TT weight question

mkirsch wrote:
The only reason to be concerned at all with your proposed setup is if you are afraid of numbers. You have an obsessive need to stay within the ratings on everything.

The main reason your truck has such a limited payload is the Duramax engine, which puts its weight primarily on the FRONT axle. Your trailer puts its weight primarily on the REAR axle. If the truck were 1000lbs lighter due to having a gasoline engine, it would have a payload of 2900-ish pounds and then you wouldn't have any qualms about weight, right?

Here's the big hint: The engine puts its weight primarily on the FRONT axle, while the trailer puts its weight primarily on the REAR axle.

What about the capacity of the REAR axle has changed because of a heavier engine on the FRONT axle? The answer is, NOTHING. That rear axle has the same weight-carrying capability as it always has. The only reason your truck has a reduced payload rating is because of the fixed 10,000lb GVWR, and it's fixed at 10,000lbs due to the DOT classification of the truck as a Class 2B.

The reality is, your front axle is still several hundred pounds shy of its limit, and the rear axle has 2900-3100lbs of capacity, assuming an empty truck. Plenty for your family and the trailer weight.