Calculated tow capability... Disappointed
So, in my search for the TT that the wife and I want, I've been diligently trying to calculate GVWR, GAWR, Traier capacity etc.. etc...I've read quite a bit, and I thought I would be okay with my tow vehicle, for the trailer I was looking at, but now I think Im on the edge.
I have a 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 with the tow package, HD cooling etc.. Max trailer weight is 9600 lbs, total GCWR is 15,000. Trucks GVWR is 6800 lbs. Max Weight for Cargo and people on the tire sticker is 1507. Front axle max is 3650, rear axle max is 3950
Took my truck to the scales today, to see what it actually weighed, with full of fuel and two occupants in it. Because of the configuration of the scales, the weight I got was just with one occupant in it. I was standing outside talking to tech on the speaker. So,
Front Axle: 3360
Rear Axle:" 2320
Total: 5680
Occupant inside weighed 200. So, that number, if taken off the total makes total 5480, which means my max cargo and people can't be more than 1320 (less than the 1507 on the tire sticker)... Okay, fine. Or second scenario, assuming single occupant will be with me, and go with 5680, that only leaves 1120 of weight left for cargo (and me).
To keep things as accurate as possible, I will assume the 200 will be there for one occupant. That leaves 1120. I weigh 240
1120-240 = 880 for remaining cargo capacity, to accommodate WD hitch and tongue weight.
Assuming WD hitch weighs 100 = leaves 780
Assuming 12% of trailer weight= tongue weight, that leaves me approx 6500 max trailer weight, loaded (6500 x 12% = 780 lbs)
The trailer I was very keen on is the Jayco 27RLS, which has a dry weight of 6030, and a max of 8600. Obviously no one tows dry. But, that only allows me about 800 lbs of weight in the trailer before I exceed my max truck cargo capacity.
Did I miss anything in my analysis? I know the fact that the truck can pull a 9600 trailer is only one small aspect. I know that all these different calculations have to be taken into consideration to ensure I do not exceed truck cargo capacity. Kinda disappointing because I didn't want to buy a new truck, but I sure don't want to be on the edge with everything.
Im trying to get as much info as I can in order to make the right decision on the TT. So, if I need to look at things differently, I'd appreciate any thoughts.
Thanks
Mike
I have a 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 with the tow package, HD cooling etc.. Max trailer weight is 9600 lbs, total GCWR is 15,000. Trucks GVWR is 6800 lbs. Max Weight for Cargo and people on the tire sticker is 1507. Front axle max is 3650, rear axle max is 3950
Took my truck to the scales today, to see what it actually weighed, with full of fuel and two occupants in it. Because of the configuration of the scales, the weight I got was just with one occupant in it. I was standing outside talking to tech on the speaker. So,
Front Axle: 3360
Rear Axle:" 2320
Total: 5680
Occupant inside weighed 200. So, that number, if taken off the total makes total 5480, which means my max cargo and people can't be more than 1320 (less than the 1507 on the tire sticker)... Okay, fine. Or second scenario, assuming single occupant will be with me, and go with 5680, that only leaves 1120 of weight left for cargo (and me).
To keep things as accurate as possible, I will assume the 200 will be there for one occupant. That leaves 1120. I weigh 240
1120-240 = 880 for remaining cargo capacity, to accommodate WD hitch and tongue weight.
Assuming WD hitch weighs 100 = leaves 780
Assuming 12% of trailer weight= tongue weight, that leaves me approx 6500 max trailer weight, loaded (6500 x 12% = 780 lbs)
The trailer I was very keen on is the Jayco 27RLS, which has a dry weight of 6030, and a max of 8600. Obviously no one tows dry. But, that only allows me about 800 lbs of weight in the trailer before I exceed my max truck cargo capacity.
Did I miss anything in my analysis? I know the fact that the truck can pull a 9600 trailer is only one small aspect. I know that all these different calculations have to be taken into consideration to ensure I do not exceed truck cargo capacity. Kinda disappointing because I didn't want to buy a new truck, but I sure don't want to be on the edge with everything.
Im trying to get as much info as I can in order to make the right decision on the TT. So, if I need to look at things differently, I'd appreciate any thoughts.
Thanks
Mike
