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Old 04-23-2014, 02:01 PM   #1
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Upgrading the Tour/Ellipse towing capability

We have purchased a 2014 Tour (yet to be built). We are also looking for a stacker to carry about 8000 pounds of toys. It looks like the tare (curb) weight of a Haul Mark stacker is in the 12000 pound range.

This will put us over the 15,000 hitch that comes with the coach.

Has anyone encountered this issue and found a work around.

I am in contact with our sales person to see if the hitch rating can be increased.
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Old 04-23-2014, 02:08 PM   #2
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The hitch is the easy part. You've got the frame structure it's self, can it support the added weight? And it's not just the down force on the hitch, or the weight being pulled, but the extra stress put on the end of the frame "side to side". (I'm assuming you've already considered the coaches gross vehicle weight rating, which wouldn't change regardless of how you modify the hitch).

There's a lot of engineering that goes into establishing safe weight capacities. Any attempt to exceed the parameters approved by the OEM in effect make you the test pilot.

We've lost a lot of test pilots over the decades.
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Old 04-23-2014, 02:16 PM   #3
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:welcome:

With an RV ~43' long to begin with, many states have a maximum combined length of 65'. You'll need to check the GCWR and GVWR to see if they can handle the weight of what you plan to tow. Increasing from 15,000 lbs. sounds like maybe you should have bought a different RV.
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Old 04-23-2014, 06:41 PM   #4
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One of the main factors in determining the towing capacity of a unit is also the transmissions capacity.
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Old 04-23-2014, 07:32 PM   #5
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The only MotorHome that has the capacity to handle 20,000 lbs or more is a Super C, like the Dynamax Motorhome. It has a 40,000 lb Hitch.
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Old 04-23-2014, 07:44 PM   #6
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Our hallmark weighs about 9200lb loaded it is just under 15k our 43 qd handeled it great.
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Old 04-24-2014, 07:32 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fla tom View Post
Our hallmark weighs about 9200lb loaded it is just under 15k our 43 qd handeled it great.
Which Haul Mark trailer did you purchase?

I am/was looking at a 26' Haul Mark stacker 12500 lb.
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Old 04-24-2014, 07:35 AM   #8
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Thanks everyone for some very sage "and practical" advice. I have been getting my head around a smaller and lighter trailer to pull. It will mean leaving a few toys behind but safety is paramount.
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Old 04-24-2014, 08:35 AM   #9
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Originally Posted by Gordon Dewald View Post
Which Haul Mark trailer did you purchase?

I am/was looking at a 26' Haul Mark stacker 12500 lb.
it is an 05 haul mark 26' stacker bought it used weight was on the factory build /paper work
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Old 04-24-2014, 08:40 AM   #10
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Gordon Dewald, curious to hear what the salesman says about upgrading the hitch on your ordered RV? We've all 'weighed in' with suggestions, what does Winnebago and salesman say?
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Old 04-24-2014, 10:50 PM   #11
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Called the salesperson but he was not in and has not replied, however in checking the coach brochure the GVWR is 45600 and the GCWR is 60600. There are no specs on dry weight so everything is a guess until we load the coach and weight it.

The Rear GAWR is 30,000 and the front is 15,600. As long as we do not exceed the GAWR and are lower than the GVWR we should be able to increase the tow weight.

This is getting way to complex so I am now looking at an Intech aluminum stacker which has a curb weight of 6700 lb so should be close but OK. Will be looking at it tomorrow and will post the impressions as well as follow up with the salesperson.
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Old 04-25-2014, 07:45 AM   #12
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Have a reply from the dealership.

"It can't be increased by WGO


We recommend following the manufacturer set up and not altering it."

I think it is very sound advice. I am thinking we may have added too much to the Haulmark we are considering although I think it is pretty bare bones (13' lift, 10' attic, one closet, ATP, 3/8" lining, spare tire and mount).
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Old 04-25-2014, 09:54 AM   #13
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I didn't think a manufacturer would modify to exceed 15,000 lbs. Maybe 5,000 to 10,000, but not 15,000. I think you are wise in staying within limits.
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Old 04-25-2014, 10:09 PM   #14
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Checked out the Intech. Impressive trailer. Lots of bang for the buck. Lots of bucks too. Talked to a really knowledgeable salesperson who must of been McGiver in a previous life.

Do a bit of layout tomorrow to see if the "McGiver" solutions will work.
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Old 04-25-2014, 10:13 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BFlinn181 View Post
I didn't think a manufacturer would modify to exceed 15,000 lbs. Maybe 5,000 to 10,000, but not 15,000. I think you are wise in staying within limits.
Yes - there are times to play it safe and times to take chances. This is the former as there is not much upside to the latter.
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