Forum Discussion
Heavy_Metal_Doc
Jan 31, 2014Explorer
Gdetrailer wrote:
Umm.. no that isn't the way it works..
You simply just can't put 1500 lbs on a vehicle and hitch which specifically states something like 900 lbs as the max weight.
Take a step back..
The tow rating of the OPs vehicle my be listed as 900 lbs tongue AND 9100 lbs trailer weight. If you look closely the manufacturer is stretching the truth by using the bottom most tongue weight of 10%. In reality most folks are going to WANT to have a hitch weight GREATER than 10% in order take make the towing more stabil...
Putting 15% on the tongue and still pulling a trailer at 9100 lbs will put 1300 lbs on the tongue and that most likely will be over the allowable cargo weight of the vehicle.
To play it safe one must reduce the WEIGHT of the trailer in order to allow for up to 15% tongue weight so you don't go over the cargo weight...
You need to subtract the curb weight of said tow vehicle from the GVWR and that will give you the max cargo weight.
Then you subtract your passenger and gear weight from the cargo weight the left over is the MAX you have for your tongue weight.
The you must make sure you don't exceed your vehicles axle ratings..
Clear as mud?
Yeah, I guess I was thinking more in terms of my own TV (a 3500 SRW) -- I know it stated a max tongue weight around 900 or so BUT it also said to add class 4 WDH hitch to go higher weight. The Armada probably doesn't offer that option since it has lighter axles to carry whatever weight you put on - be it hitch weight or cargo - you'll get maxxed out pretty quickly and be over axle weights.
In fact - a little quick web searching before I hit the POST button - revealed this on the Armada - right from Nissan:
"When towing at or near Maximum Trailer Weight, the allowable vehicle cargo and/or number of passengers is reduced because it is necessary to stay below the Gross Combined Weight Rating and the Gross Axle Weight Rating. If the vehicle has cargo and passengers, the allowable Maximum Trailer Weight is reduced. See your Towing Guide and owner’s manual for proper use."
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