First Tow Vehicle Suggestions
Hi all, I'm new to the forum. My wife and I have a 17 month old and we are planning to buy a travel trailer this winter. We both have fond memories growing up camping with our own parents and are e...
Forum Discussion
CJ,
Welcome!!!
The biggest issue you will be up against when towing a tt with a 1/2 ton is the payload of the tv. Regardless of what the truck/ suv is rated to tow, payload is usually the first rating to be maxed/ exceeded. There will be a yellow sticker in the drivers door jamb (newer, started around '06 or so) stating "All passengers AND cargo not to exceed XXXXlbs".... This weight rating is for that vehicle as it rolled off the assembly line. If any additional accessories are added, they must be included in the "cargo" weight: step bars, mud flaps, tonneau covers or toppers (pick ups), etc.... All coolers, firewood, the wdh AND the tw of the trailer must be included as well in addition to the passenger weight.
Also keep in mind that the kids will only get heavier as they get older.
I did not look up the specs on the trailer you are considering. Post them when you get a chance. Remember though the manufactures "brochure dry weight" does not include options, even when some options are a "mandatory option". The dry tongue/ hitch weight does not include the propane tank(s) or a battery either. That alone can add about 120lbs to the tw for 2-20lb tanks and a battery before you even load the trailer for a trip!
How much does the family and dog weigh? How much weight wise do you plan to carry in the vehicle (cooler(s), firewood, etc...)?
Welcome!!!
The biggest issue you will be up against when towing a tt with a 1/2 ton is the payload of the tv. Regardless of what the truck/ suv is rated to tow, payload is usually the first rating to be maxed/ exceeded. There will be a yellow sticker in the drivers door jamb (newer, started around '06 or so) stating "All passengers AND cargo not to exceed XXXXlbs".... This weight rating is for that vehicle as it rolled off the assembly line. If any additional accessories are added, they must be included in the "cargo" weight: step bars, mud flaps, tonneau covers or toppers (pick ups), etc.... All coolers, firewood, the wdh AND the tw of the trailer must be included as well in addition to the passenger weight.
Also keep in mind that the kids will only get heavier as they get older.
I did not look up the specs on the trailer you are considering. Post them when you get a chance. Remember though the manufactures "brochure dry weight" does not include options, even when some options are a "mandatory option". The dry tongue/ hitch weight does not include the propane tank(s) or a battery either. That alone can add about 120lbs to the tw for 2-20lb tanks and a battery before you even load the trailer for a trip!
How much does the family and dog weigh? How much weight wise do you plan to carry in the vehicle (cooler(s), firewood, etc...)?
