Lightening tongue weight
It has occurred to us that if we just camp alone, with nothing in the TV but ourselves and a bag of potato chips, we're good with the tongue weight. But after subtracting it from our payload, we don'...
Forum Discussion
MargaretB wrote:
Our current tongue weight is 13%. Loaded for a short trip, our TT is at about 6200#. Payload is 1230# and tow limit is, depending on whom you believe and when, either 7100#, 7200#, or 9600#. We go with the middle.
Our TT is an ultralight, and not that heavy. So how come we see so many people pulling much bigger TTs with an F150?
Those max tow capacity numbers, are marketing crap. When Toyota, Ford, GM, etc, say their vehicle can pull 7100 lbs. They are basing that on having a 150 lb driver, who is alone, has no cargo, and the trailer is not a big box, with a lot of wind resistance.
We as RV'ers, tend to bring a few things and usually a few people along with us. Add that to a big box with a lot of wind resistance, and that max tow capacity number becomes a myth.
Read the fine print in most owners manuals, you will find a statement that says "Actual max towing weight may vary and is no higher than the weakest link in the vehicles towing systems". That weak link, in many cases, is payload.
The vehicle has max ratings for what it can pull AND what it can carry. The two are interrelated. As you add weight to what the vehicle is carrying, the amount it can pull is going down, pound for pound.
Those F150's, pulling bigger trailers, are either the F150's that have that higher payloads / towing packages, or the F150's that are overloaded.
Here is the statement from 2015 Toyota Sequoia owners manual:
"29. Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner’s Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on base curb weight plus the total weight of any cargo, occupants, and added vehicle equipment. “Added vehicle equipment” includes additional standard/optional equipment and accessories added by the manufacturer, dealers, and/or vehicle owners. The only way to be certain of your vehicle’s exact curb weight is to weigh your vehicle without passengers or cargo"
