Ideal vehicle for a newbie?
Ok, I already realize now I made my first big RV mistake. Without understanding the towing capacity considerations I purchased a travel trailer that is just under 3000lbs (dry), for a 2003 Ford Escape...
Forum Discussion
The basic formula to figure it out is:
Do NOT use the OEM MTWR (max tow weight rating), as it is based on the stripper.
Just like the trailer 'dry' is based on a base trailer without the stuff the
dealer installs (propane tanks, batter, spare, etc, etc...not all of these, but
most are installed by the dealer)
Personal preference aside, just ask the seller for the TV's specifications
that include GVWR, front/rear GAWR and GCWR
Try to get the actual weight of the trailer. Better if you can load it up
with whatever you will take RV'ing. Otherwise, use it's GVWR as that is the
most it is rated for.
Then do the simple math using the above formula
There is 'some' truth in getting the biggest, as you will load up
more and more as experience goes...to a bigger trailer.
On that, decide which is more important...'car' attributes or 'truck'
attributes. That will then dictate the sizing of the TV for you, which
then dictates the trailer sizing it is 'RATED' to tow
GCWR => TV + TT + stuff
Do NOT use the OEM MTWR (max tow weight rating), as it is based on the stripper.
Just like the trailer 'dry' is based on a base trailer without the stuff the
dealer installs (propane tanks, batter, spare, etc, etc...not all of these, but
most are installed by the dealer)
Personal preference aside, just ask the seller for the TV's specifications
that include GVWR, front/rear GAWR and GCWR
Try to get the actual weight of the trailer. Better if you can load it up
with whatever you will take RV'ing. Otherwise, use it's GVWR as that is the
most it is rated for.
Then do the simple math using the above formula
There is 'some' truth in getting the biggest, as you will load up
more and more as experience goes...to a bigger trailer.
On that, decide which is more important...'car' attributes or 'truck'
attributes. That will then dictate the sizing of the TV for you, which
then dictates the trailer sizing it is 'RATED' to tow
