Weight of Gear

Question

I had asked the typical weight of gear in a trailer and was told a few times that 1000 lbs might be about right. No doubt this is subjective as what a family spending a week or two will likely be much different than a family gone for the summer or even full timers. And I'd venture to guess those that stay along the south won't have nearly as heavy a wardrobe as those up in Canada.

I decided to estimate things individually or in small groups and found my (over)estimated weight was around 1300 lbs so far, though I included some things many/most likely don't have such as a small offset smoker and wood (75 lbs), add on gas grill (25 lbs) that attaches to the bumper, printer (50 lbs), portable ice machine (25 lbs), our small wine fridge (25 lbs), our ultralight backpacking gear for all seasons (125 lbs), shooting and fishing gear (75 lbs), tools (50 lbs), toys (75 lbs), and I'm certain we will eventually get a generator (25 lbs).

So what is the estimated weight of typical things? I estimated 100 lbs of dishes, utensils, and gadgets in the kitchen, 100 lbs of bedding and foam toppers, 250 lbs of 4 seasons of clothing, 50 lbs of hygiene and cleaning stuff, 25 lbs of outdoor chairs and small folding table, 25 lbs of fans/heaters, 25 lbs of computers/tablets, 25 lbs of books (plan on mostly snooks), and 150 lbs of food. This all adds up to 1325 lbs and I want room for anything I pick up along the way (solar and/or inverter).

No doubt I've overestimated many things, but the weight still added up quickly. And I was hoping I could do some small batch beer brewing, but I'm not seeing enough excess weight...

bumpyroad · Answer

I thought that in general the range 1000-1500 lbs. has been given.  that jibes with your total.bumpy

second_chance · Answer

We weighed our fifth wheel on the way to the house (which had been sold) from the dealer - and then again every six months since hitting the road. The general rule of thumb over on the Escapees forum is about 1,000 lbs. per person for full-timers. We are a bit over that at about 2,300 - 2,400 lbs. for the two of us. Unless you have a toy hauler, most of the weight you load is from the trailer axles forward (i.e. under the bed, front closet, basement, LP tanks, front "tool" compartment, etc.). As a result, a lot of it ends up on the pin. We have to be very careful about not exceeding the rear axle or tire ratings on the truck. The trailer has the MOR/ryde independent suspension with two 7,000 lb. "axles" and load range G Sailun tires, so we don't have to worry about that part (thank goodness!).

Rob

ivylog · Answer

You are going to have a hard time keeping it to 1000 lbs/person over time, especially for FT. We are only half timers and I did not weigh my MH before loading it up but over the last 12 years it's gained another 3000 lbs. One of the disadvantages of plenty of CCC is you do not have to take one item out for each you bring in. It's also cheaper than a divorce I've been told.:B

oasisbob · Answer

It sure is subjective.  We are under 600 pounds including water.  Speculation is of little value.  I say take it to the truck scales and wee what it says.  Let us know please.

ivylog · Answer

Oasisbob wrote:It sure is subjective.  We are under 600 pounds including water.  Speculation is of little value.This is in the Full Time forum. Doubt you are FT in a 19' camper and 600 lbs.

Forum Discussion

Weight of Gear

About Full Time RVers

Related Content

Rain Gear

3:31 Gearing

gear ratios

Weight doubters..

Changing differential gears