The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is the maximum weight allowed for a loaded vehicle to be towed. This maximum includes the contents, passengers and tongue weight of the vehicle to be towed.
The Gross Axle Weight Rating refers to the maximum weight allowed on each axle of the motor home as indicated by the manufacturer. The assumption is that the load on each side of the vehicle is the same; however you can be overloaded on one side or the other and still remain within the rating. Make sure your tires are inflated appropriately on each axle based on the load.
There are limits on how much weight you can carry in your motor home. The Cargo Carrying Capacity dictates how much food, water, personal belongings and other items you can take with you.
Tongue weight is the amount of the trailer's weight that is supported by the hitch. Too much weight on the tongue can result in a negative effect on front wheel traction, braking and steering. Insufficient weight can decrease rear wheel traction and result in swaying. Tongue weight must not exceed 200 pounds for trailers up to 2,000 pounds. For trailers that weigh more than 2,000 pounds, the tongue load must not exceed 10 percent to 15 percent of the weight of the trailer. Fifth-wheel trailers can have a tongue load of 15 percent to 25 percent of the trailer weight.
There are limits on the height, width and length of your motor home as well as the length when combined with your towing vehicle. Websites such as Towing World.com often list all of the state limits. In Alabama, for example, your motor home may not exceed 45 feet in length, 8 feet in width and 13 and a half feet in height. The combined length of your motor home and tow vehicle must not exceed 65 feet. The states that have different limits are generally not too far from those numbers. For example, California and Kansas allow a height of 14 feet and a motor home length of 45 feet.
You must also consider speed limits when traveling with a motor home in tow, as they also vary from state to state. The speed limit in Alabama and Kansas for towing is 70, while in California you cannot exceed 55 miles per hour.
Before traveling with your motor home in tow, check with your state's motor vehicle administration to find out the regulations. In addition, you should consult the state laws where you intend to travel.
