4johnsonsandadog wrote:
They have just weighed the vehicle, 1/2 tank of gas, no kids/stuff/dogs (they have a gigantic dog - a bull mastive)and attached to an EMPTY trailer. They are already at 8200#. This isn't looking good. I will post back with the tongue weight which, I now understand, is a different issue - not to exceed 1200#. Will post back.
I'm going to take this a step further and caution you/them that since they will most likely be at or over some actual hard rating like springs/axle or tires they had better be prepared for potential issue on such a year long cross country trip to be faced with some sort of failure in the suspension/tires that could be expensive. This vehicle is already over 10 years old and it's not the engine that is the concern, it's everything else and with a lot of loved ones onboard there are risks that need to be understood, and the consequences appreciated. Considering they have 4 kids some could be teenagers and not to be stereotypical if female they can pack not only the kitchen sink, but the bathroom one as well:E IMO this not only calls for the wt. Police, but might need help from the packing/wt Marshalls and Sheriffs Dept to keep the wts reasonable. Heck just to keep to large dogs and 4 growing kiddos fed is going to take many, many frequent trips to the grocery or even further overloading things to carry enough food and drinks for daily use. Finally, a year long trip sounds like there will be home schooling involved and books, school supplies/materials, etc. are not light not to mention needing to pack clothes for 6 people for all seasons. These are just small examples of areas where things can get out of hand in an instant. Catastrophic failures in the system where the "rubber meets the road" so to speak could result in a serious accident and injuries.
I definitely think an honest "FAMILY MEETING" might be in order hopefully followed by the ever needed "GROUP HUG".
Larry
