Newbie trying to match a TC to my 1500 HD
Well I'm a newbie here looking to purchase my first TC. I have been doing a lot of research, but finding many conflicting answers/opinions regarding matching campers to trucks. First, here are the sp...
Forum Discussion
You are on the right track getting actual weights with the boat trailer included.
What you are likely to learn is Rule #1: Everything is heavier than you think.
Typically, these trucks have 2800-3100lbs of capacity left on the rear axle with an empty bed, nothing hitched up, and no crazy aftermarket accessories like lifts. It's going to be tough if not impossible to stay under GVWR but what you do not want to exceed is your axle ratings, because your axle ratings are your tire ratings on that class of truck.
The reasons you don't want to exceed tire ratings are because they're actually published on the tire, your tires are the most important thing keeping you upright and in control of the vehicle, and tires fail suddenly and catastrophically, without warning, when overloaded. Sure you can have a blowout and a flat with a brand new tire on an empty truck, but why give fate more temptation than she already has?
I've stopped trying to play the safety card. You'll find the truck far too uncomfortable to drive long before you become a credible safety hazard to the general public. It will be spongy, lurchy, sluggish, and you simply won't want to drive it unless you have VERY low standards of how a vehicle will handle.
What you are likely to learn is Rule #1: Everything is heavier than you think.
Typically, these trucks have 2800-3100lbs of capacity left on the rear axle with an empty bed, nothing hitched up, and no crazy aftermarket accessories like lifts. It's going to be tough if not impossible to stay under GVWR but what you do not want to exceed is your axle ratings, because your axle ratings are your tire ratings on that class of truck.
The reasons you don't want to exceed tire ratings are because they're actually published on the tire, your tires are the most important thing keeping you upright and in control of the vehicle, and tires fail suddenly and catastrophically, without warning, when overloaded. Sure you can have a blowout and a flat with a brand new tire on an empty truck, but why give fate more temptation than she already has?
I've stopped trying to play the safety card. You'll find the truck far too uncomfortable to drive long before you become a credible safety hazard to the general public. It will be spongy, lurchy, sluggish, and you simply won't want to drive it unless you have VERY low standards of how a vehicle will handle.
