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Discovery, Discovery LXE, Pace Arrow, and Pace Arrow LXEt
Calculating Tow Capacity:
Several variables must be
considered and calculated to
properly determine towing
capacity. Limiting factors include
GCWR (Gross Combination
Weight Rating), GAWR (Gross
Axle Weight Rating), hitch
receiver weight rating and the
weight rating of each piece of
towing equipment. One or some
of these variables will limit tow
capacity.
Example: The motorhome
has a GCWR of 35,000 lbs.
The motorhome in a fully
loaded, ready for travel
condition, weighs 29,500
lbs. The hitch receiver is
rated at 700 lbs. tongue,
7000 lbs. tow. The load
being towed weighs 4,200
lbs. with a tongue weight of
400 lbs. However, the hitch
ball is rated at 3,500 lbs.
In this case tow capacity is
limited to 3,500 lbs. due to
the rating of the hitch ball,
even though the rest of the
towing equipment, hitch
receiver and vehicle GCWR
are within specications.
CWR but exceed the GAWR.
When tongue weight is applied,
mechanical advantage increases
with distance (lever) from the hitch
ball to the tag axle or drive axle.
That axle now becomes a pivot
point (fulcrum).
ue weight increases (effort),
weight on the drive axle also
increases (fulcrum) while weight
on the front axle (load) decreases
as weight is displaced from the
front axle.
It may be ncessary to weigh
both the tow vehicle and towed
load as an assembly to ensure the
GAWR has not been exceeded. It
is also possible to be within the
rating of the hitch receiver and yet
exceed the GCWR.
Due to changes in weight, the
motorhome must be weighed in a
loaded, ready for travel condition
that includes passengers, cargo
and liquids. Subtract the weight
of the motorhome in a loaded,
ready to travel condition from the
GCWR to determine tow capacity.
Whether towing a vehicle or
trailer, the load being towed
must be weighed to ensure the
towed weight, when added to the
tow vehicle, will not exceed the
GCWR and the weight ratings of
each tow system component are
equal to or greater than the load
being towed.
WARNING:
The motorhome and towed
load must be weighed
after they are loaded for
travel to determine if
actual weights are within
towing specification. Each
component of the towing
system must be rated equal
to or greater than the load
being towed. Do not exceed
the Gross Combination
Weight Rating.
Towed Vehicle Requirements
Vehicle manufacturers produce
cars and trucks that are designed
to be capable of being towed with
all wheels down. Use caution
and note all limiting factors
when selecting a vehicle to tow
(aka dingy). Things to consider
are battery drain on the tow
vehicle electrical system with the
steering wheel unlocked, can the
transmission of the towed vehicle
be damaged with all wheels down
and is the tow vehicle too heavy
as well as other concerns.
Before selecting a tow
vehicle, consult the tow vehicle
manufacturer’s instructions to
ensure the vehicle is approved
to be towed with all four wheels
down. All aftermarket products
that modify the vehicle for towing
should also be approved by the
vehicle manufacturer.
Make sure the tow vehicle
weight and attaching hardware do
not exceed the rating of the hitch
receiver. Note the hitch receiver
capacities (tongue and tow) listed
on the weight tag located on the
hitch receiver. Do not exceed
rated maximum capacities. Make
sure the weight of the motorhome
with the tow vehicle do not
exceed the gross combination
weight rating (GCWR) of the
motorhome. Make sure that tow
bars and hitch equipment is rated
for the weight of the tow vehicle.
Towing Weight Checklist
Towed Load (Tongue Weight) ________ (Overall) ________ Yes No
Towing Equipment (Ball Mount) ______ (Hitch Ball) ______ Yes No
Hitch Receiver (Tongue) _______ (Tow) ______ Yes No
GAWR (Rated) ______ (After Hitching) ______ Yes No
GCWR (Rated) ______ (After Hitching) ______ Yes No
Insert Weight Ratings: Check Yes or No if within specications.
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