Weight Distribution; Trailer Hitches And Towing - Thor Motor Coach 2011 Avanti Owner's Manual

Chapter 2 - Planning and Preparation

WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION

TRAILER HITCHES AND
TOWING
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The following explains commonly used weight abbreviations.
• GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR) is the maximum permissible weight of
this fully loaded motorhome.
• UNLOADED VEHICLE WEIGHT (UVW) is the weight of this motorhome as
manufactured at the factory with full fuel, engine oil, coolants, and propane.
• OCCUPANT and CARGO CARRYING CAPACITY (OCCC) is equal to the GVWR minus
the UVW.
Dealer installed equipment and towed weight will reduce the OCCC.
• GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GCWR) is the maximum loaded weight of this
motorhome and any towed trailer or towed vehicle.
• GROSS COMBINED WEIGHT (GCW) is the total weight (including driver, passengers,
all cargo, fuels, and fluids) of the motorhome and the towed vehicle combined.
• GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING (GAWR) is the maximum weight a specific axle is
designed to carry. Each axle has its own GAWR.
The distribution of weight in your motorhome is a very important factor. Too much
weight either on one side of the vehicle, or too much weight in the rear compared to
the front, can adversely affect the handling characteristics of the vehicle, and in some
cases can result in overloading the tires or axle components. When loading, you should
evenly distribute the weight to ensure the axle weight is equal to or less than the GWAR
indicated on your Federal Certification Label.
This type of balance provides the best handling characteristics of the vehicle. Small
percentage differences will not make a great deal of difference. A unit that is too light on
the front axle and too heavy on the rear axle can result in steering difficulties.
By knowing what your vehicle weighs, you can determine the best location for your
belongings. Simply because you can fit everything in one compartment for easy access,
does not mean that this is the best place for an item. Your home is now moving down the
road, so the little things like location of heavy items because more than an accessibility
standpoint.
If you expect to pull a vehicle or trailer with your motorhome, please use these guidelines
when choosing a vehicle or trailer:
1. Do not load over the weight indicated on the label on the hitch.
2. Hitch Classification: Class III and IV = See the label on the hitch to find your maximum
hitch weight and towing weight.
3. Vehicle/Trailer Weight: Do not tow a vehicle/trailer weight more than recommended by
the class rating of your hitch, or more than recommended by the chassis manufacturer,
whichever is less. The motorhomes braking system is rated for operation at the total
GVWR of the motorhome.
For your safety, Thor Motor Coach recommends that a separate
functional braking system be used on any towed trailer or vehicle,
including those dolly towed or towbar towed.
If you plan to tow a vehicle or trailer with your motorhome, the tongue weight must not
exceed the maximum allowed hitch weight. The GVWR must not exceed the GCWR of
your chassis. To determine how much your vehicle can tow, have your vehicle weighed
when it is properly loaded, as you would have it when you are ready to depart from your
trip. Subtract this total weight from the GCWR weight on your Federal Weight Label. This