84 Newell Towing Capacity

[knapp8230]

What Is The Factory Hitch Rating For My 84 40' Newell?

I Have Recently Had The Radiator Out And Had The Rear Crossmember Suporting The Engine Reinforced, Since It Was Cracked. Also The Diassembled Hitch Was Heavily Reinforced By An Expert Welder. Attachment Holes Were Enlarged And The Modifyed Hitch Was Attached To The Bus With 5/8" Grade 8 Bolts And Locking Nuts. However I Have Since Lerned That A 14000 Lb Ball Mount For A Tag Along Is Only Available For A 2 1/2" Reciever, And The One On Here Is 2". I Also Realize That A 2" 14000 LB Equalizeing Hitch Is Available For The 2" Reciever But Not Practicle In This Application Ie. Towing Behind A Bus.

Please Advise, As I Have Ordered A 26', 14000 Lb Stacker Trailer.

Regards: Jim Knapp

[fulltiming]

I would check with Newell Coach. Beginning with the Series 2000 in 1990, Newells have had a tow capacity (GCWR-GVWR) of 20,000 lbs but depending on the customer's desire, they had hitches that were typically rated less than that. As you have found, most 2" hitch receivers are Class IV and only rated for 10,000 lbs. I can tell you from personal experience that a Hensley Arrow hitch is a great hitch which is not only weight distributing but also virtually eliminates sway. There is a model available designed for up to 14,000 pounds. The downside is that it does add another 12-18" to the total length of your rig.

However, that is a mute point if the receiver on the coach isn't up to handling a 14,000 pound load. Typically a Class V receiver is required to tow over 10,000 pounds and, as you have noted, they are typically 2-1/2". Putnam makes a 2" receiver hitch (XDR) rated for 15,000 pounds. Again, I would check with Newell as to the feasibility of install such a hitch on your coach.