Towing Capacity December 07, 2016, 10:34:01 pm Hi y'all -I have some questions about the towing capacity versus the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ("GVWR").Looking at a weight rating tag on a 2001 23.5 TK E350, it has the following numbers:GVWR 11,500lbsUVW 9,870lbs (Unloaded Vehicle Weight - with gas, oil, and coolants)SCWR 646lbs (Sleeping Capacity Weight Rating - four occupants)CCC 562lbs (Cargo Carrying Capacity)GCWR 18,500lbs (Gross Combined Weight Rating)I read somewhere that the LD's have a 4,000lb hitch rating.When towing a bumper pull trailer, proper tongue weight is 10-15% of the trailer weight which equates to 400-600lbs.QUESTION: Does the trailer tongue weight count as part of the GVWR? If so, a rig could chew up the CCC in trailer tongue weight, correct? If I am missing something here, please let me know.Thank you
Re: Towing Capacity Reply #1 – December 07, 2016, 11:42:58 pm I don't think you're missing a thing. The tongue weight of a trailer is the same as cargo (weight) inside the RV.
Re: Towing Capacity Reply #2 – December 08, 2016, 09:02:21 am The information on this link may help to clarify the meanings of RV weight terms.Understanding RV Weights 1 Likes
Re: Towing Capacity Reply #3 – December 08, 2016, 02:08:51 pm I assume everyone knows what happens when the tongue weight is too light, or the trailer weight is distributed too far back? Just to belabor the point because it is essential to safe towing- the trailer starts swaying and induces sway in the tow vehicle, so the driver inputs corrective steer and the whole thing amplifies till the sway is uncontrollable. Off the road either right side up or rolled over is the end result. Towing 4 down is not governed by these rules. Just sayin.
Re: Towing Capacity Reply #4 – December 08, 2016, 09:14:39 pm Thanks for the replies and the link. The E350 chassis really doesn't leave much room for pulling a trailer (tongue weight being part of the CCC), does it? If the GCVW is 18,500lbs and the GVW is 11,500lbs, a 4,000lb hitch is pretty limiting compared to the chassis capabilities. I noticed the thread about doubling up on hitch mounting bolts. Guess I will have to research that further if necessary. Thanks again.
Re: Towing Capacity Reply #5 – December 09, 2016, 02:21:32 am If you have not already purchased this LD, consider the E350's advantages and disadvantages.Its biggest plus is gas mileage. 1-2 MPG better than a comparable E450 is often achieved, due to its lighter weight and the different axle ratio (4.11 vs. 4.56), allowing a lower engine RPM, at cruise speeds..It major disadvantage is its lower GVW, it's easy to go over the limit, real easy. Our 1983 Chevy 22' G-30 LD, with the same GVW as the E350, was alway at or slightly over the GVW. If your style is to go light, the E350 is a good choice. If you go well equipped, you might be better served by buying a 2003+ T/K, built on the E450 chassis. The E450 is a much stouter chassis. It handles better and has strong, hydroboosted brakesLarry 1 Likes
Re: Towing Capacity Reply #6 – December 09, 2016, 09:07:28 am After looking at the LD frame extensions on my 88 MB (E350 chassis), I would also add diagonals to the C channels to resist the racking from the hitch pulling the extension frame side ways. The 88MB manual(Ver 12 or so 1986) says its towing is 3000# with a 300# tounge weight.
Re: Towing Capacity Reply #7 – December 13, 2016, 12:45:10 pm Quote from: rodneyhelfrich - December 09, 2016, 09:07:28 amAfter looking at the LD frame extensions on my 88 MB (E350 chassis), I would also add diagonals to the C channels to resist the racking from the hitch pulling the extension frame side ways. The 88MB manual(Ver 12 or so 1986) says its towing is 3000# with a 300# tounge weight.While cross bracing is a good idea, the sideways motion or racking is controlled by the vertical section of the bumper, the part that bolts into the bottom of the rear wall, using several through bolts. They many not look strong but were enough to pull my Jeep up the pass to Lake Cachuma once, not realizing the bumper hardware had loosen, losing some of the bolts.Rear bumper mounting repair | FlickrLarry 1 Likes
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