found out what my truck is rated for got questions now

There's more that goes into the axle ratings besides the tires. According to Ford:

"(4) Gross Axle Weight Rating is determined by the rated capacity of the minimum component of the axle system (axle, computer-selected springs, wheels, tires) of a specific vehicle. Front and rear GAWRs will, in all cases, sum to a number equal to or greater than the GVWR for the particular vehicle. Maximum loaded vehicle (including passengers, equipment and payload) cannot exceed the GVW rating or GAWR (front or rear)."

proxim2020 wrote:

totaldla wrote:
Isnt payload based on tires?

Not quite. The payload is the GVWR of the truck minus the current weight of the truck. Adding higher capacity tires will not increase payload.

When you look at truck Gross Axle Weight Ratings for a truck series, you'll see a big difference between vehicles in the same family. For example, GAWR varies from 3800lbs to 4800lbs in 2015 F150 trucks using identical rear axles. The 1000lb difference is tire and wheel ratings. The increased GAWR vehicle also has an increased GVWR.

I like to tell people, sure my half ton will tow a 9500 lb. TT with 1100 lbs. tongue weight like the truck commercials show. Of course the TT has to be empty and I cannot bring my wife, dog or any camping gear. :) I suppose they could follow behind in a second vehicle.

You notice the commercials usually show a single driver hauling that gonzo pipe loaded trailer.

It is all in the math and how much strain you wish to put on your vehicle no matter what is size.

totaldla wrote:
Isnt payload based on tires?

Not quite. The payload is the GVWR of the truck minus the current weight of the truck. Adding higher capacity tires will not increase payload.

Forest River, just like every other manufacturer, makes good trailers and bad trailers. If this trailer was one of the bad ones that came off the line, it would be blatantly obvious in 2017. Still I would thoroughly inspect it for current or potential problems. If you aren't capable of performing the inspection then hire someone to do it for you. I wouldn't trust the dealer's inspection.

It's certainly possible to tow with your current truck. You may want to first scale the truck, loaded as you would for a trip and a full tank, to determine what amount of payload you have left for a trailer. Once you find out how much payload you have available, then you can figure out what's the max tongue weight you can carry.

The tongue weight is typically 13 percent of the total weight of the trailer. So if you were to max this trailer out at 8,400 lbs then you would need at least 1,092 in available payload to stay within capacity. 1,100 lbs is more realistic.

Neither the dry weight or the GVWR of the trailer matters. What matters is the current weight of the trailer when you're towing it. Just because your trailer has a high GVWR doesn't mean you have to load it up to that weight. For example, I tow a trailer that has a GVWR of 9,990 lbs. My scaled trip weights are no where near that nor do I pack enough stuff to get there.

Ask the dealer to give you the current trailer and tongue weight so that you'll have a good starting point on your calculations.

Isnt payload based on tires? And doesn't a WD hitch spread the tongue weight out over the TV and trailer?

So unless you are close to maxing out the load on your truck axle, (burning bearings), a good set of tires and a good WD hitch makes properly a geared half-ton a decent tow vehicle. Maybe this should be another thread.

TexasPride22 wrote:
So after figuring out and reading your comments a half ton shouldn't pull no more then a lawn mower trailer

I dont get you need to get a 3/4ton+ comments REALLY its a brand new 16 model.why would i trade trucks.

When you ask a question, you may not always get the answer you want. Sometimes you get the answer you need.

You can keep what feedback you want, and discard the rest. The trailer you listed will be way more than 700 lb tongue weight. You did not tell us how big of a family, but with that trailer, and 2 air conditioners, I am guessing at least 2 kids.

On my way home with my trailer, after I moved my belongings form old trailer into front storage, I weighed 1450. This was with propane, no water, and nothing in the cabinets inside. I removed some of the stuff in the front storage.

I have towed my trailer with several GM 1500 pickups. That trips were 10, 25, and 50 miles. I had no family members with me when I towed for these trips.

I have also towed my trailer with HD pickups, and with 3500 Van. Would I travel for hours with my family in the 1500, absolutely not. Can it be done, yes.

So after figuring out and reading your comments a half ton shouldn't pull no more then a lawn mower trailer

I dont get you need to get a 3/4ton+ comments REALLY its a brand new 16 model.why would i trade trucks.

I concure, to much trailer. My TV is also a 2015 1500 silverado LTZ with a 5.3 and 3.42 and 1575 payload.. On my last trip mwhen I hit the scales my 24ft tt was 5650, 680 tw and the tv was about 100lbs under gvwt of 7000. GAWTs fine. I was surprised that I was that close to GVWT but not any other weghts. Beware: PAYLOAD GOES QUICK. The combo drove good all over NE and down the Blue Ridge Parkway and was very simular wgts last year out west to in UT & CO. It handled nicely even in the mountains and no or very little movement from passing trucks etc.and I felt comfortable but I wouldn't would not feel good about haul more. My next truck will be at least a 3/4 ton but not in forseeable future.
Safe travels & adventures to all!