Forum Discussion
coolmom42
Aug 13, 2017Explorer II
Start by finding out your vehicle's towing capacity, exactly as it is equipped. It's prudent to stay at 80% of that number, or below, for a good towing experience. You should add about 1000-1500 lb to the dry weight of the trailer to figure out what your trailer loaded weight will be. If you tend to be heavy packers, go with the higher number.
Next find out the cargo capacity of your truck. The tongue weight of the loaded trailer must be 10-15% of the trailer weight for safe towing. That amount becomes part of your truck cargo. Subtract the tongue weight from the cargo capacity of the truck, and what is left, is what you have available for people and stuff. Do the math.
You may be limited by towing capacity, cargo capacity, or both. Most often cargo capacity is the limiting factor with SUVs and 1/2 ton trucks.
You will need a good weight distributing hitch with sway control. There is tons of info about that on this site and others. Do your reading and ask advice to make that choice.
Next find out the cargo capacity of your truck. The tongue weight of the loaded trailer must be 10-15% of the trailer weight for safe towing. That amount becomes part of your truck cargo. Subtract the tongue weight from the cargo capacity of the truck, and what is left, is what you have available for people and stuff. Do the math.
You may be limited by towing capacity, cargo capacity, or both. Most often cargo capacity is the limiting factor with SUVs and 1/2 ton trucks.
You will need a good weight distributing hitch with sway control. There is tons of info about that on this site and others. Do your reading and ask advice to make that choice.
About Travel Trailer Group
44,029 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 13, 2025