Hitch Weight

2014screw wrote:
Are the hitch weights on a manufacturers website only "Dry" weights

No battery & empty propane bottles?

Not only, do they not include battery and propane, they also, do not include many options. They are marketing numbers, normally from a basic model.

My trailer for example, the website shows 888 lbs hitch weight. Some of the options available are an airconditioning unit (or two), minimum or full carpet, fireplace, ceiling fans, electric tank heat, corian counter tops, power jacks, power stabilizers, power awnings, window upgrades, and various others. After the dealer and I added things, my loaded hitch weight is 200 lbs higher than that 888 lbs.

For your payload question--- Being over on payload, means you're also over the same amount, on GVWR. Could be over on axle / tire, receiver ratings, and over GCVWR. Is your truck going to explode? Probably not, but, you won't like the handling and performance, you'll have increased wear and tear, and possibly, premature failures on various pieces and parts.

Up to you to decide how many and how much, you are comfortabe with exceeding your ratings.