TH....But Not Carrying Heavy Toys.....Problem?

[Baja_Man]

I like the practicality of a TH, the ability to take different things with you as desires change, built in generator, and the rear ramp door/patio.

I am considering this TH and was wondering if NOT carrying heavy loads in rear will affect TW in a negative way, i.e., to heavy a TW due to little weight in rear from not carrying heavy toys?

2009 Tahoe 284SA

Specs are as follows:

UVW: 7950#
GVWR: 13000#
CCC: 5050#
Hitch: 1300#

Questions:

1. Since I do not plan to carry heavy toys (I'll carry bicycles, chairs, plastic table, EZ up awning, and general camping stuff), what are the effects Positive or negative) of this?

2. What else should be considered regarding weights listed and my tow vehicle (see signature)?

3. Any other things to be considered?

Thanks!

[fitznj]

I've had a TH for 2 years now; I can not tell the difference if I have my
motorcycle (550lbs) loaded or not.

I just returned from a 5,000 mile trip - no difference in handling with the TH
loaded or unloaded.

[CincyGus]

You have plenty of truck payload if you have a heavier TW due to nothing heavy rear of the axles. It's a good thought to consider but with your combination, I'd just make sure your level and you load forward to get enough TW to prevent sway.

[Old-Biscuit]

Light tongue weight.....sway

Heavy tongue weight....possible rear truck sag.

Your F350 and that TH will be good match regardless items in garage

Enjoy !

[boogie_4wheel]

I do not consider the 'extra' tongue weight to be a problem. Ready to camp minus toys; 1000lb tongue and 5180lb axles. My fresh is above the front axle, moving forward is black, then gray (farthest forward). I cannot tell a difference with 40g of gray, nor can I tell that I have placed 2-3 dirt bikes against the ramp. I do have my front storage passthrough loaded with leveling blocks of wood, jack, grill, hose connections, that add to the tongue weight.

A majority of our trips are without heavy toys (or anything behind the axles).

I don't see having more tongue weight being a problem.

[Baja_Man]

jmtandem wrote:

if NOT carrying heavy loads in rear will affect TW in a negative way

Good question and you should be commended for thinking through this issue. The short answer is 'yes' the tongue weights will be more as a percentage of total weight as most toyhaulers are designed to carry the toys to even out or balance the weights. However, less weight overall typically means less tongue weight even though the front/ rear bias might be a little heavier in front. Have enough truck payload and you should be good to go.

I'll be towing with the truck in my signature....It's an older gas truck, but it is an F-350, with camper package, upgraded hitch receiver, upgraded to 6.0L trans cooler, and the venerable V10!

Factory Truck Tow Specs:

Tow: 10,600# (3.73:1 axle ratio - mine)
12,500# (with 4.30:1 - factory option)

Payload: 2980#
Front GAWR: 4250#
Rear GAWR: 6830#
GCVWR: 20,000#
Truck weight:

Since I'm not carry anything heavy, I should be under my tow capacity with my current rear axle ratio, under my RAWR, and under my payload capacity.

If I later carried heavier items, I could always change out rear gear set to a 4.30:1.

[jmtandem]

if NOT carrying heavy loads in rear will affect TW in a negative way

Good question and you should be commended for thinking through this issue. The short answer is 'yes' the tongue weights will be more as a percentage of total weight as most toyhaulers are designed to carry the toys to even out or balance the weights. However, less weight overall typically means less tongue weight even though the front/ rear bias might be a little heavier in front. Have enough truck payload and you should be good to go.

[Lwiddis]

I’ll get a TH next time and won’t carry heavy toys.

[arhayes]

We Fulltime in a 42.5’ TH and carry a Goldwing. I’ve weighed with and without the bike and the pin weight is not significantly different. Obvously the overall weigh was 1,000 lbs less without the bike. Because of the refueling system, generator, etc, you can expect a TH to be heavier than a comparable length regular 5ver.

Our “garage” turns into my ham radio shack and my wife’s sewing/craft room when the bike is offloaded. Our rig has a sliding glass door between the living area and garage, so the garage becomes another room with its own AC, TV, etc. We love the space for hobbies and as an office. I think you’ll be happy with the options that space gives you as you can customize it to your needs. Good luck.