I wrote:
For reference, my trailer is 5800 in the brochure, but 7400 at the scales. And that's about as high as I'd want to go with my truck (I have Maxtow but not HD payload).
mister_d wrote:
Rob, I think your truck and mine are about the same .. our TT runs around 8-8500 and runs fantastic including in the hills of TN. Didn't want to contradict you but just in case you were wondering how much it could handle.
No offense taken, and I appreciate the real-world use-case. I've actually yet to tow any distance with mine. I just got it in January and our first trip will be in a few weeks.
I have little doubt the truck will perform well. I ran all the numbers, did a lot of research, and I'm confident I'll see an improvement over my 2003 Ram Hemi, which also pulled just fine. But the fact remains that in a 1/2-ton, payload can get tight. I smoked the rear-end in my Ram twice, and although I wasn't over my axle ratings, I can't help but suspect it was a factor.
In my Ford (maxtow but no HD), the payload is 1850#. My trailer tongue weight is about 1000#, which leaves 850# for everything else: people, gear, hitch weight, and 35 gallons of fuel. Add it all up, and I'm right near the limit. I'm comfortable there, but there's not a lot of room before I wouldn't be.
-- Rob
