How big a trailer can I easily tow

Old-Biscuit wrote:

jmtandem wrote:

First. I currently have a 2005 Yukon with a factory tow package installed, a 5.3L V8 engine and a 3.42 rear end, 4 wheel drive TV. It is rated at 7500 pound tow capacity.

It depends in part on three things. How comfortable are you towing a bigger trailer; where do you want to go as some older state and federal campsites are smaller than the bigger RV parks or newer campgrounds; and how much can your tow vehicle haul. If you have a 7500 pound tow rating that is provided by the manufacturer that is the max weight for your vehicle to tow. Some advocate the '80 percent rule', or going up to only 80 percent of the 7500 rating. In the real world no manufacturer provides an eighty percent rule. If they say it will tow 7500 pounds that is the value. Good luck.

Problem with MFG. max tow ratings is that they are NOT real world example. The 'fine' print is a disclaimer concerning max tow ratings

FINE Print
*Maximum trailer weights in pounds for properly equipped vehicles with no cargo
*Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight assumes a towing vehicle with any mandatory options, no cargo, tongue load of 10-15 (conventional trailer) or king pin weight of 15-25% (fifth-wheel trailer), and driver only (150 pounds).
*May vary depending on model, trim and/or powertrain.
*Weight of additional options, passengers, cargo and hitch must be deducted from this weight.

so if you have a base, stripped model, weigh only 150# and don't take anyone/anything with you yeah........max tow.
But if you don't fit the above forget that magical max tow rating.

A tow vehicle will go over GVWR, payload/cargo capacity or rear axle/tire ratings before reaching max tow rating.

Want to know what you can tow.........
Load your vehicle up 'camp ready' (everything/everybody) and go get weighed.
Then subtract that weight from vehicles GVWR-----that is your real cargo/payload available.

15% of trailers GVWR is good idea of tongue weight. Can your vehicle handle that weight?

Probably closer to 6000# trailer