Desert Captain wrote:
"IF" the OP only loads 1100# into the trailer and most folks with a trailer that size load considerably more (we would routinely load 1200# into a 22' TT),... then he will have 1138# of TW (based upon 13% which is considered about right).
Your 13% rule of thumb is a poor way to figure things out. The OP's trailer is listed as 865# tongue weigh, which is a plenty safe 11.5%. Assuming he adds 1000# and loads it correctly, that should increase the tongue wight by 115# to 970#. So call it 800 on the hitch, plus a WDH at 65#. (That is the true weigh of a WDH with bars).
Desert Captain wrote:
"IF" that WDH transfers 20% of that weight back to the trailers axels (a very big IF), then he has 911# of TW + another 100 for the WDH + 800# of passengers he now has 1800#+ with only 1400# of payload. Do the math, he is at least, bare minimum, 400# (about 30%) over his payload and probably much more than that.
The above numbers assume minimal loading, empty tanks all around but that is just not how it works in the real world. Dump stations can be out of order or just backed up to the point that waiting an hour isn't an option so now add another 600 to 700# to the equation. Often you are probably headed downhill, now at 500 to 600# over your TV's GVWR....can you say white knuckle ride?
You are assuming much, when I travel, it's DW and I, at 320# total. So the OP has around 550# for his truck. As for a white knuckle ride, I just got back from a long trip towing across the Rockies, and when we got back, I decided to check all my weights. It turned out I was at 1000% GVWR, 300# over my rear GAWR, and 1000# under my GCWR. We travelled 70mph, had ZERO handling issues, and it towed perfectly fine. I have since moved things around and added a WDH, now my rig sits around 100% RAWR, 98% GVWR. It is s smaller setup, but there is NO WAY that anyone driving it would even suspect it is over 80% over any of it's ratings. One must look at the big picture, the F150 is a solid platform, with tough components that are used at much higher ratings with just spring changes.
Desert Captain wrote:
The OP gave us his numbers and asked for input and he can take or leave it but the numbers do not change. Nothing "Whacko" about the the TW numbers quoted here. The best advice here has been load it up and get to the scales and the numbers will be glaringly apparent but the bottom line is that to run hundreds of pounds in excess of your trucks rated GVWR is foolish, dangerous and illegal. :S
The tongue weight is listed as 865# or 11.5%
I have done spreadsheets when setting up 2 WDH's. When weight is restored to the front axle, approximately 1/3 of that weight is sent rearward, and ends up back on the trailer.
Proper setup and WDH is far more important than being 50# over GVWR.
And for the average family that is occasionally RV'ing, a properly sized TV is better than overkill.
It really depends on what the OP puts in the truck, he mentions just him and his wife, which would be 100% okay, but also mentions 800#'s of passengers, which is ABSOLUTELY not okay.