formula for weight capacity

JIMNLIN wrote:

I see "some" RV owners with 1/2 and 3/4 and one ton SRW report their over the trucks RAWR from using GVWR to determine their trucks payload.

Example is the 3500 SRW Ram Big Horn/LoneStar/Tradesman package with a 12400 GVWR. The truck may gross at 8000 lbs which leaves a 4400 lb payload. The truck has a 7000 RAWR and Ram says it weighs in the 3100 lb range. Add 4400 lb payload and 3100 lbs on the rear axle = 7500 lbs for a 500 lb overload on the rear tires/springs and wheels

Normally if the hitch is properly installed you will not exceed the axle rating if you stay within the GVWR. Most people with F250/2500's justify exceeding GVWR by quoting additional rear axle capacity not used by GVWR.

But yes you should not exceed the axle rating and thus should always weigh to verify.

Good day :)

Using GVWR to figure a payload is the brightest idea with certain configured trucks from todays new gen high GVWR's with small RAWR numbers.

I see "some" RV owners with 1/2 and 3/4 and one ton SRW report their over the trucks RAWR from using GVWR to determine their trucks payload.

Example is the 3500 SRW Ram Big Horn/LoneStar/Tradesman package with a 12400 GVWR. The truck may gross at 8000 lbs which leaves a 4400 lb payload. The truck has a 7000 RAWR and Ram says it weighs in the 3100 lb range. Add 4400 lb payload and 3100 lbs on the rear axle = 7500 lbs for a 500 lb overload on the rear tires/springs and wheels.

Remember the 4400 lb GVWR payload the truck mfg gives the truck is over the front and rear axles.

The safest and easiest formula for figuring how much payload the rear axle carries from a RV trailers pin/ball load is empty gross axle minus RAWR.
Using the same truck and numbers from above would be 7000 RAWR minus a 3100 lb rear unladin = 3900 lbs max payload.

If your 'TT' (travel trailer) has a tongue weight of 950# get the 1 ton that you like and can get a good deal on.

My 5vr weighs 13,830# (14,375# GVWR)
Towed with a 3500 SRW. Right at ratings. BUT I have generator & tool box in bed.
Otherwise I would have been under ratings

Don't over think it. Just look at the sticker for GVWR and subtract about 8,000# (ball park # for a 1 ton). So a 11,500# GVWR will yield you 3,500# of capacity. A newer 14,000# GVWR will yield you 6,000# capacity. Stay under GWR should keep you under your axle ratings.

A 14,000# 5er has a pin weight around 2,800# (pin weight about 20% of gross)
A 10,000# TT hitch weight is around 15% of gross or 1,500#

These are all ball park numbers but should give you something to work from while shopping.

As for SRW vs DRW there are plenty of threads to debate that.

The formula for payload is simple. GVWR - Actual Truck Weight = Payload.

Remember that everything that goes into the truck is part of that payload (fuel, passengers, gear, hitch weight, trailer tongue or pin weight, etc.)

If you don't know the actual weight of the truck you'll need to estimate.

There is no such a thing. If your considering a fifth wheel that has a GVWR over about 12,000pounds get a dually. 1ton SRWis good for fivers up to about 12,000 pounds. Typical1 ton SRW is going to weigh around 7500 to 8000 pounds ready to travel, and have a GVWR between 9900 and 10,100 pounds.
From what your telling me and unless you want to upgrade trucks too get the dually now