15-3
SECTION 15
CHASSIS
15 - CHASSIS
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):
This is the total weight a given axle is capable
of carrying, measured at the ground. Each axle
has its own rating. These values are also found on
the VIN label: front, rear, and tag, if applicable.
Gross Combination Weight Rating
(GCWR):
This is the maximum allowable weight of the
motor home and loaded trailer, including the
items noted in GVWR above. The “trailer” can
be an actual trailer, a vehicle towed on a towing
dolly, or a vehicle towed by means of a towing
bar. GCWR is typically specified based on dura-
bility and performance of the tow vehicle driv-
etrain: engine cooling systems, transmission,
drive line, drive axle, and others. The tow vehicle
brakes may be rated for operation at GVWR, not
GCWR.
NOTE: If the “trailer” weighs 1,000 lbs. or
more, state or provincial laws/regula-
tions may require the “trailer” to be
equipped with brakes that are activated
when the motor home brakes are applied.
The user is responsible to know and un-
derstand the laws of the state or prov-
ince being traveled.
The Department of
Transportation in a given state or prov-
ince should be able to provide specific
information.
Hitch Ratings:
SAE Standard J684 defines
Class 1 trailers as “GVWR not to exceed 2,000
lbs.”;
Class 2 trailers as “GVWR over 2,000 lbs. and
not to exceed 3,500 lbs. GVWR”;
Class 3 trailers as “GVWR over 3,500 lbs. and
not to exceed 5,000 lbs. GVWR”;
Class 4 trailers as “GVWR over 5,000 lbs. and
not to exceed 10,000 lbs. GVWR”.
Hitches are to be permanently marked with
“Maximum trailer GVWR to be drawn” and
“Maximum vertical tongue weight to be im-
posed...” The SAE standard does not specify a
vertical load rating, as such. Traditionally, hitch-
es are labeled 3,500/350 as Class 2 and 5,000/500
as Class 3.
The vertical tongue load value of 10 percent of
drawn rating apparently comes from the collec-
tive experience that 10 percent is the minimum
value that provides stable towing of a trailer.
Ford’s towing guide suggests 10 to 15 percent for
trailers over 2,000 lbs. (Hitch ratings are inde-
pendent of towing vehicle ratings.)
NOTE: Some Winnebago Industries models
equipped with a Class 3 hitch may have
a label limiting vertical tongue load to
350 lbs.
The user must verify that the hitch equipment
being used is adequate for the application.
CAR OR TRAILER TOWING
Hitch pulling capacity:5,000 lbs. max.
Tongue weight:350 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 combi-
nations. Do not exceed either the GVWR, the rear
axle GAWR, or the chassis GCWR by the com-
bined loaded weight of the coach and the towed
vehicle.
See preceding items “Loading the Vehi-
cle” 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 Certi-
fication Label” in the Introduction Section for
information on gross weight ratings.
Towing will affect vehicle handling, durabili-
ty and fuel economy. Exceeding any of the listed
Gross Weight Ratings will result in unacceptable
overall vehicle performance. Maximum safety
and satisfaction when towing depends on proper
use of correct equipment. Select a drawbar that
mates properly with the towing hitch receiver and
provides proper alignment to the vehicle tow bar.
The tongue of the tow bar must be as close as pos-
