TT Shopping...What should be my weight target

First question is whether you believe in your OEM's ratings system or not

If not, then an academic discussion here

If yes, then find the ratings for 'your' TV, then weigh your TV fully loaded as if ready to go RV'ing

Gather your OEM's ratings/specifications for your TV

Then do the simple math using this formula. If you do NOT have an actual weight of your trailer, then use it's GVWR as the maximum it is rated to carry

Edit...messed the formula and now corrected

GCWR >= TV actual weight + trailer actual weight + stuff

Stuff like the WD hitch system, etc

You will need to then keep the RGAWR in mind and that will need another trip to the scales to weigh the setup axle by axle


Second question is: "how long do you expect to keep your TV"...as keep the setup withing the OEM's ratings will have it live long and perform as the OEM intended

If over the ratings, then it will NOT live as long and have a reduction in performance. Not "GO" performance...mainly it's ability to manhandle the situation when Mr Murphy crosses your path

A 'can do' vs 'should do' vs 'rated to do'...IMHO


Just about anything 'can do' it...

Kfloamy wrote:
Tow vehicle will be an 05 Chevy Tahoe LT...has a 5.3 liter V8....VIN search says towing capacity is 7700 lbs. Tahoe has a "towing" button as well as a leveling system on the back suspension.

I've been looking at travel trailers in the 4000-5000 lb range. Am I okay there?