What is the weak link?
My current truck has a tow rating of 10,000 pounds. I ordered it equipped with all the towing gizmos. In considering buying a bigger TT, the limiting factor seems to be the carrying capacity, which ...
Forum Discussion
rhagfo wrote:PUCampin wrote:
For 1/2 ton that GRAWR number is almost always limited by the springs. But first, add the 2 rear tire load capacities. Is it higher than the GRAWR? For a 1/2 ton it ill usually be higher, but if not, this is the first step.
Don't worry about the axle itself. If you look at the stand alone axle capacity, it is almost certainly higher than the GRAWR.
This leaves the springs, which are purposly made soft in a 1/2 ton to appeal to the majority of 1/2 ton buyers. Adding some overloads or air bags will add some payload capacity allowing the truck to sit more level with a load and be safer.
However, REMEMBER the brakes were designed to stop the GVWR of the truck. They are not going to catch fire and melt by exceeding GVWR by a few hundred pounds, but the stopping distance will be increase the more weight you add.
Nothing like adding a ton of weight to the Semi-Floating rear axle found on almost all 1500/150 trucks.
Lets not forget that is a 5.3 liter engine, and transmission.
Time for a bigger truck, spending money to make a 1/2 stronger is a wast of money to me. Instead invest in a 250/2500 or 350/3500, and be done with it!
I'm not saying for the OP to take a S10 and mod it to handle a 40' 5er. The trailer that he is talking about is not huge. With the right bars that 1200# hitch weight is going to be distributed to all the axles (truck and camper) not just on the rear axle. I think what he wants to do it doable with the right set-up.
