SECTION 3
DRIVING YOUR MOTOR HOME
3-10
TOWING GUIDELINES
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR):
This is the maximum allowable weight of the
fully loaded vehicle. Included are fuel, water, LP,
passengers, cargo, tools, and optional equipment
installed by the motor home manufacturer,
dealer, or owner. This value is found on the
Vehicle Certification Label.
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 Vehicle Certification 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
durability and performance of the tow vehicle
drivetrain: 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 understand the laws of the state or
province being traveled.
The Depart-
ment of Transportation in a given state
or province 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
imposed...” The SAE standard does not specify a
vertical load rating, as such. Traditionally,
hitches 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
collective 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 independent 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.
MOUNTAIN DRIVING
Special techniques must be used when driving
in mountainous or hilly country.
Climbing A Hill
The transmission will automatically
downshift as needed to climb most hills. If the
hill is long or very steep, however, you may need
to manually shift to a lower gear to keep the
transmission from repeatedly upshifting and
downshifting. Select the lowest adequate gear
range for the duration of the incline. See your
chassis owner’s manual for specific information.
