eazye wrote:
Consider two different trailers:
Trailer A: Dry weight of 4500lbs, GVWR of 7500lbs. Cargo capacity of 3000lbs.
Trailer B: Dry weight of 4500lbs, GVWR of 5500lbs. Cargo capacity of 1000lbs.
Assuming I pack the same people and amount of cargo, and assuming that the same amount of water and propane is being hauled, why would it matter which trailer I towed?
The formulas and calculators would have me believe that Trailer B was safe to tow and Trailer A was not. Why?
I don't understand why the potential cargo capacity should factor in when determining how much I can tow. Yet it seems in every thread I read about how much one can tow, GVWR is taken as gospel and dry weight is completely dismissed. And the difference between the two is rarely considered.
What am I missing?
You are absolutely correct. Actual weight is what matters. Trouble is putting all your stuff in a trailer and dragging it across the scale before you buy.
Dry weight is notoriously understated. CCC is usually not so different as in your examples except for a toy hauler where you plan to carry no toys.
Time and again people post about dry weight and end up overloaded. Aim for GVWR and worst case you end up being a little below capacity.
If you know the true actual weight and it is within your tolerance then go for it.
