Towing a my new travel trailer my .02
<---------Disclaimer--------> THIS INFORMATION IS IN NO WAY TO BE USED AS A GUIDE TO SIZING UP YOUR TRAVEL TRAILER TO A TOW VEHICLE. THIS IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IN NO WAY CAN BE CONSIDERED AN EXPERT OPINION. TOWING REQUIRES SKILL AND EXPERIENCE. IF YOU ARE UNEASY TRUST YOUR GUT AND DON'T DO IT!!!! OR SIMPLY DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH. <-----------Disclaimer.
Here are my numbers for later discussion
2008 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer EL 4X4 with Heavy Duty Tow Package
34 gallon fuel capacity
3:73 rear end
Unladen weight 6262 lbs.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 7900 lbs. (Maximum load capacity)
Leaving a cargo capacity of 1638 lbs. (This is the weight allowed for all passengers, fluids, fuel and cargo combined to reach my 7900 lb limit of truck.
8750 lb max tow capacity
Gross Combined Weight Rating (Loaded truck and loaded trailer) is 15000 lb.
Weight distribution hitch (To be determined)
Tekonsha P3 Brake controller
2005 Jayco Jayflight 29FBS
Unladen Vehicle Weight is 7030 lb listed on kitchen cabinet door
Next numbers are DIRECTLY FROM JAYCO representative by VIN number
Shipped weight (Including beds, sofa, microwave, etc) is 6150 lb
The 880 lb difference is for hitch weight combined to give the 7030 UVW
Other considerations
Fuel weighs approximately 6.1 lbs per gallon
Water (H2O) weighs approximately 8 lbs per gallon
Liquid Propane (LP) weighs approximately 4.23 lbs per gallon
Combined family weight is 430 lbs total (Not individually LOL)
Here is the math....
Truck + Fuel + Family
6262 207 430 = approximately 6899 lb
Trailer + Cargo + Water (3 gallons) + LP (X2)
7030 800 24 40 = approximately 7894 lb
So I figure my Gross Combined Weight is 6899 + 7894 = 14793 lbs. My GCWR is 15000 lb
Although I am at the brink of capacity I am not over. Now if I missed anything please point it out. I know that there are some 2500ers around that say a 1/2 ton is not enough truck. Here is what Ford says " A 2500 vehicle that has the same power train as a 1/2 ton CAN TOW MORE the only difference is a stiffer suspension that accounts for more tongue weight, therefore you can carry a heavier trailer. For instance a tractor trailer is designed to tow big weight. Suspension and gearing allow this to take place. As they reach an incline they are working their motors to pull up an incline. So common thought would be a tractor trailer is "Not Enough Truck" to pull their load because they struggle on hills then right? Nope they are within their design limits to do this and account for it during travel. Us 1/2 ton folks should not be intimidated if the numbers work.
Here are my numbers for later discussion
2008 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer EL 4X4 with Heavy Duty Tow Package
34 gallon fuel capacity
3:73 rear end
Unladen weight 6262 lbs.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 7900 lbs. (Maximum load capacity)
Leaving a cargo capacity of 1638 lbs. (This is the weight allowed for all passengers, fluids, fuel and cargo combined to reach my 7900 lb limit of truck.
8750 lb max tow capacity
Gross Combined Weight Rating (Loaded truck and loaded trailer) is 15000 lb.
Weight distribution hitch (To be determined)
Tekonsha P3 Brake controller
2005 Jayco Jayflight 29FBS
Unladen Vehicle Weight is 7030 lb listed on kitchen cabinet door
Next numbers are DIRECTLY FROM JAYCO representative by VIN number
Shipped weight (Including beds, sofa, microwave, etc) is 6150 lb
The 880 lb difference is for hitch weight combined to give the 7030 UVW
Other considerations
Fuel weighs approximately 6.1 lbs per gallon
Water (H2O) weighs approximately 8 lbs per gallon
Liquid Propane (LP) weighs approximately 4.23 lbs per gallon
Combined family weight is 430 lbs total (Not individually LOL)
Here is the math....
Truck + Fuel + Family
6262 207 430 = approximately 6899 lb
Trailer + Cargo + Water (3 gallons) + LP (X2)
7030 800 24 40 = approximately 7894 lb
So I figure my Gross Combined Weight is 6899 + 7894 = 14793 lbs. My GCWR is 15000 lb
Although I am at the brink of capacity I am not over. Now if I missed anything please point it out. I know that there are some 2500ers around that say a 1/2 ton is not enough truck. Here is what Ford says " A 2500 vehicle that has the same power train as a 1/2 ton CAN TOW MORE the only difference is a stiffer suspension that accounts for more tongue weight, therefore you can carry a heavier trailer. For instance a tractor trailer is designed to tow big weight. Suspension and gearing allow this to take place. As they reach an incline they are working their motors to pull up an incline. So common thought would be a tractor trailer is "Not Enough Truck" to pull their load because they struggle on hills then right? Nope they are within their design limits to do this and account for it during travel. Us 1/2 ton folks should not be intimidated if the numbers work.
