2022 Coachman Encore CLASS A GAS MOTORHOMES Towing A Boat, Trailer or Car Owners Manual

TOWING BEHIND YOUR MOTORHOME

Before deciding whether to tow a car, boat, or trailer behind your motorhome, consider the following warnings regarding weights, braking ability, and safety:

• NEVER exceed the motorhome’s GCWR (gross combined weight rating) or the hitch rating. You must include the weight of the fully-loaded coach (with all occupants or allowing an average of 150 lbs. per person) and the towed vehicle combined. The combined weight must not exceed the GCWR. NEVER assume you can tow a vehicle that is within the capacity of the hitch without considering the fully-loaded weight of the motorhome PLUS the weight of the towed vehicle. The two combined may exceed the total GCWR of the motorhome. Allow your selling dealer to determine if you have exceeded the GCWR of your motorhome.
• The tongue weight (the amount of weight or pressure pushing down on the hitch) MUST NOT exceed 10% of the hitch capacity. (Example: If your hitch capacity is 5,000 lbs. of pulling capacity, NEVER exceed 500 lbs. of weight on the hitch; if your hitch capacity is 3,500 lbs., NEVER exceed 350 lbs. of weight on the hitch, etc.) Check the tag on your hitch for pulling and weight limits.
• ALWAYS use safety chains between your coach and the towed object. NEVER attach the chains to the bumper. Cross the chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack in the chains for turning corners.
• NEVER attempt short backup distances when towing. Most towing equipment is designed to be pulled forward only, not pushed backward. Doing so could result in damage to the motorhome, towed object, or the towing device.
• ALWAYS check brake lights, running lights, emergency flashers, and turn signals of the towed vehicle at the start of the trip and often during the trip.
• ALWAYS refer to the vehicle owner’s manual for towing capability and towing instructions for the vehicle being towed.

NOTICE
If your motorhome should require towing, consult your chassis manufacturer’s owner’s manual for the correct towing procedure.
BRAKING SYSTEM

Your motorhome braking system is rated for operating within the GVWR, GAWR, and GCWR. Do NOT exceed the chassis manufacturer’s specified weight ratings.
An auxiliary braking system may be required for control of a towed vehicle behind the motorhome.  Do not assume the braking capabilities of the motorhome can also adequately stop the combined weight of the motorhome and towed vehicle.
WARNING
A separate functioning braking system is required for any towed vehicle or trailer weighing more than 1,000 lbs. when fully loaded.