12-5
SECTION 12 -
MISCELLANEOUS
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. For purposes of
this definition, the “trailer” can be a trailer, a
vehicle towed on a dolly, or a vehicle towed by
means of a tow bar. GCWR is typically specified
based on durability and performance of the tow
vehicle drive train: engine and cooling systems,
transmission, drive line, drive axle, and others.
The tow vehicle brakes may be rated for
operation at GVWR, not GCWR.
NOTE: State or provincial laws/regulations 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 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.
Traditionally, hitches are labeled 3,500/350 as
Class 2, 5,000/500 as Class 3, and 10,000/1,000
as Class 4. The vertical tongue load value of 10
percent of drawn rating 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. Within GCWR, a
Class 3 hitch allows “dingy” towing a large car or
mid-size SUV; a Class 4 hitch allows “dingy”
towing a large SUV or pickup. (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. All Winnebago Industries models
equipped with a Class IV hitch have a
label limiting vertical tongue load to 500
lbs. On a 228" wheelbase, a 500-lb. load
on a hitch 11' from the rear axle will
apply about 800 lbs. at the axle.
The user must verify that the hitch equipment
being used is adequate for the application.
ENTRY STEP – ELECTRIC
–If Equipped
The power switch for the electric entry step is
located to the left of the main entry door as you
enter the coach.
WARNING
Do not use step unless fully extended.
Do NOT stand on step when vehicle
ignition switch is turned to either the “On”
or “Start” position.
The step will automatically retract, which
may cause personal injury.
