Depending on what vehicle we buy, our Airstream will be a 27' twin, or 30' bunk. If we buy the Ford F-250 diesel, will get 30'. But if we are able to safely tow the 27' twin with Tundra, we are going that route. Hitch weight is 781 lbs, dry weight is 5850 lbs. Main usage will be 1-2 weekend trips a month to the nearby Smoky Mountains of NC and Tenn. For us that's 3-4 hours of hwy and 1-2 hours of twisty and steep grades in the mountains. Mostly on paved roads but some secondary gravel roads. Also will be taking a 2-3 week national parks type trip out west each summer. Wife and I weigh 550, kids are just infant and toddler, but growing. Same applies to our 16 week shepherd, Chena. Toyota Tundra Max Cab 4x4 Limited or 1794. We fell in love with it the moment we saw it. Heart wants what the heart wants. Fit and finish of the 1794 model exceeds that of every other truck we saw. The issue, the dang sticker in driver door that said payload 1300 lbs. So, what are the real world risks, warnings, or just plain ole criticisms of exceeding the printed payload by 200-300lbs? I've seen countless images of much heavier campers than what we are considering being pulled by Tundras. I've read enough and talked to enough owners to believe that this is truly an underrated truck. All the 5/8 ton jokes. Etc. What measures, if any, could one take to minimize any handling or safety issues associated with exceeding the printed payload? Would changing springs and/or shocks help? Adding an airbag system? What say you? Any and all opinions or criticisms appreciated. Dan

once you go over weight you put a heck of a strain on the TV. pulling puts a strain on the transmission, the brakes have to work harder as does the engine. suspension also suffers. it is like asking a boy to do the job of a man.

An accident that could kill you. Might be extreme but tire or structural failure could cause an accident. Why risk it. 2-3 hundred pounds over probably not much of an issue, who knows?

I am in the do not exceed specifications camp. I doubt a few hundred pounds over the vehicle's payload rating is that much of an issue, but I would probably want to know what other ratings may be exceeded, like RAWR and tires.

I had a Tundra and a 27' TT. It pulled ok and a few times I had to overload it. It was scary but made it. When I upgraded to a diesel I not only went much safer for my family and other drivers but it was so much more easy and relaxing to pull. Don't stress every time you drive and get a bigger truck. You won't regret it.

I think the biggest risk for me would be how I would feel if something bad does happen. Whether it was due to the 200-300 over or not, I would always wonder if it was what caused whatever problem to happen. I don't like second guessing myself if I can avoid it. That is my personality trait, it may or may not be yours or your wife's.

What is the risk of exceeding payload? | Good Sam Community

59 Replies

estesbubba
Explorer
Jul 24, 2015
If you're 300 over based on specs you're going to be a lot more over in reality. That truck payload is probably with a 150 lb driver and nothing else. Add more people, cargo, firewood, etc to that truck and your payload will shrink fast.
noteven
Explorer III
Jul 24, 2015
People stopping at our corner gas station used to tow big Airstreams from the lower 48 states to Alaska with full size V8 rear drive cars - Cadillacs, LTD's, Olds, Buicks, Chryslers... often with a funny looking Arrow something or other hitch...

I don't remember southbound highboys loaded with wreckage coming back...
hone_eagle
Explorer
Jul 24, 2015
So you wana be a test pilot?
Explore the 'envelope'
Go 'to the limit' - with your family aboard?
scbwr
Explorer II
Jul 24, 2015
If the dry weight of the trailer is accurate, and you can keep the gross weight down to 7,500 lbs. or less, the Tundra will do fairly well as long as you don't put too much weight in the bed of the truck. My 5.7 Tundra pulls my 6,500 lb. or less trailer without a problem, even in the mountains out west. I pulled my old 29' Sunline which was probably a 1,000 lbs. heavier, and it handled it ok, but I could feel the difference. But you have a growing family, and will want to carry bikes, toys, etc., so you have to think about that.

I think you would be better off getting the Ford diesel (or some other 3/4 or 1 ton truck) and the 30' trailer. If you do that, it's less likely that you will outgrow the trailer, and can enjoy many years of rving/traveling without having to upgrade. And, it's still better to have "more" truck than you need rather than being worried about pushing the towing limits.
2chiefsRus
Explorer
Jul 24, 2015
I think the biggest risk for me would be how I would feel if something bad does happen. Whether it was due to the 200-300 over or not, I would always wonder if it was what caused whatever problem to happen. I don't like second guessing myself if I can avoid it. That is my personality trait, it may or may not be yours or your wife's.
guidry
Explorer II
Jul 24, 2015
I had a Tundra and a 27' TT. It pulled ok and a few times I had to overload it. It was scary but made it. When I upgraded to a diesel I not only went much safer for my family and other drivers but it was so much more easy and relaxing to pull. Don't stress every time you drive and get a bigger truck. You won't regret it.
RJCorazza
Explorer
Jul 24, 2015
I am in the do not exceed specifications camp. I doubt a few hundred pounds over the vehicle's payload rating is that much of an issue, but I would probably want to know what other ratings may be exceeded, like RAWR and tires.
Valkyriebush
Explorer II
Jul 24, 2015
An accident that could kill you. Might be extreme but tire or structural failure could cause an accident. Why risk it. 2-3 hundred pounds over probably not much of an issue, who knows?
old_guy
Explorer
Jul 24, 2015
once you go over weight you put a heck of a strain on the TV. pulling puts a strain on the transmission, the brakes have to work harder as does the engine. suspension also suffers. it is like asking a boy to do the job of a man.

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What is the risk of exceeding payload?

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