BeardownAZ wrote:
Manufactures lie according to some one here. Not sure what to think. I get responses that say tongue weight to heavy for half ton, next says too light will make rear of trailer sway with RZR loaded in. Im sure there both right if not loaded correctly . . .
Manufacturers don't lie per se, but it's certainly hard for any manufacturer to give an accurate tongue weight rating (empty) for one model of toy hauler (or TT) when it can be optioned out 50 different ways. For instance, an optional Onan generator can easily add 250 lbs. of tongue weight to a toy hauler's manufacturers so-called "empty" tongue weight rating--especially if it's located towards the front of the toy hauler. Some manufacturers don't include the weight of two batteries or dual propane tanks either. That's another 150-175 lbs. If you plan to haul any water, also need to pay attention to where the tanks are located. If the freshwater tanks are located anywhere forward of the TH's axles, adding just 25 gallons of water can easily add 100 lbs. to your tongue weight. Bottom line, all this weight adds up quick---in this case anywhere from 500-525 lbs. more weight, that must be ADDED to the manufacturer's so-called empty tongue weight. If your manufacturer's empty tongue weight rating was originally 650 lbs, you're now up to 1150-1175 lbs! FYI, most receivers on 1/2 ton trucks are only rated up to 1000 lbs. or so. In any case, that's just the realworld
empty tongue weight. You also have to add the weight of passengers and gear. At that point you may be easily approaching (or exceeding) the maximum payload for an average 1/2 ton truck.
With all this being said, say you do find a toy hauler with an acceptable realworld empty tongue weight which tows great with no toys. Then you have the issue of whether you can load your toys properly depending on their length, width, and weight. Too far back can induce sway from a lack of tongue weight. Too far forward can push your tongue weight higher and potentially exceed the payload capacity of your truck.
Some folks talk about the manufacturer's empty tongue weight ratings like they're some kind of static number that never changes. Not true. It's dynamic and can change radically depending on how it's optioned and loaded. As for tow capacity, haven't addressed it for a reason. Basically it's moot point with a 1/2 ton--especially with TH's. You'll most always have payload issues before tow capacity issues. At least that's true if you take the time to have your rig CAT scaled---if not, ignorance is bliss :)
In any case, we discovered all this the hard way towing a TH with a '12 1/2-ton Tundra 5.7 we used to own. If at all possible try to have any prospective toy hauler CAT scaled with your truck before purchase. Failing that, you'll have to do your best to extrapolate the manufacturer's so-called empty ratings and hope for the best.
Good luck!
