SECTION 15
– Chassis
15-4
Class A
state or province being traveled.
The
Department 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. Some Winnebago models equipped
with a Class IV hitch may have a label
limiting vertical tongue load to 500 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 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.
Towing will affect vehicle handling,
durability 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 possible to
parallel with the ground when attached to the
hitch ball.
Installation of a proper trailer brake system is
recommended. Check state regulations on trailer
weight and trailer brake requirements to be sure
you select the right equipment before towing.
NOTE:If you tow a car or trailer that weighs
over 1,000 lbs., it must be equipped with
automatically activated brakes.
Before descending a steep or long grade when
towing a trailer, reduce speed and shift into a
lower gear to control vehicle speed. Avoid
prolonged or frequent application of brakes
which could cause overheating and brake failure.