How Much Safety Margin to Allow...If Any?
Hi Everyone, We have a 2011 Ford Expedition 4x4 with the Heavy Duty Trailer Tow package. A few relevant specs: Axle = 3.31 Max Loaded Trailer Wt = 8,900lbs GCWR = 15,000lbs GAWR Front = 3,70...
Forum Discussion
Sport45 wrote:
The safety factor is included in the manufacturer's ratings. As long as you don't exceed the rated weights for any axle or total vehicle weight you are okay. As 8iron said above, you will probably max out on payload before you reach the "rated" trailer weight.
Safety wise that might be true, but what those ratings DO NOT factor in is the comfortability and ease of how a TV handles the length, HUGE FRONTAL AREA, and wt of TTs. Do you want to arrive at your destination after 4 hours feeling normal or arrive feeling worn out, nerves on edge from fighting with how stable your combo was every inch of every mile. This very subjective area can't be easily quantified except thru experience with sufficient time behind the wheel. There can be a WORLD OF DIFFERENCE in a 30min. or 1 hr. trip to your local CG vs. a 4 or 6 hr drive to an overnight destination followed the next day by the same routine.
Larry
