Want to start off on the right foot

BenK wrote:
Welcome and congratulations on getting the info first before purchasing the trailer for your risk management decision (AKA gambling)...you are an extremely rare one for sure !!!!


First, decide if you believe in the OEM's ratings system or not...If not, the academic and do whatever...If yes, then continue to gather the information you will need to make your own decision.

I'll not every give the "sure you can"...or whatever many come here asking...only wanting to hear what they want to hear...but provide the metrics for you, the OP, to make up your decision(s)

Gather these for your TV and a full sized van is an excellent one. NOTE that all of the info from the OEM has a "R" in it and it references RATING

GVWR
GCWR (not many believe this, as it is a fairly new rating)
GAWR, both front and rear

Pretty much forget about the MTWR (Max Tow Weight Rating), as it is derived from a 'curb' vehicle. Meaning a stripper model with only one option...the tow option...and one 150 lb driver. AC, power doors, power windows, etc are NOT part of that MTWR basis

Best to go out and weigh your TV as is and fully loaded ready to tow. That includes people, pets, cargo, etc, etc

Then you can do the simple math to figure out what 'your' TV is rated to tow. Typically 1K or more less than the listed MTWR

Decide what kind of WD Hitch system you like. They all work, but critical is how they are installed and SET UP

ON that, learn how the various dial/knobs/etc adjusts for the WD Hitch you decide on. There really isn't a one size fits all on that, IMHO

The goal of the WD Hitch system is to return the TV and the whole setup to a condition for that worst day out there when Mr Murphy crosses your path...either you have the proper sized and setup or not spot on...there will be no time to go back to the store for bigger/better...nor re-adjust the setup...

All things designed and engineered are not for the good days out there, but for that worst day when Mr Murphy crosses your path...also the Ratings are in reference to the OEM's specifications for 'that' TV. It has also been certified to have passed by your OEM to meet agency mandated testing requirements

There is a wealth of info here and on the Internet...but...learn to weed out what works for you vs stuff that won't help...

Goal for the WD Hitch system and the choice(s) of TV & Trailer is to have the final setup with the TV settled to whatever the OEM manual says (old days was even drop, now with the so many different suspension/etc they are different form OEM to OEM...even from model to model)...that the trailer tongue weight is around 13%-15% (I prefer highest, as it tows better and resists sway better), that the trailer is level at it's highest pointing and I prefer pointing slightly down

Then the components like the class of tires (on both TV and Trailer), PSI in them, etc, etc, etc

Good luck and post back on how it goes

Thank you for the info. I definitely don't want to just dive in blind. For safety reasons and for financial reasons! As you can see I'm still pretty early in this process so as I learn more and see more, I'll eventually move foward. And I'll definitely be sure to post back as I move through the process.

On a side note to everyone..... I love the quick replies! It's very helpful and a good sign of people's willingness to help. I'm not one who comes to get the answers I want to hear. I just look for objective (and even subjective) answers based on 1st hand knowledge, facts, and even experience. I may not always agree with some things but all things provide me with info to take into consideration.

Thanks