350 van hitches fit as well. They come with extra shims to fit the flat cutaway frames (the vans have a slight step in the frame for the bumper brackets.

Question is. Is the frame rated to handle a 7000# load?

I had my original hitch on my old Class c RV reinforced at a welding shop. They ran 3" x 5" angle iron from the sides of the hitch, along the frame rails, almost to the rear axle. I was heavy duty. Cost about $225.

In my experience hitches come in most common for RV towing.

Class III Class IV Class V
Max. TT Wt. 5,000 lbs. 7,500 10,000
Tongue Wt. 500 lbs. 1,000 1200

However I believe that your Class C only has a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. approved by the Manufacturer, regardless of how big a hitch you install.

I don't think you will find a bolt on that will meet your needs. You will need to have a custom fabrication.

More importantly, can your rig pull that much weight? Check all your ratings, and have the C weighed first and decide if you can handle the weight. Getting it to go is really not the issue, it's controlling it while in motion and stopping.