The Dreaded 1/2 Ton Towing Question

Walaby wrote:

Ruger3739 wrote:

My TV ready to camp with the WD hitch installed was 5960. Rear axle without trailer attached was 2520lbs

With my old trailer hooked up and WD engaged my rear axel was at 3180lbs

So, old TT you were running at ~6600 (maybe 6900 as you say in your original post), and a tongue weight of ~660 lbs.. So, you're only running somewhere around 10 percent tongue weight. Glad it was towing okay for you.

Assuming you can get away with the same 10% tongue weight with the new TT (may or may not be a good assumption) you'll be at 730 lbs. I don't think you'll get away with 10 percent, but if you do, looks like, theoretically, you will be still within weight factors.

You asked for opinions, so my opinion you will likely be closer to 13 percent tongue weight, which would be 950 lbs (an additional 290 lbs of tongue weight), bringing rear axle to 3470. Still theoretically within values.

Now, factor in real world experience, and everyone's comfort level is different. I had a pleasant experience towing with a vehicle virtually identical to you, with a TT that was ~6500 lbs, so very close to your old config. I do not believe I would have the same experience with a config that was 700 lbs heavier (your old TT 6600, new one 7300).


But, overall, you're really guessing at your weights.. (I guess Im at 6900, I guess I'll add 1000lbs to the dry weight of the new TT) and making assumptions that may or may not be valid (tongue weight will remain same percentage). Actual weights will tell.

Mike

That TW was with my weight distribution engaged. When I let the bars down it was closer to 1000lbs was on my hitch. The old TT was very tongue heavy.

The dry weight I listed for my old TT was off the sticker inside. I'm assuming they didn't weigh those things off the assembly line like they do now. When I first got the TT I weighed it with just pots, pans and paper plates and it was close to 6500 lbs.

I know towing with a half ton isn't ideal. But my old trailer did tow very well. No sway, I could do the speed limit no problem (except on really steep grades and the only one I go up is a four lane so I out my flashers on, get in the slow lane and enjoy the 40mph ride) and breaking was fine.

There is another trailer I'm looking at that is lighter than my last one by 200 lbs. I just like the Open Range so much better.

I'm not trying to be a danger on the road or cause arguments over weight. I just don't want to buy a trailer I'm unhappy with or that's way too heavy for my TV.

With a stickered dry weight of 6300lbs (brochure weight 5700lbs simular to the old tt), add propane, batteries, and the minimum inside I think I would be under or right at 7000 lbs with a TW of 980@14% . Yes this is a guess. I don't own the trailer and can't weight it.

Based on my math and my previous TT I would be under all the ratings. I would be close on a few.

So what does a guy do? I love camping, love my current paid off truck, and love the thought of buying this trailer.

I do appreciate All the feedback and hope I make the right decision.