How to Find The Maximum Flat Towing Capacity of a 2012 Class B RV on a Ford E450 Chassis

Question:

I have a 2012 Class B RV on the Ford E450 Chassis. what is the maximum weight that I can flat tow? My hitch is rated for 5000 lbs.

asked by: Lyman

Expert Reply:

After doing some research, it looks like the maximum towing capacities of the Ford E-450 chassis will vary depending on how the vehicle is equipped. Another factor will be the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) due to the amount of weight of the RV body. The best way to determine any vehicle's towing capacity is to find the vehicle's GCWR which can be found in your owner's manual or on a specs tag in the drivers side door jamb.

For example, according to the owners manual, the 5.4L option has a GCWR of 14,050 lbs. This means the loaded weight of the motorhome and vehicle cannot weigh more than this. Also, the weight of the dinghy cannot weigh more than the trailer hitch capacity of 5,000 lbs. Let's say your RV weighs 10,000 lbs, then your maximum towing capacity would be 4,050 lbs.

This is the best place to start to make sure you do not exceed your RV's weight limits.

If you are still in the market for a dinghy, I can tell you that some of the easiest vehicles to flat tow that come under 5,000 lbs are the Jeep Wrangler, Honda CR-V, and the Jeep Cherokee. If you will let me know which dinghies you are considering, I'd be happy to give you a list of products that you will need for each vehicle. I've also attached a few shopper's guides on these vehicles that list the products needed to flat tow.

expert reply by: Timothy G