Trailer Hitches And Towing; Towing And Gcwr - Thor Motor Coach tuscany 2013 Owner's Manual

• 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 Corporation recommends that a
separate
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 is the total amount that you
may safely tow behind your motorhome.
This Combined Vehicle Weight cannot exceed your
motorhome's specific GCWR.
functional braking system be used on any towed trailer or vehicle,
Chapter 2 - Planning and Preparation
WEIGHT
DISTRIBUTION
TRAILER HITCHES
AND TOWING
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