Newbie needs help with tow ability
I am hoping to get your advice and help. We have recently upgraded to a 2018 sunset trail 291RK that is 33.33 feet long and weighs 5600 lbs dry weight. We are trading in a 2006 Ford F 150 that we were...
Forum Discussion
Things to consider when matching tow vehicle to trailer:
1. The trailer is going to get heavier. 5686 lbs dry weight will be in the area of 6700 lb, when loaded for camping. That trailer's gross weight rating is over 7000 lbs. The closer your trailer weight gets to your max tow weight, the more unpleasant your towing can be.
2. Tongue weight is not a constant number and fluctuates during every trip. Average tongue weight is 12 - 13 percent of loaded trailer weight. If your loaded trailer weight is 6700 lbs, tongue weight will be 800 - 900 lbs, and could go higher.
3. The trucks true max tow weight is limited to the weakest link in it's overall ratings (axle weights, tire loads, hitch weights, payload, and tow weight). Normally, that weakest link is payload.
4. The truck's advertised max tow weight rating, was calculated without aftermarket accessories, passengers, or cargo. As you add weight to the truck, it's max towing weight and it's available payload are going down, pound for pound.
5. Depending on cab configuration, options installed, 2WD or 4WD, suspension, axles, tires, and power train, every truck has it's own payload and max tow rating. Not all F150's, F250's, F350's etc are created equal. Same for other brands.
6. There are F150's with higher ratings than the one you're looking at.
Here's a link to a calculator that may help.
1. The trailer is going to get heavier. 5686 lbs dry weight will be in the area of 6700 lb, when loaded for camping. That trailer's gross weight rating is over 7000 lbs. The closer your trailer weight gets to your max tow weight, the more unpleasant your towing can be.
2. Tongue weight is not a constant number and fluctuates during every trip. Average tongue weight is 12 - 13 percent of loaded trailer weight. If your loaded trailer weight is 6700 lbs, tongue weight will be 800 - 900 lbs, and could go higher.
3. The trucks true max tow weight is limited to the weakest link in it's overall ratings (axle weights, tire loads, hitch weights, payload, and tow weight). Normally, that weakest link is payload.
4. The truck's advertised max tow weight rating, was calculated without aftermarket accessories, passengers, or cargo. As you add weight to the truck, it's max towing weight and it's available payload are going down, pound for pound.
5. Depending on cab configuration, options installed, 2WD or 4WD, suspension, axles, tires, and power train, every truck has it's own payload and max tow rating. Not all F150's, F250's, F350's etc are created equal. Same for other brands.
6. There are F150's with higher ratings than the one you're looking at.
Here's a link to a calculator that may help.
