Determing Maximum Towing Capacity Of a 2023 Ford F-53 Chassis On a Class A RV Motorhome

Updated 02/28/2023 | Published 02/27/2023

Question:

I have an rv with class 3 trailer hitch. The sticker on the hitch says 5000 pounds. My trailer and car I am planning on towing will be 5500 pounds and it will be below the GCW of my rv. Do I need to replace the class 3 with a class 4 hitch?

asked by: Mj L

Expert Reply:

You will need to verify your maximum trailer weight based on the GVWR for your 2023 Ford F-53 chassis. This information is straight from the Ford Trailer and Towing guide which lines out the maximum trailer weight based on the GVWR for your chassis.

GVWR GCWR Trailer Weight
16,000 lbs. 23,000 lbs. 7,000 lbs.
18,000 lbs. 23,000 lbs. 5,000 lbs.
20,500 lbs. 26,000 lbs. 5,500 lbs.
22,000 lbs. 26,000 lbs. 4,000 lbs.
24,000 lbs. 30,000 lbs. 6,000 lbs.
26,000 lbs. 30,000 lbs. 4,000 lbs.

The maximum trailer weight will not increase if you are not using the entire chassis weight. For example the 18,000 GVWR chassis is rated for a maximum towing weight of 5,000lbs. If your chassis only weighs 16,500lbs your maximum towing weight does not increase the 1,500lbs that you do not have on your chassis.

If you have one of the chassis which you can increase your towing capability you can have get a Universal Weld-On Receiver # 15903 so you can safely pull your car and trailer.