3-13
SECTION 3
DRIVING YOUR MOTOR HOME
Class A
Corner Weighing (Side-to-Side)
The most accurate method of weighing a
motorhome is to weigh each ‘corner’ of the coach
separately (single L/R front wheels or L/R rear
dual sets). This method will help you determine
how to distribute your cargo to avoid
overloading, especially on tires.
To determine the weight distribution on each
tire or dual set, you will need to find a scale
capable weighing side-to-side, or all four
‘corners’ of the vehicle, separately.
A truck scale may be used if the ground is
level with the scale surface and the scale has
clearance to drive one side of the coach onto the
scale as shown.
Drive the coach on the level area next to the
scale and straddle the scale so that only one side
of the coach will be on the scale pad.
NOTE: Wind and precipitation can also cause
weight inaccuracies.
Pull only the right front wheel onto the scale
pad as shown.
When the front wheel has been weighed, pull
the coach straight ahead until only the right rear
wheel/dual set is on the scale pad as shown.
Now, turn the coach around and repeat the
process for the other side.
The load on each wheel or dual-wheel set should
not exceed one-half of the corresponding
GAWR. For example, if the GAWR for the rear
axle is 12,000 lbs., then the load on each rear dual
set (left rear duals or right rear duals) should not
exceed 6,000 lbs.
Tires must be filled to the recommended air
pressure for the highest loaded tire set on that
axle. For example, on the rear axle, if the left side
weighs more than the right, fill the left tires to the
pressure required for that weight, then fill the
right tires to the same pressure as the left ones.
If your actual weight is considerably less than
GAWR, you may be able to lower your tire
pressure. See a tire dealer for a load/pressure
chart.
NOTE: The Hitch Load from a Towed Vehicle or
carrier box must also be counted on the
Rear GAWR and subtracted from the rear
axle cargo capacity.
Be aware that hitch load can affect handling
characteristics. The more weight on the hitch, the
lighter the front end will feel at the steering
wheel.
CAR OR TRAILER TOWING
Hitch pulling capacity: 5,000 lbs. max.
Tongue weight:350 lbs. or 500 lbs max.
The factory installed towing hitch on this
coach is capable of pulling 5,000 lbs. load (max.),
however the vertical (tongue) weight may vary
according to chassis and model combinations. Do
not exceed either the GVWR, the rear axle
GAWR, or the chassis GCWR by the combined
loaded weight of the coach and the towed
vehicle.
See preceding items “Loading the
Vehicle” and “Weighing Your Loaded Vehicle”
for explanation of weight ratings
.
Because of individual vehicle use and loading
habits, we recommend weighing the vehicle
while fully loaded to avoid exceeding any of the
listed Gross Weight Ratings. See “Vehicle
Certification Label” in the Introduction Section
for information on gross weight ratings.
Weighing Right Front Corner
Weighing Right Rear Corner
