Towing with a 31' Class C, frame questions
I have a 2001 Coachmen Leprechaun 305MB 31' Class C on the E450 chassis and the V10. Was planning on hauling some ATV's this upcoming weekend and noticed that hitch rating was for 3500/350 tongue wei...
Forum Discussion
Your biggest potential issue is rear axle weight. 31 footers built on an E450 are close to RGAWR empty. I use to have a 29 footer with no slides, and while loaded for camping I would be over on the rear axle if the dog went to the back to take a nap. Tires are a limiting factor and a common failure point when running heavy. A weight distribution hitch can help alleviate this problem, but your frame extensions are unlikely to handle the stress that a WD hitch will add. If I were in your shoes and willing to spend some $$ to upgrade the capacity of your rig I would:
Upgrade tires and wheels- the Rickson wheels 17.5" package is spendy but will end any worry of running tires over capacity.
Take the rig to a good, independent hitch shop and explain what you want to tow, have them assess your rig's frame and hitch to see what modifications will help you handle the load safely, including frame, hitch and/or suspension upgrades.
Now, card-carrying members of the Weight Police may argue that all of these mods will not change your stock capacities, and I suppose they are right to a point. But no one can really argue that upgrading frame, suspension, tires and hitch will make whatever amount of weight you choose to tow easier and safer.
Upgrade tires and wheels- the Rickson wheels 17.5" package is spendy but will end any worry of running tires over capacity.
Take the rig to a good, independent hitch shop and explain what you want to tow, have them assess your rig's frame and hitch to see what modifications will help you handle the load safely, including frame, hitch and/or suspension upgrades.
Now, card-carrying members of the Weight Police may argue that all of these mods will not change your stock capacities, and I suppose they are right to a point. But no one can really argue that upgrading frame, suspension, tires and hitch will make whatever amount of weight you choose to tow easier and safer.
