TT Weight limits: theory and reality
There are a ton of threads here regarding the proper matching of TV and TT. Based on what I learned here, I made a very expensive decision to upgrade my brand new 1/2 ton to a 1 ton TV so that I would...
Forum Discussion
Gotta disagree here.
I have read the tests that the auto manufacturers perform to help them determine tow ratings.
Although they all differ somewhat, a common theme is to perform a stopping test without use of trailer brakes. This is to simulate a braking failure of some sort such as the cord falling out of the receptacle etc.
I forgot to plug mine in once, and towed thru the mountains that way... Since my truck is way overkill for the TT, I didn't notice my mistake until setting up that evening.
There are many reasons for the ratings. Some are performance, some are durability, and some are safety. Some may say that durability and performance CAN relate to safety...
I won't make that argument. What I will say is that the manufacturers do not disclose just what were the limiting factors in their ratings....
So some will take chances that the weak links will be ones that they can live with.
Do ya feel lucky punk? Well do ya?
I have read the tests that the auto manufacturers perform to help them determine tow ratings.
Although they all differ somewhat, a common theme is to perform a stopping test without use of trailer brakes. This is to simulate a braking failure of some sort such as the cord falling out of the receptacle etc.
I forgot to plug mine in once, and towed thru the mountains that way... Since my truck is way overkill for the TT, I didn't notice my mistake until setting up that evening.
There are many reasons for the ratings. Some are performance, some are durability, and some are safety. Some may say that durability and performance CAN relate to safety...
I won't make that argument. What I will say is that the manufacturers do not disclose just what were the limiting factors in their ratings....
So some will take chances that the weak links will be ones that they can live with.
Do ya feel lucky punk? Well do ya?
Terryallan wrote:Seattle Lion wrote:Leeblev wrote:
As previously stated....more is better than just marginal.
What those that tow/drive vehicles at/over the max. weights don't tell you is what the poster that is a mechanic said: replaced parts sooner. My major concern when towing at/over the MFG ratings is braking ability. I have experienced problems stopping in a panic situation while towing near my limit. I upgraded my TV and while on the way home on it's maiden voyage, had a panic stop that I didn't think I would make safely and found it not to be a problem because my braking system was designed for more weight and I was well under the max. GCVWR of my tow vehicle.
IMHO, you should never listen to those that don't comply with weight ratings because they have never had a problem. I doubt that. Do it right the first time and you don't have to worry about capacity or braking ability again.
If your TT is set up correctly, it won't contribute any extra load on the truck's brakes. The trailer will stop using its own brakes.
People have got to stop using the GCVWR to decide if their TV can stop the trailer. You TV, My TV, any body's TV is NOT designed to stop the GCVWR. The TV is only designed to stop the GVWR. Any thing over that. Has to be stopped by the trailer brakes.
In other words. A 1 ton dually towing a trailer that put the combined weight OVER the GVWR. Is no better off than a 150 with a trailer that puts it over the GVWR. They BOTH need trailer brakes to safely stop the trailer.
BTW. IF your Trailer brakes are locking up in a panic stop. you have too much power dialed into them. They should not lock up. You may hear them crying. But they should not lock. Follow the Brake controller instructions, and they won't.
