Choosing TV and Hitch, Anderson Ultimate, B&W
After an exhaustive search we found a FW we would like to purchase. The DW wants to buy it ASAP. Before I sign the check I have TV compatability concerns. The FW is a Keystone Cougar X-lite (7670 l...
Forum Discussion
Starting off knowing the "carriage" first, a good way to go. For the "horse" ...
Forget dry weights, go to the GVWR of the trailer, the max it is designed to carry/contain. For pin weights of the 5th wheel, use 20% of the GVWR. For bed height, knowing the trailer DW wants, find one on the dealer lot on level ground, measure distance from trailer to ground that will be over the bed rails of the truck. Subtract 6", that will give you a starting point as to bed rail height on the prospective trucks.
As to cargo capacity of prospective TVs, start with cargo capacity, but be realistic about weight of occupants, full tank of fuel, hitch, firewood (?), dogs, etc. As an example, just back from the CAT Scales yesterday with my new (to me) 2013 Silverado 3500HD. Brochure states 4,459 lb payload capacity. With hitch mounted, DW and I, dog (Great Pyrenees - 120 lbs), small compressor in the bed, 2.5 gal of DEF, etc ... subtracting weight of drive axle from the rear GAWR ... a pin weight of 3,590 lbs will max us out. Thankfully with the little trailer we have, we can buy lots more trailer in the future!
Hope this helps.
Forget dry weights, go to the GVWR of the trailer, the max it is designed to carry/contain. For pin weights of the 5th wheel, use 20% of the GVWR. For bed height, knowing the trailer DW wants, find one on the dealer lot on level ground, measure distance from trailer to ground that will be over the bed rails of the truck. Subtract 6", that will give you a starting point as to bed rail height on the prospective trucks.
As to cargo capacity of prospective TVs, start with cargo capacity, but be realistic about weight of occupants, full tank of fuel, hitch, firewood (?), dogs, etc. As an example, just back from the CAT Scales yesterday with my new (to me) 2013 Silverado 3500HD. Brochure states 4,459 lb payload capacity. With hitch mounted, DW and I, dog (Great Pyrenees - 120 lbs), small compressor in the bed, 2.5 gal of DEF, etc ... subtracting weight of drive axle from the rear GAWR ... a pin weight of 3,590 lbs will max us out. Thankfully with the little trailer we have, we can buy lots more trailer in the future!
Hope this helps.
