Trying to figure out what trailers I can tow
Hello friends! I'm looking for purchasing my first truck and then I'd like to shop for an RV. I have no preferences at the current moment, but I'm in love with Airstreams. So, I've found the Ram...
Forum Discussion
The way I see it, the 150lbs for "driver" is minimal. If you are so close to the payload of the vehicle that adding that 150lbs to the numbers puts you over payload, then you need a bigger truck.
For that reason, I would calculate payload by subtracting the full weight of the driver along with everything else.
Fuel is included in the curb weight, along with all other operational fluids.
Payload - weight of driver and all passengers (pets included) - weight of everything put in or on the vehicle - 15 percent of the trailer's GVWR (or actual loaded weight). If less than zero, you have too much trailer for the truck.
Truck towing capacity - trailer GVWR (or actual loaded weight). If less than zero, you have too much trailer for the truck. If you will be driving long distances and/or hilly/mountainous terrain, it's good to keep the trailer weight to 80 percent or less of the truck's towing capacity (some will go right to the limit, but they are either very experienced towers OR idiots.
For that reason, I would calculate payload by subtracting the full weight of the driver along with everything else.
Fuel is included in the curb weight, along with all other operational fluids.
Payload - weight of driver and all passengers (pets included) - weight of everything put in or on the vehicle - 15 percent of the trailer's GVWR (or actual loaded weight). If less than zero, you have too much trailer for the truck.
Truck towing capacity - trailer GVWR (or actual loaded weight). If less than zero, you have too much trailer for the truck. If you will be driving long distances and/or hilly/mountainous terrain, it's good to keep the trailer weight to 80 percent or less of the truck's towing capacity (some will go right to the limit, but they are either very experienced towers OR idiots.
