Determining If Front-Mounted Hitch Will Fit on 2003 Itasca Horizon Class A Motorhome

Question:

I have a 2003 Itasca Horizon. Id like to mount a hitch in the front. There probably isnt a specific product. The structure that supports the generator looks like a good mounting location. Can you help?

asked by: Brian S

Expert Reply:

We do offer universal-fit hitches for RVs that you can see on the linked page. These include both frame-mount and bumper-mount types. For a front installation chances are that you will need to use a frame-mounted hitch like # C13702 on your 2003 Itasca Horizon Class A motorhome. But since equipment can vary from one MH to another you'll want to contact Itasca with your RV's VIN to find out what they say about hitch installation on your specific RV.

If they give you the all-clear to install a frame-mounted 2-inch hitch you'll want to confirm the RV's frame width since this helps determine which hitch will be best. If Itasca can also tell you the tongue weight (TW) capacity of the frame this will help you determine how much weight you can safety put on the hitch and frame. If the RV and hitch carry different TW ratings then the lower of the two becomes the overall capacity.

Just as an example, let's say they advise the frame has a 300-lb TW capacity and that you can install Curt hitch # C13702 which fits frames from 18- to 51-inches wide. Although the hitch is rated for 500-lbs TW, since your vehicle is rated for only 300-lbs then that becomes the limit. If you were to use a cargo carrier that weighs 75-lbs, then your resulting maximum cargo weight capacity would be 225-lbs.

expert reply by: Adam R