Sunseeker 3170DS Hitch Limitations

[Jstonecfi]

I'm pretty sure I've read about this somewhere in the forums, but can't seem to find it.

2013 Sunseeker 3170DS

I'm working from memory, so please excuse any mathematical errors. My question is, can the stock hitch be upgraded or replaced in order to increase the towing weight? If memory serves correctly, the empty weight is around 12,500, with a GVWR of 14,500. The current hitch class limits the tow weight to 5,000 with a 500 tongue weight (10% of max tow weight). However, the GCWR (coach, combined with all towed weight) is around 22,500. 14,500 plus 5,000 is 19,500. 22,500 minus 19,500 is 3,000. Can the hitch be upgraded or changed to take advantage of the 3,000 pound difference? I realize that the tongue weight also impacts the 14,500 number, but a properly balanced load can mitigate that impact. My whole reason for asking is because I currently pull a toad with a dolly, but I have a flat-bed trailer that I would prefer to use. The dolly and the toad add up to right at the 5,000 limit. The trailer and the toad would be over that.

Thanks in advance for any insights!

[Sun.ranger]

I remember the concern was the welded extended frame. This is a ford chasis with an extension so be careful adding more weight behind it than was intended..

[VinceU]

Originally Posted by Jstonecfi

I'm pretty sure I've read about this somewhere in the forums, but can't seem to find it.

2013 Sunseeker 3170DS

I'm working from memory, so please excuse any mathematical errors. My question is, can the stock hitch be upgraded or replaced in order to increase the towing weight? If memory serves correctly, the empty weight is around 12,500, with a GVWR of 14,500. The current hitch class limits the tow weight to 5,000 with a 500 tongue weight (10% of max tow weight). However, the GCWR (coach, combined with all towed weight) is around 22,500. 14,500 plus 5,000 is 19,500. 22,500 minus 19,500 is 3,000. Can the hitch be upgraded or changed to take advantage of the 3,000 pound difference? I realize that the tongue weight also impacts the 14,500 number, but a properly balanced load can mitigate that impact. My whole reason for asking is because I currently pull a toad with a dolly, but I have a flat-bed trailer that I would prefer to use. The dolly and the toad add up to right at the 5,000 limit. The trailer and the toad would be over that.

Thanks in advance for any insights!

If you lose your load, esp if someone is injured you bought the farm. Legally you'd be way over, "no excuse sir". That tow rating is already maxing the chassis abilty. Something that obvious easily detected.

[MikeRP]

Pm Bob Clemens. He gave me some good advice. And yes the chassis is fine for the full 22500. My advice is that if you use a weight distributing hitch and you are under the 14500 gvwr, and the 9600 rawr then you'd be fine. But you would need to weigh it loaded. The rear axle can get close.

Everyone gets all bent out of shape over what's legal. You need a good trailer brake system, good wd hitch, excellent knowledge of your vehicle weighed loaded, then you can figure out if it is safe.

[bclemens]

Brian Clemens...lol, although I'll answer to Bob. Bob is always right.

Yes you can upgrade to a 7500 lbs hitch. In fact, that will be the factory standard hitch going forward. They're already hitting dealer lots that way. We had current ones tested "AS IS" and the only thing that failed was the safety chain loops. We upgraded those and now its a 7500lbs hitch.

[chrissocha]

Brian, when did the changeover to 7500 take place? We just picked up our unit at the end of July. I'll have to take a look at what we have when I get out of work.

[MikeRP]

Originally Posted by bclemens

Brian Clemens...lol, although I'll answer to Bob. Bob is always right.

Yes you can upgrade to a 7500 lbs hitch. In fact, that will be the factory standard hitch going forward. They're already hitting dealer lots that way. We had current ones tested "AS IS" and the only thing that failed was the safety chain loops. We upgraded those and now its a 7500lbs hitch.

Good move Bob. My Cherokee weighs 4860lbs. Would you recommend I go to the 7500 lb hitch?

[bclemens]

Originally Posted by chrissocha

Brian, when did the changeover to 7500 take place? We just picked up our unit at the end of July. I'll have to take a look at what we have when I get out of work.

It was a running change. I knew it was coming...but don't know the exact date.

I just know I was training at a dealership, mentioned that and the guy said "you mean like that?" pointed to the hitch in front of us. That was in July or August.

Sticker will show 7500lbs.

If it is only 5k. You can always upgrade.

[Rugged Brown]

Hey Bob, When did you change your name to Brian?

[bclemens]

I think my mom did it at birth.

[Jstonecfi]

Originally Posted by bclemens

Brian Clemens...lol, although I'll answer to Bob. Bob is always right. Yes you can upgrade to a 7500 lbs hitch. In fact, that will be the factory standard hitch going forward. They're already hitting dealer lots that way. We had current ones tested "AS IS" and the only thing that failed was the safety chain loops. We upgraded those and now its a 7500lbs hitch.

Thanks for your helpful insights, Brian. My coach is at the dealer for some other work and they're looking in to the hitch upgrade for me.

[MrJoe]

Hoping mine has the new hitch... fingers crossed.

[trwmodela]

Is the 7500lb hitch upgrade a simple change out from the 5000lb (#3011706) six bolted one from Buyers Products Company? In other words unbolt the 5000lb and bolt up the 7500lb.

[bclemens]

in theory yes. Problem might be if the 7500lbs hitch that you would buy off the shelf goes further back on the frame rail.

Ours may be a custom build.

[Jstonecfi]

Originally Posted by trwmodela

Is the 7500lb hitch upgrade a simple change out from the 5000lb (#3011706) six bolted one from Buyers Products Company? In other words unbolt the 5000lb and bolt up the 7500lb.

My dealer quoted me $310 plus freight and labor

[chrissocha]

My dealer just called forest river to order the 7500lb hitch for my 2014 Sunseeker 3170 and was told by Forest River sales that my unit is not rated for over 5000 pounds towing. Is this true?

[bclemens]

Gross Combined Vehicle weight rating: 22,000lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 14,500 lbs.
My math says 7,500. Probably parts lacking updated info.

[chrissocha]

Brian, I appreciate the clarification, but that is the information coming from your sales department to my dealer. Maybe sales needs to be updated and a memo should go out to the dealer network that the hitches can indeed be upgraded.

[bclemens]

That's probably not coming from sales but from Parts. Unless you know who they talked to.

[MrJoe]

New hitch on Sunseeker.