TT’s. How long is too long?

waynec1957 wrote:


Ideally, I'd like to keep all the weights (TW, GCVWR, payload, etc.) somewhere around 80-85% of the max which should give me and the equipment a nice cushion. I never would have thought about that had I not read what these good folks had experienced.

Something I stumbled across and wondered if anyone had any experience with was a portable trailer tongue weight scale
http://www.sherline.com/lm.htm

If they work, it might be a handy tool to have

Yes, reserve capacity is your friend. These "bricks" we haul down the road have a lot of wind drag and is very noticeable above 45mph. The frontal area of the TT exposed to the wind eats up tow ratings. The bigger the area or the faster the speed the more reserve you use.

60 sq feet of frontal area is recognized by some manufacture where "performance" can be affected. Ford says this and other mfg's too. Just they never declare how much performance is lost... They are letting you know, there will be a loss and we told you so...

They also do not have a separate tow rating for a boat, open flat deck trailer, 6 foot wide cargo trailer or the 8 foot wide 11.5" tall bricks we tow. Or a open utility trailer with a high grate ramp sticking up 6 to 7 feet in the air... amazing the power they eat, empty even. So the experienced RV'er after learning the hard way or being fortunate enough to have a buddy help them, they can overcome the under powered TV. Can it pull it and can it pull it pleasurably are 2 different statements.

So keep your reserve and have a pleasurably tow in any set of conditions, up or down hill.

The Sherline, yes I have one and a good thing to have. They should be included in any new camper as part of the deal. And along with an explanation on why good TW percentage is so important for towing and how to help you load the floor plan you just bought so that it comes out that way. And...so you buy the right size WD bars the first time.

Here is mine during the loading process. That pic was a few pounds ago...