Thor Motor Coach CLASS B Owner'S Manual Download

Page: 36 / 116

W E I G H I N G , L O A D I N G , A N D T O W I N G

C U S T O M E R C A R E | 8 7 7 . 8 5 5 . 2 8 6 7

NOTE: Thick Black Lines in the illustrations above
represent a vehicle weighing scale.

OTHER FACTORS TO CONSIDER:

• Your motorhome must remain as level as possible on

the scale, even though an axle or side is not physically on

the scale. To obtain the side-to-side weights, there must

be enough space on either side of the scale to allow the

motorhome to be partially off the scale.

• For improved accuracy and whenever possible, use a

segmented 4-pad scale to determine individual wheel

weights. The corner weights should not exceed half of

the respective Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) or the

maximum load rating for the tire or set of dual tires at the

rear, whichever is less.

• Individual wheel position weights must not exceed the

maximum tire load capacity. The maximum load rating

for the tire can be found embossed on the tire’s sidewall.

• If any of the corner weights exceed half of the listed

GAWR or tire ratings, redistribute or remove a portion

of the cargo until the weight is within the proper limits

for all four corners of the vehicle.

• Periodically check and adjust your motorhome's cargo

weight to obtain optimum mileage from your tires and

to optimize vehicle handling. Tires should always be

inflated as recommended on the Federal Weight Label

affixed to your motorhome.

Weight Distribution

An overloaded motorhome is hard to drive and hard to stop.

In cases of serious overloading, brakes can fail completely,

particularly on steep hills. Proper weight distribution also

affects tire performance. The load a tire will safely carry is a

combination of its size, its construction, its load range, and

corresponding inflation pressure.

Improper weight distribution, or too much weight on your

motorhome’s suspension system, can cause failure or damage to:
•  Springs and suspension components
•  Shock absorbers
•  Brakes
•  Tires
•  Steering components

NOTE: At approximately 8 pounds per gallon, wa-
ter can add a considerable amount of weight to your
motorhome. Additional cargo carrying capacity for
other items can be obtained by reducing the amount
of fresh and waste water carried while traveling.
However, it is recommended to always keep a few
gallons of water in the black tank to help prevent the
build-up of sludge, which can lead to waste water
system blockages.

Loading Your Motorhome

Always consider proper vehicle loading when preparing for

travel. By not overloading the motorhome and keeping the

weight balanced side-to-side and as close to the axles as pos-

sible, the drivability and safe handling of the vehicle will be

maximized.
• Never overload your motorhome. Always observe and

stay under the GVWR and OCCC ratings.

• Distribute cargo side-to-side so the weight on each tire

does not exceed one-half of the GAWR for either axle.

• Store and secure all loose items inside the motorhome

before traveling. Overlooked items such as canned goods,

small appliances on the countertop, cooking pans on the