Trailer Length/Weight Recommendations

SoundGuy wrote:

azdryheat wrote:
My point is the dry weight means absolutely nothing. You need to know the gross weight of the trailer, the GVWR, which is the only number that matters.

Of course dry weight matters and in many cases is a lot more relevant that GVWR when CCC is WAY more than any reasonable person would use. Add 1000 lbs to the trailer's UVW and for most that will at least put them in the ball park of what the trailer will typically average loaded and ready to camp.

To the OP - check out my gallery and you'll see my own custom version of a towing weight calculator I use for my own 2005 Avalanche. If it interests you PM with an email addy that accepts attachments and I'll send you a copy in .xls format you can then modify with your own numbers.

FWIW I've been towing for 10 yrs with a 2006 Silverado and our current 2005 Avalanche and wouldn't tow any more than 6000 lbs loaded & ready to camp. Less is always better though and our current Coachmen at ~ 4600 loaded is definitely an easier tow than our previous 5500 lb KZ Spree. Any thoughts you can tow much more than this will just be in your imagination. :W

I agree. Factory dry weight plus at least battery(s) and propane is a better starting point for estimating "dry" weight, because who is ever leaving home without those? Add about 330 lbs per 40 gallons of water (8.3 lbs per gallon - adjust to what you typically carry). Then figure what food and personal stuff you need to load for a typical trip (for us it's less than 250 additional lbs) and you will be close to what you will actually be towing.

My TT is listed dry at 4215, but with battery and propane it's more like 4340. I add in the water and other stuff and I'm still around 5000 lbs, Gross trailer weight is 5500, so I'm well within that, and under 750 lbs tongue weight (which is the real limiting factor for most 1/2 ton trucks - my F-150 has a 1777 CCC, so fully loaded with me, my wife, and the 40# dog, I'm still short of that).