Weight of hitch for calculating tongue weight

dnhx wrote:
Thanks everyone. I would love it if I could take everything to a scaaget a real weight, but since I own neither yet, it is not possible. That is why I am trying to estimate before I buy.

You have done a good job on research and homework, and are wise to question the opinions of those who say you must assume you will load the TT to its GVWR, you must assume the tongue weight will be 15% of the TT's GVWR, and you must not use the brochure dry weight as a basis for estimating the TT's "empty weight".

I am not sure using the TT GVWR is needed. It is 1900 lbs more than the dry weight. I certainly can add a few hundred pounds for options on the TT. And the 1000 lbs of stuff estimate is based on what others on this site say that they usually carry. I know what my wife, dog and I weigh.---

The Cougar 21RBS has a CCC of 1962#, you have control over how much of that will be used. There's no need to assume you will load all the way to GVWR if you don't want to.

Given the length and weight of the 21RBS it is reasonable to assume the optimum tongue weight will be in the range of 12-13%. No reason to assume it will be 15%. Again, you have control over that.

The brochure dry weight for the 21RBS is 5238#. There are very few non-mandatory options offered.
This General RV Center webpage lists a dry weight of 5330# for a 21RBS on their lot. You have estimated the loaded weight could be held to 6300# -- which in my opinion is entirely realistic.

---If we put nothing else in the TV then the only two big unknowns are the GVW of the Expedition and the TT dry weight. Won't that be stated on the TT somewhere?

The published curb weight for a standard-length 4X2 Expedition is 5600#. Optional equipment might bring that weight to the 5800# which you have estimated.

Only you know what the weight of occupants and cargo will be. I have no reason to dispute your estimated 500#.
One additional bit of research would be for you to look at the "Maximum Weigh of Occupants and Cargo Should Not Exceed" value on the TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION sticker on an Expedition's door edge/pillar. This value can be used to check your available payload estimate.

You should be able to find the TT's factory-delivered dry weight on a sticker on the front left side or, perhaps, in an interior cabinet.

Good luck with your search. Remember -- you are the one who has control over the loading of the TV and TT.

Ron