Calculating TT options for our truck

larson101 wrote:
I was hoping to get a little input or "shove" if we are off track. We are trying to find what size tt our truck can tow. I can't get the truck to a weigh station till this weekend, so we are using Google math. :)

2012 Ford 150 supercrew 3.5L V6 Ecoboost and tow package
Three kiddos (10, 7, 4), two adults, and two dogs
GVWR 7200
GCWR 15500
Max loaded trailer weight rating 9600
Max tongue weight rating for our hitch 1000
GVW 5615 (internet) + 790 (rounded up us and the dogs) = 6405
GVW of trailer ?
Trailer tongue ?
Tongue weight % we chose 10%

With these numbers we got that a max trailer weight of 7950 and a max tongue weight of 795.

Look about right? I understand it is all a balance game, but we need a range to start our trailer search.

Thank you for any help or shoves! :)

So I guess that you have a plan to trade in the trailer on one with a lighter hitch weight in 3 years when all the kids have gained 20 pounds each? Or leave the dog at home?

All kidding aside, you really can not load the truck to within 100 pounds of it's GVWR and expect it to perform exactly like it should.

Remember that the weight distribution hitch will come in a box that weights 100 pounds or so.

Your dry hitch weight usually has little to do with the "Wet weight" that includes filling the fresh water tank, closets, and storage compartments. So while a 7,000 pound dry trailer might have a 8,800 GVWR, you can not load all 1,800 pounds into the trailer and still tow it with your truck, you will be going over the weight ratings.

Good luck finding something. I would suggest looking at the Lance lineup. Others might have favorite RV's too.

Fred.