How to determine hitch weight capacity
...when nothing in the door-post or the manual even mentions it? We know the hitch-weight of our TT, but when shopping for a TV, how can you know the maximum hitch weight it can take? There's no...
Forum Discussion
MargaretB wrote:You cannot determine how much tongue/hitch weight your truck can support without knowing the payload of your truck. Your tongue/hitch weight must be subtracted from the payload capacity of your truck. If the weight of the passengers and gear stowed in your truck AND the tongue/hitch weight (added together) exceeds the overall payload capacity of your truck, then you cannot safely tow.
Thanks for the advice. We're not concerned about payload. We're concerned about hitch weight. We'll go back today with my iPhone and try to get a picture of the label.
I'm going to assume the 780 lbs. of tongue/hitch weight you previously quoted is the manufacturer's UNLOADED tongue/hitch weight. This figure does NOT include the weight of water, propane tanks, batteries, personal gear, any options (dealer or manufacturer installed), and may or may not even apply to the particular configuration you're purchasing. Bottom line, these manufacturer's tongue/hitch weight specs are notoriously inaccurate, especially for toy haulers.
The dealer will probably give you a hard time about it, but I'd suggest weighing your TT (axle & tongue/hitch weight--road ready with all options) before purchase. Not many people do it, but if you have any interest in protecting yourself from a costly, safety related mistake . . .
