Holiday Admiral 2016, Manual

Page: 21 / 162

19
Dr
Iv
In
G
& safety - 2
2016 Admiral
WARNING:
Failure to understand and follow
these guidelines as presented in this
section could result in damage to the
motorhome frame or body, could
cause unstable driving and handling
characteristics, and will restrict
warranty coverage.
Hitch Ball:
The three most common diameters of a hitch
ball are: 1-7/8", 2" and 2-5/16". The larger
the diameter of the hitch ball, the higher the
weight rating. The diameter of the hitch ball
shank also factors into weight rating. Match
shank diameter with the hole in the ball mount
or weight distributing head. Shank clearance
should not exceed 1/16". There should be at
least two additional threads extending past the
nut when the hitch ball is secure.
Safety Chains:
Safety chains are required by law when
towing any load. The chains and any fasteners
used to attach the chains to the hitch receiver
must be rated for the load being towed. Attach
chains so they crisscross under the towing
equipment. Allow just enough slack in the
chains to make sharp corners.
Too much slack will allow the chains to
drag on the road surface. If the towed load
does uncouple from the hitch ball, the towing
equipment will be cradled by the safety chains.
Do not make a sudden stop and exacerbate the
situation. Apply the brakes with gentle, steady
pressure. Pull over to the side of road at a safe
location.
Tow Capacity and Class Ratings:
Several components may comprise a tow
hitch system. The weight rating of individual
components of the towing system must be
greater than the gross weight of the load
being towed.
Maximum tow capacity is limited to the
component with the lowest weight rating in
the tow hitch system. Example: a ball mount
may have a weight rating of 5,000 lbs., but
the hitch ball is rated 3,500 lbs. Maximum
tow capacity is reduced to 3,500 lbs.
Towing components are classified into
weight classes to define weight capacity of
towing equipment. These groups are shown in
chart:
WARNING:
Be sure the weight ratings of the ball
mount, tow ball and safety chains
are equal to or greater than the load.
Use of an extension to the receiver or
extended ball mount will significantly
reduce hitch receiver weight ratings.
Modifications to the hitch receiver, or
use of the hitch receiver other than
intended, can void the warranty of the
hitch receiver, chassis or both.
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.
090512
Ball Mount
Weight Rating
Hitch Ball
Weight Rating
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
z
= Gross Trailer Weight. Weight of trailer fully loaded.
TW
z
= Tongue Weight. Weight pushing down on Tow Ball.
WC
z
= Weight Carrying. Weight carrying capacity of the Ball Mount.
WD
z
= Weight Distributing. Weight carrying capacity of a weight distributing hitch.