Our First TT, will it be a hobby nightmare?
We are 2 weeks away from buying our first TT and we are not sure if this will be a nightmare or everything we dream about? We have our own business and can work from the office or a cruise ship, so...
Forum Discussion
GaryWT wrote:
Trailer looks nice, good luck with it. Just keep an eye on the payload of the truck, with a tongue weight of around 1,000 or so and a payload around 1,600 it is doable but tight at the same time. Enjoy.
X2 on the payload.
I think you need to do some more homework on what you can carry and tow.
The following two paragraphs, are excerpts from Toyota's towing guide (2015 Tundra):
34. “Payload capacity” is the calculation of GVWR minus curb weight and should be used for comparison purposes only. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner’s Manual. The maximum you can haul (payload) 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.
35. 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.
What they are saying is Tundra's are not all created equal. Each one has it's own max payload and tow capacity, based on it's actual weight, including options, accessories, occupants, and cargo. As these things get added, the available payload and tow capacity are dropping, pound for pound.
Jayco 28bhbe has unloaded weight of 6425 and gross weight of 9500 lbs. When you load it up for camping, it will probably weigh between 7500 and 8000 lbs. Your loaded tongue weight will be close to 1000 lbs. Your weight distributing hitch will weigh about 100 lbs.
Check your actual payload, deduct the weight of your family, deduct the weight of any aftermarket accessories you or the dealer have added, and see how much payload you have left. You''ll need about 1100 lbs for the tongue weight and hitch.
Your real world tow capacity is limited to the weakest link in the overall tow ratings. Normally that weak link is payload. Sometimes the hitch receiver is a bit low on what it is rated to carry.
The closer you get to going over weight, the more unpleasant the towing can be.
