Forum Discussion
Boomerweps
May 11, 2022Explorer
To answer your final question:
Yes, you were stupid
UNTIL you realized you were a bit out of your depth, posted here, and ran the math for yourself.
So congrats on that ;)
In giving new by RVers purchasing advise, I always recommend using the Travel Trailer’s GVWR in decision making math. That way when you really load it up (or your wife does), you don’t get into overloading arguments (been there, done that). Also try hard to keep that around 80% of your tow vehicle’s rated towing capacity. That stops you from frequently towing at or over the various capacities of truck or trailer.
I won’t rehash the whole story but my first CAT Scale weights showed me overweight on my SUV (2008 Explorer) rear axle & my trailer axle by near 200# each. Not earth shattering but my SUV and trailer went on a weight reducing plan that included no fresh water in the tank, no firewood, not much extra stuff for visitors, and less most everything. Bought a stronger tow vehicle (TV)(F150) shortly after the beginning of our 2nd RV camping season. Bought the trailer to ~90% match the Explorer capacities and it worked but a weak TV.
Side note, in general: A good trailer brake controller (TBC) is a must. A good Weight Distribution Hitch (WDH) is a must on a half ton truck towing a Travel Trailer at half or more it’s tow capacity.
Yes, you were stupid
UNTIL you realized you were a bit out of your depth, posted here, and ran the math for yourself.
So congrats on that ;)
In giving new by RVers purchasing advise, I always recommend using the Travel Trailer’s GVWR in decision making math. That way when you really load it up (or your wife does), you don’t get into overloading arguments (been there, done that). Also try hard to keep that around 80% of your tow vehicle’s rated towing capacity. That stops you from frequently towing at or over the various capacities of truck or trailer.
I won’t rehash the whole story but my first CAT Scale weights showed me overweight on my SUV (2008 Explorer) rear axle & my trailer axle by near 200# each. Not earth shattering but my SUV and trailer went on a weight reducing plan that included no fresh water in the tank, no firewood, not much extra stuff for visitors, and less most everything. Bought a stronger tow vehicle (TV)(F150) shortly after the beginning of our 2nd RV camping season. Bought the trailer to ~90% match the Explorer capacities and it worked but a weak TV.
Side note, in general: A good trailer brake controller (TBC) is a must. A good Weight Distribution Hitch (WDH) is a must on a half ton truck towing a Travel Trailer at half or more it’s tow capacity.
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