New guy with towing question.

Ricjr76 wrote:
This same truck with max tow option has a 2000# payload. Would that make it a tad more feasible? Just asking, trying to understand all the numbers.

The only advertised numbers, you can rely on, for either truck or trailer, is the gross weight (GVWR). Even though advertised payload may be the same, actual available payload will vary on every vehicle.

On the trailer, the unloaded and tongue weights are from when the trailer left the factory. The dealer installs the battery, fills propane, and installs some of the options. Before that trailer gets sold to a customer, it weighs more than what the sticker says.

On the truck, max payload is set for a stripped down 2 wheel drive model. Anything added (4 X 4, step bars, bed mat, bed cover, etc) by manufacturer, dealer, or customer, adds weight to the vehicle, and deducts payload, pound for pound. You could see two (same make / model) trucks with max payload of 2000 lbs and same GVWR. One is two wheel drive stripped down version that actually has 2000 lbs payload. The other is crew cab 4 X 4, that has 500 lbs less payload because the truck itself is heavier than the two wheel drive. Actual payload available, will be different on every truck.

The 9400 lbs max tow, is based on a 9400 lb sled. That sled does not add weight to the truck frame. A 9400 lb travel trailer will add 940 - 1410 lbs on the frame of the truck.

GVWR is based on truck frame, axles, gear ratio, powertrain, brakes, wheels, and tires. It is max weight allowed for truck itself, passengers, fuel, cargo, options and accessories, and trailer tongue weight.

Only way to get true payload is, weigh the truck and subtract that from GVWR. Very likely, the available payload is gone, long before you get to max tow capacity.

You could buy a truck with "max" payload of 2000 lbs. You opt for the model with 4 X 4 and crew cab, have the dealer add some step bars and a bed liner, then, you add a bed cap, take the truck to a CAT scale, and find out there is only 1300 lbs payload left. If you bought a trailer that weighs close to your max tow capacity, your payload is gone (you are over GVWR) before you add a passenger or any cargo.

This same truck with max tow option has a 2000# payload. Would that make it a tad more feasible? Just asking, trying to understand all the numbers.

Nope.........not a good combo.

Your low payload is the problem.
You may have a 'tow rating' of 9400# but you will run out of payload long before hitting that magical tow rating

Thanks everyone for quick responses. These are exactly type of answers I am looking for.

Hitch weight is the problem here. And don't forget that you have to add the weight of your WD hitch (hopefully a Hensley or ProPride for this length of trailer).

Where are the water tanks located on this model? If all in the rear half, and if nearly all the storage is in the rear half, you might scrape by. Maybe. Doubt it, but maybe.

Too big a trailer for too small a truck.

The listed tongue weight is without propane tanks filled or battery. That extra weight alone has to be considered.

I'm afraid you will be exceeding payload of the truck. Once you add 1000 lbs gear to the trailer, your tongue will be around 1200 lbs, whichwill leave you around 400 lbs for passengers anything else in truck cab or bed including 50lb WD hitch. I would not do it. Keep tt you choose under 7500 gvwr and then you should be ok.

The 1 problem with the trailer your looking at is the hitch weight is 933 empty. If nothing else is add you have 730 lbs for people riding in truck, fuel for truck, and any camping gear that is in the bed of the truck plus additional weight for hitch after loading camper. I have pretty much same truck only Chevy, same figures but my trailer is 1000 lbs less and my hitch weight is 300 lbs less. The only people in truck is wife and I no kid stuff, no bikes, it all adds up. You can pull it fine it's the payload weight that maxes out the 1/2 ton trucks.

Forget the payload rating... Take the truck to the scale. Weigh it empty and full of what you will haul.. Full tank gas, people, cargo, etc..

Then post thos #'s back here along with your axle ratings on the door jam..

Once you have that then you can better understand what your limits are... If not your only guessing and any suggestion here will be null IMO...