Tow rating on a 1996-1997 fleetwood pace arrow

Bobby Fazio · 12-13-2013, 10:13 PM

I'm looking at a 96 and a 97 this weekend. One is the Chevy 454 and other is ford 460. Can't find any numbers on the hitches and wondered if these were able to tow my 22' enclosed with race car in.. Guessing roughly 7000 lbs?

Mark Howes · 12-14-2013, 08:26 AM

Bobby

Chances are it has a factory 3000 - 5000 lb hitch on it but there are some areas to look at before hitching up

Few things to consider

-length of motorhome/overhang (can affect handling)
-beef of frame to the back bumper?
- I think Ford has 16" rims/Chev should be 19.5" (better tires and less sidewall)

You will want to consider boxing/beefing the hitch both to prevent chassis flex and Motorhome Delamination as well as peace of mind that the trailer stays attached

The last two years I towed with a '99 Chev chassis (31' Motorhome)
454 vortec and a 4sp 4L80E
towed a 20' V nose with a Super Stock car with no issues

Feel free to PM me for more details

Bobby Fazio · 12-14-2013, 02:18 PM

Ok the Chevy is 30' long and the ford is 34' long. Can I take it to a shop to get a stronger hitch put on? Also, what are the most common problems with motorhomes and what should I be looking for as soon as I get in it?

Paul Precht · 12-14-2013, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobby Fazio

Ok the Chevy is 30' long and the ford is 34' long. Can I take it to a shop to get a stronger hitch put on? Also, what are the most common problems with motorhomes and what should I be looking for as soon as I get in it?

Call John at DRC race products 570-658-3515. He did a great job on my old motorhome hitch, his craftsmanship is a work of art.

Mark Howes · 12-14-2013, 05:13 PM

Bobby,

Look for the following

* Any Delman? Roof in Good Shape?
*Open every compartment and feel around the roof for soft or wet spots
*Exhaust Manifolds - Make sure no leaks or broken studs
*Try to test all appliances Fridges, AC's etc. are very expensive to fix

You can beef up the hitch. Not a big job. The less overhang the better.

The bigger the tire and weight rating the better

Bobby Fazio · 12-14-2013, 06:14 PM

Thank you Mark.

Bob Bender · 12-15-2013, 10:38 AM

Bobby call me. The coach I use has a redone hitch. You can see it in coatesville.

12-13-2013, 10:13 PM	#1
Bobby Fazio VIP Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Egg Harbor Township, NJ Posts: 1,467 Likes: 1,444 Liked 4,365 Times in 501 Posts	Tow rating on a 1996-1997 fleetwood pace arrow I'm looking at a 96 and a 97 this weekend. One is the Chevy 454 and other is ford 460. Can't find any numbers on the hitches and wondered if these were able to tow my 22' enclosed with race car in.. Guessing roughly 7000 lbs? __________________ '65 Mustang SS/L & L/SA DriverInterviews.com \| App.DragInsights.com Last edited by Bobby Fazio; 12-13-2013 at 11:13 PM.

12-14-2013, 08:26 AM	#2
Mark Howes Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Saint John, NB Canada Posts: 126 Likes: 349 Liked 80 Times in 28 Posts	Re: Tow rating on a 1996-1997 fleetwood pace arrow Bobby Chances are it has a factory 3000 - 5000 lb hitch on it but there are some areas to look at before hitching up Few things to consider -length of motorhome/overhang (can affect handling) -beef of frame to the back bumper? - I think Ford has 16" rims/Chev should be 19.5" (better tires and less sidewall) You will want to consider boxing/beefing the hitch both to prevent chassis flex and Motorhome Delamination as well as peace of mind that the trailer stays attached The last two years I towed with a '99 Chev chassis (31' Motorhome) 454 vortec and a 4sp 4L80E towed a 20' V nose with a Super Stock car with no issues Feel free to PM me for more details

12-14-2013, 02:18 PM	#3
Bobby Fazio VIP Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Egg Harbor Township, NJ Posts: 1,467 Likes: 1,444 Liked 4,365 Times in 501 Posts	Re: Tow rating on a 1996-1997 fleetwood pace arrow Ok the Chevy is 30' long and the ford is 34' long. Can I take it to a shop to get a stronger hitch put on? Also, what are the most common problems with motorhomes and what should I be looking for as soon as I get in it? __________________ '65 Mustang SS/L & L/SA DriverInterviews.com \| App.DragInsights.com

12-14-2013, 05:13 PM	#5
Mark Howes Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Saint John, NB Canada Posts: 126 Likes: 349 Liked 80 Times in 28 Posts	Re: Tow rating on a 1996-1997 fleetwood pace arrow Bobby, Look for the following * Any Delman? Roof in Good Shape? Open every compartment and feel around the roof for soft or wet spots Exhaust Manifolds - Make sure no leaks or broken studs *Try to test all appliances Fridges, AC's etc. are very expensive to fix You can beef up the hitch. Not a big job. The less overhang the better. The bigger the tire and weight rating the better

12-14-2013, 06:14 PM	#6
Bobby Fazio VIP Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Egg Harbor Township, NJ Posts: 1,467 Likes: 1,444 Liked 4,365 Times in 501 Posts	Re: Tow rating on a 1996-1997 fleetwood pace arrow Thank you Mark. __________________ '65 Mustang SS/L & L/SA DriverInterviews.com \| App.DragInsights.com

12-15-2013, 10:38 AM	#7
Bob Bender VIP Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,732 Likes: 1,596 Liked 459 Times in 90 Posts	Re: Tow rating on a 1996-1997 fleetwood pace arrow Bobby call me. The coach I use has a redone hitch. You can see it in coatesville. __________________ Bob Bender 144 O/SA 2010-2012 National Record Holder