What should I be looking for as max TT weight?

wrvond wrote:
Thanks folks, for your responses. They have all been helpful. I truly appreciate the lessons in towing capabilities. I believe I now have the information I need to pick out a TT that I won't be afraid to pull.
Now, all I have to do is find a scale, do some weighing, and then go shopping!


Thanks again!

handye9 wrote:
The scales are set up in seperate sections. Pull on with front wheels on one section and rear wheels will be on another. The scale will give you front axle, rear axle, and total vehicle weight.

BenK wrote:
First, I do NOT say yes you can, no you can not (some times if it
potentially is VERY dangerous), but provide the metrics for the OPs
to make their own decisions

Hope this OP isn't just looking for confirmation of their choices
and what they want to hear...of which normally there will be many,
many 'sure you can', etc

The diagram at the end shows in graphical form how the ratings system
works. Along with the acronyms and their full verbiage

First decide if you believe in the ratings system or not.

If not, then do whatever, but know any warranty might be denied and
that you have taken the OEM off the liability hook

If yes, then bone up to understand how it works and go out and weigh
your setup, axle by axle, fully loaded and empty

Comments embedded in red

wrvond wrote:
I have read myself silly trying to understand GVWR, GVW, tow capacity, etc., and hope to get a definitive answer to my question here.

My truck is a 2006 F150 XLT 5.7L with 126" wheelbase (regular cab) 4x4.

What is the GVWR, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. That number is on
one of the drivers door labels. That same label should also have
the FGAWR and RGAWR (front and rear Gross Axle Weight Rating)

There are several/many 'half ton' offerings from most OEMs. In one
post, another member said Ford had 15 half tons offered that year.

Normal range is from +6K GVWR up to +8K GVWR

It has:
Trailer Tow Heavy Duty Super Engine Cooling System
Limited slip rear axle
9.75" axle

this is most likely the diff ring gear dia

Heavy duty aux transmission oil cooler
3.73 FDR/Limited Slip RR
I believe the gas tank capacity is 21 gallons

According to the owner's manual the GVW is 6850 lbs.

Am guessing this is the GVWR and is one of the lesser rated half
tons...meaning it will NOT have as much capacity as the higher GVWR
half tons

The combined weight of passengers & cargo should not exceed 1641 lbs.

This means the 'curb' weight of your TV is 6,850 GVWR minus
1,641 = 5,209 lbs....but most folks do *NOT* own or ordered a stripper
model, but with options. Like AC, automatic, power: door/windows/seats/etc,
4x4, upgrade interior, etc. All of those options takes away from the
MTWR (Max Tow Weight Rating), pound for pound.

Then the driver they used is a 150lb guy and if you weigh more...pound
for pound less MTWR.

Ditto additional people/pets/etc...pound for pound less MTWR

The truck is what it is, upgrading really isn't an option for me.
So, now I'm in the market for a TT, but it needs to work safely with this truck. What information do I need to know about any prospective camper I am looking at?


Or can you tell me the maximum dry weight of the campers I am looking at?

'dry' weight of a trailer (fiver or tongued) is the equivalent
'curb' of the TV...and will weigh more before you even start to load
your stuff

I really like the 2012 Forest River Flagstaff V-Lite 30WRLTSA
It's specs are listed as:
Shipping Weight 6,998 lbs
Carrying Capacity 1,652 lbs
Hitch 952 lbs
Length 34'5''
Height 10'
Fresh Water 43 gal
Waste Water 38 gal
Grey Water 38 gal

Does this camper far exceed my towing capacity? If so, how much? Does a weight distribution hitch affect these numbers?
I very much appreciate the help.

So go out and weigh your TV, axle by axle. Then do the simple math
by plugging in your numbers into the diagram below to figure out
what size/weight trailer your TV is rated for.

Length has become almost subjective to what components and competency
of the driver these days. Basics is in the laws of physics and the
lever arms on the various pivot points of the setup.


howmuchcanitow

Crawfordville wrote:
We have a new camper and this is what we learned that the RV dealership did not share with us.

Dry trailer weight - what the RV manufacturer states. Compare that number to your owners manual or through other sources as suggested earlier. This is easy to determine if your TV will be able to handle the TT you're considering. That will immediately eliminate many TT, it did for us.

But that is only part of the equation.

In my opinion, the most important piece is the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). This is the total weight of everything - TT, tow vehicle, people, gas, food, supplies.

We found the GCWR number in our owners manual. Add everything up and compare that total to the total listed in owners manual or from the source that you got it from.

I agree that it is very confusing!!

Does this camper far exceed my towing capacity? If so, how much? Does a weight distribution hitch affect these numbers?