Trying to understand payload

BenK wrote:

vesh1717 wrote:

Now I am simply starting this topic because I am curious. At this point I plan on towing a TT that weights about 4k absolutely loaded. So I know I can tow that safely and easily. But I was just sitting here trying to figure out the max I might be able to tow, because eventually I am going to upgrade my TT.

TV - 2012 Ram 1500 Big Horn CC 3.92 gears.
Specs
Base weight - 5345 (just weighed truck last week and it weighed 5700ish)
GVWR - 6800
Payload 1455
GAWR - Front/Rear - both 3900
Max Trailer - 10000
GCWR - 15500

I am not a complete N00b, so I know the basics. Where I am getting stuck is trying to figure out IF I could actually tow close to say 9k, or would I be over the tongue weight or axle ratings.

For fun, let's have 2 separate answers.
1. How much COULD I tow?
2. What would ppl recommend in order to tow safely?

I realize these are subjective answers, but I am looking for facts, and also opinions.

I'm thinking I will likely go with something that has a Gross rating of like 7k, and no longer than 25 feet... but like I said, I just want to hear some thoughts.

Depends on your philosophies on risk management decisions (AKA gambling) vs ratings
AKA specifications or limits

There is a thread with the title 'arrogant' that is on the side of not believing
in the OEM's published ratings/specifications/etc.

If just looking for the 'sure you can', then you will get tons of them
and don't need to read further. Just note that there is only one
person responsible for the setup and that is the driver.

The details below are mainly for others who would be asking a similar
question and since you say you don't really need to ask and know enough...
This is for them and to help you make the decision(s)

Keep in mind that there is a difference between 'can' and 'should'


If you do believe in the OEM's ratings/specifications, then this diagram may help
you make the risk management decision on where you wish to be on the ratings

You will need to go out and weigh the setup axle by axle both empty and loaded
If you do not have one or the other or either, then use their max ratings as
the basis to do the simple math

Just think of the generic formula

GCWR >= TV + TT + cargo/people/etc/etc

as a teeter-totter where the >= is the fulcrum






Using your info that formula looks like this

15,000 GCWR >= 5,700 TV + 10,000 TT

So you would be over the OEM's GCWR rating by about 700 lbs. The wheels
won't instantly fall off but any time approaching the limits will
have higher stresses that will wear out things sooner

Also, as the limits/ratings/etc are approached, the over all performance
is reduced. Take braking an empty TV vs braking a TV at it's GVWR
Of course the TV at GVWR will take more distance to brake and will
have more stresses than the exact same TV in the exact same ambient
conditions, but empty.