Monaco 2009 Knight Owner's Manual page 25

Weight Distributing Hitches:
A weight distributing hitch uses spring
bars of spring steel to compensate for lack of
adequate rear suspension of the tow vehicle.
This type of hitch is generally used for towing
heavier loads as tongue weight and gross tow
weight increases. The spring bars attach to the
hitch head assembly and the trailer frame.
Hitch Ball:
The hitch ball is what the trailer attaches
to. A hitch ball is available in three common
diameters, 1-7/8", 2" and 2-5/16". The larger
the diameter of the hitch ball, the higher the
weight rating. The diameter of the hitch ball
shank also factors into weight rating. Match
shank diameter with the hole in the ball mount
or weight distributing head. Shank clearance
should not exceed 1/16". There should be at
least two additional threads extending past the
nut when the hitch ball is secure.
Safety Chains:
Safety chains are required by law when
towing any load. The chains and any fasteners
used to attach the chains to the hitch receiver
must be rated for the load being towed. Attach
chains so they crisscross under the towing
equipment. Allow just enough slack in the
chains to make sharp corners. Too much
slack will allow the chains to drag on the
road surface. If towed load should become
uncoupled from the hitch ball, the towing
equipment will be cradled by the safety chains.
If the towed load does uncouple, DO NOT
attempt to make a sudden stop and exacerbate
the situation. Apply the brakes with gentle,
steady pressure. Pull over to the side of road at
a safe location.
Tow Capacity and Class Ratings:
Several components may comprise a tow
hitch system. The weight rating of individual
components that are part of the towing system
must be greater than the gross weight of the
load being towed.
Components are classified into weight
groups to help define weight capacity of
towing equipment. Maximum tow capacity
is limited to the component with the lowest
weight rating in the tow hitch system.
Example: a ball mount may have a weight
rating of 5,000 lbs. but the hitch ball is rated
3,500 lbs. Maximum tow capacity is reduced
to 3,500 lbs. Many times a component will
have a Class weight rating. These groups are
shown in chart:
WARNING
Be sure the weight ratings of the ball
mount, tow ball and safety chains are
equal to or greater than the load. The
use of an extension to the receiver or
extended ball mount will significantly
reduce hitch receiver weight ratings.
Modifications to the hitch receiver, or
use of the hitch receiver other than
intended, can void the warranty of the
hitch receiver, chassis or both.
class i
Tw - up to
Weght
200 lbs.
carryng
gTw - up to
htch
2,000 lbs.
---
Weght
dstrbutng
htch
---
gTW = gross Trailer weight. weight of trailer fully loaded.

TW = Tongue weight. weight pushing down on Tow Ball.

Wc = weight Carrying. weight carrying capacity of the Ball Mount.

Wd = weight Distributing. weight carrying capacity of a weight distributing hitch.

Calculating Tow Capacity:
Several variables must be reviewed and
calculated to properly determine towing
capacity. Limiting factors include GCWR
(Gross Combination Weight Rating), GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating), hitch receiver
weight rating and the weight rating of each
piece of towing equipment. One or some of
these variables will limit tow capacity.
Example: The tow vehicle has a GCWR
of 35,000 lbs. The tow vehicle in a fully
loaded, ready for travel condition, weighs
29,500 lbs. The hitch receiver is rated at
700 lbs. tongue, 7000 lbs. tow. The load
being towed weighs 4,200 lbs. with a
tongue weight of 400 lbs. However, the
hitch ball is rated at 3,500 lbs. In this
case tow capacity is limited to 3,500 lbs.
due to the rating of the hitch ball, even
though the rest of the towing equipment,
hitch receiver and vehicle GCWR are
within specifications.
class ii class iii
wC Tw - up Tw - up to
to 350 lbs. 500 lbs.
wC gTw - up gTw - up to
to 3,500 lbs. 5,000 lbs.
--- ---
--- ---
class iV class V
Tw - up to Tw - up to
750 lbs. 1,200 lbs.
gTw - up to gTw - up to
7,500 lbs. 12,000 lbs.
Tw - up to Tw - up to
1,200 lbs. 1,400 lbs.
gTw - up to gTw - up to
12,000 lbs. 14,000 lbs.
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