TT Weight limits: theory and reality

dennisgt60 wrote:
Before, yes I was mostly ignorant about such maters as GVWR, GCWR, axle ratings, etc. Now, I know.

NOW I KNOW....better than to overload my truck. Now I know and believe in and will practice operating within the trucks limitations. That's just the way I'm wired. Once you "know" there is no excuse to act ignorant.

I suspect some of those folks running down the road (I too have seen them)...very apparently overloaded....some of them may be ignorant yet as well.

And now that I know better, if I purposely go over the limit then, I must be an....well, Executive said it best.

Dennis

Dennis well said and I snipped what I think is the most telling part of your post. I would like to make several comments that I feel fairly strongly about which I won't argue over, but are only put forth for consideration by others as they see fit.

1. It's true they are a lot of folks out there that are operating their vehicles out side the set limits be it GVWR, GCWR, etc. and aren't all running into the first ditch they see, but as you said they are IMO assuming a risk that is simply unnecessary and not prudent.

2. I hate to see statements and comparisons that mention towing equip type trailers, commercial OTR truckers, even about the experienced folks that ferry TTs, and comments about the level of driving expertise and experience some how compensating or reducing risk. Yes it can to some extent, but I strongly feel it's unhelpful, not prudent, and borders on being dangerous for one to harp on this aspect since one has no idea the level of experience/expertise that this information of those reading that information might have and potentially might act on said information. What really compounds this is the natural human nature to rationalize a decision based not on facts, but emotions and not be willing to admit that one might have make a costly mistake that will cost them $$$$. In forums like this the only stance IMO is to err on the side of safety and conservatism and many posters by the nature of RVing have families whose safety should be paramount.

3. I'm firmly in the camp of you can almost NEVER have too much TV and hate to see folks putting the daily driver, mpg, etc. as excuses to try and get the lowest common denominator in a TV possible when in reality these factors are for the most part not significant is say going from a 1/2T to a more capable 3/4 or even 1T vehicle. The cost, mpgs, ride, etc. are actually fairly close to that of the less capable vehicle and the only reason folks are fixated on the less capable vehicle is the "stigma" attached to having a proper truck to begin with.

Larry