The Dreaded 1/2 Ton Towing Question

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