Can I Tow This With My Truck?
My wife and I are making some changes in our lives trying to inch ever closer to our dream of traveling around the U.S. We are both outdoor enthusiasts and want to see and explore this majestic count...
Forum Discussion
Lan.N wrote:
The TT being discussed has a 715 lbs hitch weight. According to Krobbe formula:
Payload Limit: 1800
Passenger: 400 (2 small people and 2 huge dogs)
Cargo: 200
WDH: 100
1800-400-200-100 =1100
1100/.15 = 7333 lbs (lol, the same number as you)
Looking at the result I should not exceed 7333 lbs in towing?
Advertised hitch weights are similar to advertised tow capacities, "Pie in the sky". They are notoriously low.
There is no standard for advertised hitch weights. One manufacturer may include a battery, propane, and optional equipment. Another (the majority of manufacturers would fall in this category) may not. It would not be unusual to see a TT with an advertised 700 lb hitch weight, roll off the dealers lot at 800+ lbs of actual hitch weight. When the consumer loads up for a camping trip, they are adding more weight.
Depending on what and where things get loaded, hitch weight will be different and variable during for every trip. You'll need room in your payload calculations to account for these weight fluctuations. If the advertised hitch weight puts you close to your max, loaded hitch weight could be a problem.
Holding tanks can also have a major impact on hitch weight. Depending on their location, in relation to the trailer's axles, they can add or subtract from the hitch weight. Behind the axles, they subtract hitch weight. In front of the axles, they add hitch weight. My trailer for example, has black and grey tanks directly above the axles, fresh tank behind the axles, and a galley (second grey) tank in front of the axles. During any given trip, my hitch weight can vary by as much as 200 lbs. My advertised hitch weight was 880, loaded for camping, it runs a little over 1000, and my heaviest scaled hitch weight (full galley tank and low fresh water) was 1250 lbs (approximately 16 percent of loaded trailer weight).
You don't show any calculations for aftermarket accessories. If you add any dealer installed options (undercoating, bed liners, step bars, etc) or end user items (bed cap, tonneau cover, etc), you'll need to add their weight as cargo.
