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
Seattle Lion wrote:
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.
The brakes on the truck are rated to stop the GVWR of the truck, the TT brakes stop the trailer. BUT if you are over the GVWR on the truck, then you are overloading your brakes as well.
Overloading does not mean crash is imminent. Some ratings like GAWR and tire ratings are safety issues...folks often ask why the GVWR is less than the combined GAWRs and the answer is not always obvious. Part of it allows for unequal loading, but part of it is a durability issue.
Manufacturers build trucks not only with capability in mind but also cost of ownership and durability. If you stretch the envelope on capability then you it is likely to have an adverse effect on durability.
I like to think of economy, durability and capability as the 3 corners of a triangle. If you stretch any one point you shorten the others. Every vehicle design is a compromise in that regard.
You may have had 3000 trouble free miles towing overweight, but you are shortening the service interval for who knows how many parts. Will you need a trans rebuild at 75,000? Rear axle rebuild?
