New to TT - TT Tow Weight Question
Hey everyone, I am new to the forum and fairly new to TTs. I bought my truck prior to the thought of purchasing a TT - my wife went camping last weekend with some friends and is fired up about purchas...
Forum Discussion
Even if the trailer brochure weights were accurate (they're not), you would have a hitch weight of 900+ lbs and that would leave 500 lbs. of usable cargo capacity. With your passengers, you will be right at the payload limits.
Why, exactly, is this a "problem"? The engineers determine the payload limits with a built in safety factor because the ensuing liability would cost them a fortune. So there is no reason whatsoever to build in your own safety factor based on some random percentage of the maximum stated in the manual.
Towing larger trailers with a half ton close to the payload limits comes down to a matter of common sense but the fact you're close to limits isn't the issue. The issue is the inability of the TV to be able to handle an "unruly" TT in conditions such as high or gusty winds. In a perfect world those of us towing at max payload with bigger trailers will be the first ones off the road when the conditions start to deteriorate. The fact that there are stories and videos of things going to hell in a handbasket in these configurations is more a testament to the lack of good sense than the failure of the engineers to properly calculate maximum payload.
For the benefit of those whose heart rates are now rising: Yes, I tow a long trailer with a half ton. I have my own Sherline Tongue Scale and use it so I know exactly how close I am to maximums - and, to be honest, there isn't a lot of wiggle room. And yes, I'll be sitting by the roadside watching TV or playing some game or other with my child long before you 3/4 and one tonners go flying by... That's ok... I've stayed in much worse places in my life than the side of a highway and I'm on vacation so I really don't care who gets there first. ;-)
