Pulling More Than 10,000 lbs?

[DKO]

I have a 95 Prevost XL titled as a 96 Prevost Vantare conversion. In the summer I pull a 24 ft. enclosed trailer that weighs in about 9500 pounds loaded. The trailer is equipped and rated for 9990 and the Prevost is rated for 10,000. Everything is OK there.

I have an awesome opportunity to trade for a  24 ft. Featherlite Double Stacker. The lift is over the three axles so the weight of all the gear I carry and my vehicle would be mostly on the axles.

The problem is that the trailer itself weighs in at 9000! I know the later model Prevosts are equipped to pull 20000 and that mine can be modified but at what cost? I have a call into Prevost and they are working an estimate. Their "off the top of the head figure" was 5 grand.

I am told it involves changing the engine cradle. Is that correct? Do you have any thoughts or ideas? Is there any other avenue to get this done? Any help would be appreciated.

I have only days to trade trailers if I am going to do it because of location issues and my schedule. The work on the bus can be done later if need be.

Thanks in advance for your help.

DKO

[GP]

DKO,
It is true that the engine/transmission cradle should to be replaced with the 20k unit if you are going to exceed the 10k drawbar and 1k tongue rating on the standard receiver. As I understand if the receiver is overloaded damage will be done to the chassis from the middle of the coach back and the first signs are loose rivets and cracks around the rear cap.
Heck I have a couple of small cracks in my rear cap and the trailers I pull are well under the load rating for the standard receiver.
I don't know about the price.

[lostagain]

Forget the bus. I'd be looking at a transport truck. Follow it with the bus.

JC

[Uglydog56]

Do you need the extra trailer capacity?  If so, the answer is clear.  If you just want it, you've got you ask yourself why.  The answer will determine your choice.  That's just that much slower up the grades and that much more money you are going to be feeding the fuel pump monster.

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

Hi DKO,

Just call Jimmy Adams at Vantare and he can look up to see if your coach was built with the 17,000 rated reciever.

All the newer coaches have them..

Good Luck
Nick-

[DKO]

I am in Nashville at Prevost now to have the hitch upgrade. I will let you know how it turns out.

DKO