GVWR, Payload, Towing Capacity or GCWR
What trumps what when making a TV decision. I'm not a pulling expert by any means but when looking at commercial trucks they always seem to display their GVWR and GCWR. Should I be using these rather ...
Forum Discussion
Payload capacity is the important one, esp. if it's a 1/2 ton TV. As you say, it's quite common to run out of payload capacity well before max. tow & GCWR. Vehicle manufacturers all love to brag about towing capacity and be silent on payload capacity, although I *think* that may be starting to change a bit. You should still look at GCWR and tow capacity, but it's likely to be payload that's the issue for a TT. GVWR is set by the manufacturer and the figure to use to calculate payload capacity. If you have a FW, you'd be wanting to look at the RAWR and scale weight on your drive axle.
It's a good idea to take your TV to a scale and then subtract the weight from the GVWR on your door pillar sticker. Some find that their payload capacity is less than the figure on the door pillar sticker and there has been talk that Ford and GM have been fudging their curb weights to make payload capacity higher. The payload capacity of our F250 is a lot less than the sticker amount. Accessories also add weight (canopy for ex.) and take away payload capacity. If going to a scale, you want to be all loaded up as you would for a camping trip - kids, spouse, pets, groceries, camping gear and firewood in the back, etc. plus a full tank of fuel.
When it comes to looking at a TT (or FW), do not calculate the payload on your TV based on the RV manufacturers dry weights.
It's a good idea to take your TV to a scale and then subtract the weight from the GVWR on your door pillar sticker. Some find that their payload capacity is less than the figure on the door pillar sticker and there has been talk that Ford and GM have been fudging their curb weights to make payload capacity higher. The payload capacity of our F250 is a lot less than the sticker amount. Accessories also add weight (canopy for ex.) and take away payload capacity. If going to a scale, you want to be all loaded up as you would for a camping trip - kids, spouse, pets, groceries, camping gear and firewood in the back, etc. plus a full tank of fuel.
When it comes to looking at a TT (or FW), do not calculate the payload on your TV based on the RV manufacturers dry weights.
