26
Driving & Safety
SECTION THREE
It is possible to be within the GCWR 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) .
As tongue 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 necessary 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 .
Class I
Class II
Class III
Class IV
Class V
Weight
Carrying
Hitch
TW:
up to 200 lbs.
WC TW:
up to 350 lbs.
TW:
up to 500 lbs.
TW:
up to 750 lbs.
TW:
up to 1,200 lbs.
GTW:
up to 2,000 lbs.
WC GTW:
up to 3,500 lbs.
GTW:
up to 5,000 lbs.
GTW:
up to 7,500 lbs.
GTW:
up to 12,000 lbs.
Weight
Distributing
Hitch
—
—
—
TW:
up to 1,200 lbs.
TW:
up to 1,400 lbs.
—
—
—
GTW:
up to 12,000 lbs.
GTW:
up to 14,000 lbs.
GTW = Gross Trailer Weight. Weight of trailer fully loaded.
TW = Tongue Weight. Weight pushing down on Tow Ball.
WC = Weight Carrying. Weight carrying capacity of the Ball Mount.
WD = Weight Distributing. Weight carrying capacity of a weight distributing hitch.
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 specifications.
Front
Axle
Tongue
Weight
Drive Axle
L
F
E
E = Effort L = Load F = Fulcrom
090512b
Summary of Contents for Class A Gas 2020
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