Flat Towing Over 5,000 Lbs

[Lavender]

I see Class A's that say 5,000 lb tow rating as being pretty standard.

Then I see some, still F53 chassis, that say 8,000 lb.

I want to flat tow a 2001 3/4 ton 4x4 Suburban behind a Precept 36A which is over that 5,000 weight by 700 to 800 lbs probably if not more.

Is the "5,000 lb tow rating" attributed to the hitch limitations itself and not the chassis specifically?

Can I just upgrade the hitch and be GTG??

[Grumpy]

It varies depending on which particular chassis was used. Here are the ranges for the various F-53 chassis that Ford produces, so I doubt it is just a matter of the hitch that was added. You will probably have to do some in depth research for your particular rig.

Payloads 9,650 - 18,720 lb
GCWR 23,000 - 30,000 lbs

[Lavender]

Ahhhh

I didnt know there were different F53 chassis but now that I think about it there are different LENGTHS of Class A's built on that chassis so that would stand to reason.

[DustyGeek]

Tow ratings are set based on the weakest link in the system. It could be the hitch receiver, frame components where the receiver is mounted, braking, something else not being considered here or multiple things.

If yours says 5000lbs, I personally wouldn’t go past about 4500. I’m honestly not quite sure why some F53 are rated for 8000lbs vs 5000lbs, possibly because they have the heavier duty frames, and more adequate hitch components. Our previous rig had the 8000lb rating fortunately, and was on the 24000lb chassis.

If you try to tow above the ratings, you could be putting yourself and others on the road as the towing components involved will be stressed beyond rated capacity. While it may work for years ok, all it takes is that one freak set of circumstances to cause a horrific accident. When that happens your insurance and law enforcement may hang you out to dry since you’re (knowingly) over capacity.

[Foretm]

The precept 36a has a GVWR of 24000lbs and GCWR of 30000lbs according to Jayco's website, so technically that chassis can tow 6000lbs. Of course you need to make sure you don't overload the RV and go over 24000lbs before you hook the suburban to it. You also need to get a good weight on the suburban and its contents and make sure its under the 6000lbs.

[Lavender]

6,000!

I initially thought I could make a big change in weight by keeping the Suburban nearly empty of fuel, until I multiplied 32 gallons by 6 lbs per gallon and realized that a tank of fuel weighs just about what a grown man does. head slap.

I'm going to take it over the the CAT scale at the truck stop to find out for sure, but the interweb of all knowledge says that it's got a curb weight of 5,123.

The big picture is, I dont see people flat towing Suburbans behing gas class A's but on the other hand, I dont see families of 8 that often either.

Thanks for the comments