Is a Tundra out of the Question
I think we've settled on a TT, Kodiak 263RLSL Unloaded Weight 5,806 Cargo Capacity 1,794 Hitch 697 Length 31' (this much include hitch) Height 10' 7 Width 8' Fresh Water 52 Waste Water 28 Gre...
Forum Discussion
8 pages... wow. 8000 lbs max loaded weight. At 12% tongue weight you are at 960 lbs. Figure 50 lbs for weight distribution hitch, you are at 1010 lbs. That leaves you 300 lbs of payload if you are fully loaded.
OP, do the math and you will figure out if you are comfortable with the numbers. I can tell you that I have a Tundra and tow light (6500 lbs right now). The Tundra is a fantastic tow vehicle for me and my needs. I will be upgrading (hopefully this year or early next year) to a heavier trailer, possibly 2000 lbs more.
I go to Florida almost every February for vacation. I have seen the same 2 guys at the campground that tow 5th wheels from Indiana and Michigan to Florida every year with no problems. They are way over their payload with just the 5er, not including gear for an entire winter and passengers. They do it just fine, albeit with no real mountains.
Last weekend I was at the lake and saw a guy pulling a THIRTY SIX FOOT Puma. It was brand new, he said it was 8500 lbs DRY, didn't know his wet weight or tongue weight. This was his first trip, but he came through the mountains of western PA to get to the campground with no problems. He said his old trailer was about 800 lbs lighter than this one, he had that for 8 years with zero problems.
Personally, I don't like to be over my manufacturer ratings. I have talked to plenty of people that go over the yellow sticker ratings and just pay attention to axle weight ratings. There is plenty of experience towing higher than yellow sticker and being just fine.
OP, do the math and you will figure out if you are comfortable with the numbers. I can tell you that I have a Tundra and tow light (6500 lbs right now). The Tundra is a fantastic tow vehicle for me and my needs. I will be upgrading (hopefully this year or early next year) to a heavier trailer, possibly 2000 lbs more.
I go to Florida almost every February for vacation. I have seen the same 2 guys at the campground that tow 5th wheels from Indiana and Michigan to Florida every year with no problems. They are way over their payload with just the 5er, not including gear for an entire winter and passengers. They do it just fine, albeit with no real mountains.
Last weekend I was at the lake and saw a guy pulling a THIRTY SIX FOOT Puma. It was brand new, he said it was 8500 lbs DRY, didn't know his wet weight or tongue weight. This was his first trip, but he came through the mountains of western PA to get to the campground with no problems. He said his old trailer was about 800 lbs lighter than this one, he had that for 8 years with zero problems.
Personally, I don't like to be over my manufacturer ratings. I have talked to plenty of people that go over the yellow sticker ratings and just pay attention to axle weight ratings. There is plenty of experience towing higher than yellow sticker and being just fine.
