1st time TT owner, with questions

dani24 wrote:

Francesca Knowles wrote:
Just looked at the specs for this trailer- dry weight given as 2600, gross 3500- correct? Link to source

Main thing that jumped off that spec page was tongue weight- 180 lbs is in my opinion too light for stable towing of a trailer in that weight range. Rule of thumb is around 10% of actual trailer weight. It may be that given dry weight does not include such things as propane bottles/battery, which are often tongue mounted, although from the shape of the trailer's nose I don't see how that would be possible-? Picture posted below...

I believe those specs are correct, based on what I've seen elsewhere for this model. I had notice that it has a "Cargo Carrying Capacity" of just over 900 lbs. I assume this means the max we could conceivably load up in the TT, not including what we could load into the TV as well (but please correct me if I'm wrong).

The propane tank is hidden behind that panel at the tip of the nose. I'm not certain where the battery would be.

I'm a little confused about the "180 lbs tongue weight". Is it your thinking that this is what the manufacturer is suggesting the tongue weight should be (when hitched)? Or is that how much the tongue weight would be without anything else loaded in the TT?

I've read some stuff elsewhere that says tongue weight should be 9-15% of the GVWR. So, that would mean between 315-525 lbs for this model. Does that sound right? And, if so, would that mean we would potentially need to add weight to the tongue in order to hit that mark? Does loading up the TT with gear increase the tongue weight as well?

Part of the reason we went for a model like this is that my husband currently has a 2004 Ford Explorer 4.0 v6, 4WD Automatic, with a Class II hitch. I can't remember the exact number, but I think the GVWR listed on the inside of his door was about 5400. We plan to get him a new SUV in the next couple of years, but his current vehicle should have at least a few good years left in it. So we needed something light enough for him to tow. Plus, we didn't want anything too big to fit in our side yard, and to detract from spending time outdoors. The sales guy at the dealership seemed to think the set up would be fine (although we added an equalizing hitch, a stabilizing bar and the brake light wiring). Hopefully he wasn't blowing smoke up our rears (as I know sales people are apt to do -- but I'd hope we could "trust" him at least on that).

Sorry if these are stupid/basic questions. I really want to be sure I understand things so we can be safe on the road with our TT.

Your understanding of tongue weight is correct- the 10-15% is loaded weight. Once you've weighed the trailer loaded you'll have a fair idea of target number and can load accordingly.

A concern that does come to mind is your statement that the tug's equippped with a Class II hitch (receiver)- are you sure about that? I ask because dowthread from that point you mention having acquired a weight distributing hitch. There are few if any Class II receivers that are designed/rated for W/D use, which puts considerable strain on that component. As always, weakest component governs, and the limitations of the receiver itself may preclude the use of W/D.

It sounds like you have some sort of "hitch man" advising you; I hope he looks closely at the receiver you actually have on. It's not just a matter of opening size, either- there are plenty of Class II hitches with two inch openings. That doesn't mean they can be used with weight distribution systems. You might even just write down the receiver make and model number and look it up yourself.