American Coach American Allegiance, Owner'S Manual

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UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight)*
Is the weight of a vehicle with maximum
capacity of all fluids necessary for operation
of the vehicle, but without cargo, or
accessories that are ordinarily removed from
the vehicle when they are not in use. UVW
does not include occupants and cargo such
as water in the various holding tanks.
* These ratings are shown on the label which
includes the Federal Certification Tag.
Towing a Vehicle or Trailer
(“Towed Load or Towed Unit”)
When you use your motor home to tow,
remember that you must stop the towed load with
your motor home’s brakes. This is critical on hills
and in the mountains where you may encounter
sharp curves and possibly irregular road surfaces.
Check your motor home Chassis Operator’s/
Owner’s Guide/Manual for the maximum
weight your motor home can pull and stop on
both level and steep roads.
If the Chassis Operator’s/Owner’s Guide/
Manual equipped with your motor home does
not provide specific information on towing
weight limits, it is strongly recommended that
the towed vehicle or trailer be equipped with a
properly installed and operating supplemental
brake control system that operates in combination
with the brakes on your motor home. The
supplemental brakes will NOT allow you to
tow more than the listed GCWR for your motor
home. If you cannot stop, you will crash.
You must not exceed the tire capacities or the
weight factors listed below if you expect to tow
something behind your motor home, either with
or without a dolly. The factors are:
• GCWR - Gross Combined Weight Rating
• MGTW - Maximum Gross Towed Weight
• MTW - Maximum Tongue Weight
• GAWR - Gross Axle Weight Rating
The ratings for the above factors are all
listed on the Federal Certification Tag
posted inside the motor home.
• Tire Capacity
The tire capacity is dependent upon the
inflation pressure set in the tires. Inflation
pressure requirements can change due to
loading. Consult the tire’s sidewall for
maximum pressure and loading.
Weight Distribution Hitches.
A major weight distributing hitch manufacturer
provides the following information in their
installation and operation instructions:
“…Severe bumps and badly undulating road can
damage your towing vehicle, hitch, and trailer,
and should be negotiated at a slow steady speed.”
A weight-distributing hitch that has been
properly adjusted for operation on relatively level
road surfaces may, cause the weight distribution
hitch to produce enough force to bend the
trailer “A” frame, hitch head assembly, hitch
receiver, or motor home frame when operated
over severe bumps and badly undulating road
surfaces. Contact your weight distributing hitch
On The Road
04-2
NOTE
Some states and provinces require brakes and safety
chains when towing vehicles. Consult the proper
authorities in the states or provinces through which
you will be traveling.
3
NOTE
In most cases the GCWR of the chassis and the fin-
ished motor home are the same. In some cases, due
to the equipped hitch receiver, the GCWR may be
reduced. Please refer to the Federal Certification Tag
posted in your motor home for the rated GCWR.
3
WARNING
The heaviest loaded motor home with all passen-
gers, goods, water, driver and towed vehicle must
not exceed any of the following:
1. The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
2. The gross combination weight rating (GCWR).
3. The front/rear gross axle weight ratings (GAWRs).
4. The individual tire and wheel ratings.
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