first post help

Thanks everyone

spoon059 wrote:

Doug1395 wrote:
Ok i dont know how to post a picture but i wrote down everything

Gvwr......7000
Gawr frt...3950
Gawr rr....3950


1GCPKSE73CF139258

And yes appently i have a lot to learn . Had NO idea it was this complacated.

Once you know your total weight, you subtract it from your GCWR, which I believe you stated was 7200 lbs. This is your available payload. Once you know this number you can figure out what weight trailer you can haul.

I think you mean GVWR....not GCWR. If his truck has a 7000 lbs GVWR, the GCWR will be a heck of a lot more than 7200 lbs. Don't ya think? Need to proof read before you hit post.:R

PAThwacker wrote:
He is looking at 26bh nonslide often called 26bh or 27bh,

Yup, I saw that and get what you are saying. I have also seen my TT listed as a 26BH that had a slide. My point being, it doesn't matter what someone else has when looking at loading numbers on trailers and tow vehicles as there are always differences.

I towed a trailer very similar to the Jayco you're looking at, but about 500 lbs heavier, with my first generation Tundra with the 4.7. I was about 6500 lbs fully loaded and it did OK, but slow on the hills. You won't win any speed contests with the 4.6 but it will handle it IMO.

If you do indeed have the a 2012 5.3 with the max tow package I think you should be able to tow that TT. I have a year older similar truck and tow a a little lighter TT without even over the Rockies. The six speed tranny really makes a big difference. You don't need a diesel dually to pull everthing.

RedRocket204 wrote:

usmc616 wrote:
I had a 2003 27BH and it weighed 6000lbs ready to camp. So depending on your actual TV set up you may not be within the tow rating of your TV.

Uh, I've got a 26 BHS with a GVWR of 9500# and it weighs 8500#. Both your numbers and mine are completely useless to the OP. :)


I know you are just trying to give an example but OP should definitely be looking at specifics related to trailers he is looking at.

He is looking at 26bh nonslide often called 26bh or 27bh,

usmc616 wrote:
I had a 2003 27BH and it weighed 6000lbs ready to camp. So depending on your actual TV set up you may not be within the tow rating of your TV.

Uh, I've got a 26 BHS with a GVWR of 9500# and it weighs 8500#. Both your numbers and mine are completely useless to the OP. :)


I know you are just trying to give an example but OP should definitely be looking at specifics related to trailers he is looking at.

By now your head is probably swimming with all the numbers; so in a nut shell.

1. Do you have the horses to pull the load? A 5000 lb. TT will need about 350 hp. or so.
2. If it has a towing package you most likely have the rear end. Double check.
3. What is the max cargo limit on your truck? It will have to support, TT tongue weight, people weight, truck cap and tools, toys and camp stuff not in the TT.
4. You will find many exceptions to the above and people perfectly happy with the combination they have chosen.

Do not be surprised if you run out of cargo capacity with a half-ton many do. Also you want to be sure the TT has decent brakes so you are not dependent on your TV for stopping.

Remember you can expect at the best 10 mpg.

Doug1395 wrote:
Ok i dont know how to post a picture but i wrote down everything

Gvwr......7000
Gawr frt...3950
Gawr rr....3950


1GCPKSE73CF139258

And yes appently i have a lot to learn . Had NO idea it was this complacated.

Its really not that complicated. I would be careful of the "advice" you get on here. There are some people that feel that a half ton truck cannot safely tow ANYTHING and that at a minimum you need a 3/4 ton diesel truck to move more than 3 bags of groceries at one time. I'm sure they mean well, but all too often I fear they discourage people from this past time because they price a lot of families out of it.

Essentially you need to know weights...

Load your family up in the truck along with gear you expect to bring with you in the truck (ie firewood, chairs, cooler with snacks...). Take your truck to a truck scale and weigh it. Try to get separate axle weights too.

Once you know your total weight, you subtract it from your GCWR, which I believe you stated was 7200 lbs. This is your available payload. Once you know this number you can figure out what weight trailer you can haul.

Now, you are quoting DRY weights of your trailer. It will ever be dry. Batteries, propane, etc increase dry weight. Then when you pack your clothes and dishes it increase the weight even more. I prefer to figure out the MAX weight of the trailer and then multiply it by 13% to estimate the highest likely tongue weight the trailer would have.

Now that you know your highest tongue weight and your payload, you have a decent idea if your truck can handle it. But don't forget to include the weight of your weight distribution hitch... likely 50-75 lbs.

If your max tongue weight and the weight of your WDH are less than your payload, you are off to a good start.

Then you need to make sure that your max trailer weight is less than your tow vehicle is rated for.

Summary:
Know your available payload after your truck is loaded
Know your maximum tongue weight after your trailer is loaded
Know your maximum trailer weight

Once you know those couple of numbers, you will know if your vehicle can tow it. I hope you are able to make the numbers work for you and have plenty of seasons of fun family camping. I grew up camping, mostly in a pop up, but eventually we upgraded to a 26 foot bunkhouse and went cross country for one summer vacation. I have great memories camping and hope to make it a part of my family's traditions too.

I'm also a huge Duck fan...

Anyway... as mentioned, even with the 5.3, you STILL have to abide by the truck's ratings. The 5.3 only means that it will pull the weight better than the 4.8.

For your truck (again, as mentioned) you should be most concerned with the payload capacity more than anything else. So, once you figure that out (GVWR - curb weight)you will then be able to determine how heavy (not necessarily long) of a trailer you can pull.

To weigh your truck you don't really have to load it up. Just take it to the scales (preferably with a full tank of gas) and weigh it with you in it. That will be your curb weight. Then just subtract that from your GVWR (7000 lbs) and that will be your payload. Simple.

Then weigh EVERYTHING you put on or in the truck (including passengers, pets, equipment, tools, camping stuff, etc), and subtract that from your newly acquired payload capacity and what's left over will be what you can use for the tongue weight of a trailer..and don't forget to add the weight of the weight distribution unit and sway control device.

It's really not that complicated.

Good luck

Ron