Cargo Carrying Capacity (Realistic #'s)

I must assume you are not "full timing?" As with anything, the more that you "can" carry, but do not carry max, is good. I have loaded for 2 week vacations, for 6 people, and traveled 1000 miles one way, stay 10 days and then back. I always weigh out when I leave. My normal load in the RV, with a half tank of water (25 gals or so), empty gray, empty black, full fridge, full fuel (27gal) with 36 gallon transfer diesel tank, clothes for all, and full pantry plus all the other stuff, tools, hoses, grill, plus 5 cases of drinking water and 10 gallons of jugged water and etc we weigh in at about 2800 lbs over empty. Example from last summer, starting RV weight empty was 10,548, 2 days later, after loading and fueling up, 13,291. There are things that we never use when we do this, but the "just in case" factor always comes up. We could probably go without about 700-800 lbs of stuff if needed.

To Have ample payload consider the brochure weights are misleading. The brochure weights do not include options. Your dry weight will be heavier than what the brochure list meaning your actual starting payload will be reduced a by 200 pounds or so.
For a rig your size with five people I would try to be as close to 3000# as possible. Eliminate any rigs under 2000.

Jim-Linda wrote:

familyfive wrote:

Jim-Linda wrote:
Look for the GVWR on the trailer, should be on left front of trailer or in a cabinet in the kitchen. Next take the empty trailer to a scale a weigh it. The difference is your CCC.

Jim

Yea, I know how to calculate it and many websites give you the CCC under the specs. I'm more concerned with making sure we choose a rig with adequate CCC. I've read two entries just today about families who bought rigs with inadequate CCC. We are a family of 5 and when you add a fully stocked kitchen, W/D, generator, 5 mountain bikes, everyone's gear and any additional modifications you plan to make, the numbers can add up quickly! Was just wondering what others have experienced.

To start... what length trailer are you considering? With that number of people I would be looking at 35 to 40'. We have been FTing for 20 years with two on board in a 38' NuWa. Even that gets crowded with only 2. Reason for question, you might look at TH's, with the garage converted for kids and supplies. Good Luck

Jim

We are looking at 6 that range in size from 34'-37'. Haven't narrowed it down any more than that just yet. I'm trying to actually locate all of them so we can walk them and get a real feel for each. Of course, finding one of each requires visits to neighboring cities and different dealerships. Wish it were a little more simple! I've considered a toy hauler but they are very heavy and really require a 1 ton with dual rear wheels. We only have a single rear wheel so it knocks a lot of them out of the market for us. They are also quite long and sterile feeling in the family room area. I think it's because of the rubber garage. Thanks for your comments! This is fun yet exhausting. I look forward to the day one is finally sitting in my driveway for a bit!

agesilaus wrote:
Most people carry the generator in the bed of the truck, it would be a PITA to get it in and out of most basements. Unless it had a sliding shelf.

We are actually looking at a few models that have it prewired so it will fit in the front compartment on the 5er and be permanent. Otherwise, yea, it would have to go in the back of the truck.

We carry 1500 lbs of stuff and there is no more room to pack anything in our 35ft fiver.That only includes about 20/40 gal of water when travelling.

I thought my wife and I were the poster children of taking too much stuff. Our CCC is 2,000# but our load only amounts to 1,000#. Our camping style is we go on 1 to 2 week trips generally to RV resorts or full hook up state parks therefore we never tow with full tanks or a generator. If boon docking or full timing will be your mode of camping then look at higher carrying capacity. The firewood goes in the back of the truck.

Most people carry the generator in the bed of the truck, it would be a PITA to get it in and out of most basements. Unless it had a sliding shelf.

familyfive wrote:

Jim-Linda wrote:
Look for the GVWR on the trailer, should be on left front of trailer or in a cabinet in the kitchen. Next take the empty trailer to a scale a weigh it. The difference is your CCC.

Jim

Yea, I know how to calculate it and many websites give you the CCC under the specs. I'm more concerned with making sure we choose a rig with adequate CCC. I've read two entries just today about families who bought rigs with inadequate CCC. We are a family of 5 and when you add a fully stocked kitchen, W/D, generator, 5 mountain bikes, everyone's gear and any additional modifications you plan to make, the numbers can add up quickly! Was just wondering what others have experienced.

To start... what length trailer are you considering? With that number of people I would be looking at 35 to 40'. We have been FTing for 20 years with two on board in a 38' NuWa. Even that gets crowded with only 2. Reason for question, you might look at TH's, with the garage converted for kids and supplies. Good Luck

Jim

Jim-Linda wrote:
Look for the GVWR on the trailer, should be on left front of trailer or in a cabinet in the kitchen. Next take the empty trailer to a scale a weigh it. The difference is your CCC.

Jim

Yea, I know how to calculate it and many websites give you the CCC under the specs. I'm more concerned with making sure we choose a rig with adequate CCC. I've read two entries just today about families who bought rigs with inadequate CCC. We are a family of 5 and when you add a fully stocked kitchen, W/D, generator, 5 mountain bikes, everyone's gear and any additional modifications you plan to make, the numbers can add up quickly! Was just wondering what others have experienced.

Look for the GVWR on the trailer, should be on left front of trailer or in a cabinet in the kitchen. Next take the empty trailer to a scale a weigh it. The difference is your CCC.

Jim