Is a tow capacity of 6,200-6,500 enough?

[er78mph]

Hello to all and thanks in advance!

I've been going back and forth with the idea of purchasing an SUV or truck. With being a newbie, the process has at times been frustrating and overwhelming. So much to learn! I want to get a 20' travel trailer but don't know the weight ranges? At the end of the day, I wish there was a chart with tow capacity for different TT and sizes. Is there such chart? In the future, I don't see myself upgrading bigger than 25'-30'. What I am trying to ask, would I be limiting my capabilities to pull by getting an truck or SUV that tows between 6,200-6,500? Apologies for rambling but just looking for clarity, thanks

[2012Coleman]

Here is a good blog with more information

good luck

[APT]

I cannot think of many 2015+ vehicles with 6000-ish pound tow raring that are capable of towing a 6000 pound high walled RV. Those are generally mid sized SUVs or pickups with receiver limits that do not handle 800-900 pounds of loaded tongue weight. They will tow a 6000 pounds boat at 8% TW well, though.

[JaredWPhillips]

A 20' TT will typically weigh only 2500-3500 pounds empty. Add another 2000 for water, gear, people (in the vehicle). If your truck/SUV has a true towing capacity of 6500 pounds, you'd be fine. What you need to watch is the payload capacity. If the trailer weighs 5500 pounds loaded, it might have a hitch weight of 500 pounds or more, depending on the layout of the TT and how it's loaded. A small truck with a towing capacity of 6500 pounds that it PULLS may only have the capability to handle 1000 pounds of payload (extra weight sitting on the vehicle) including the hitch weight, driver/passengers, and any other luggage and gear within the vehicle. Using those numbers as an example, with two 250-pound humans and a 500-pound hitch weight, you just quickly added 1000 pounds to your vehicle and met your payload capacity without adding any additional people or gear.
Just pay attention to hitch weight specs on trailers, and the payload capacity of the vehicle you buy. Also, a quick upgrade should be the tires. Most trucks and SUV's come with P-rated tires. Ditch them and get some LT tires. The stock tires are the weakest link.

[Turtle_n_Peeps]

To answer your question: no there is no chart for what you are trying to do.

And here is the reason: There are lots of differences in towing capability with trucks in the same category class.
IOW's not all 1500 Chevy's can tow the same weight.

There are different gear ratios and different engines that fit in the same truck. A little tiny 6 cylinder is not going to tow the same weight as lets say a big V8, but they will fit in the same class size truck.

Post more questions here and people will be glad to answer them for you.

[LynnandCarol]

Yes, I would have nothing less than 10K TW! It is not only the weight of the TT, but the contents, and contents of the TV.

[RedRocket204]

er78mph wrote:
In the future, I don't see myself upgrading bigger than 25'-30'. What I am trying to ask, would I be limiting my capabilities to pull by getting an truck or SUV that tows between 6,200-6,500?

Short answer is yes, that range will not be enough for a large number of TTs out there. Case in point, my TT has a 26ft cabin (30.5 ft point to bumper), has a large slide, fairly large holding tanks and is a heavier, quality build that is insulated fairly well. GVWR of the TT is 9500 lbs. Yes, my TT is on the high end of GVWR for a 26' cabin (dry weight listed at 7100 lbs) but don't be fooled into thinking the size trailer you ultimately want, with all the features, will be available at a very light weight GVWR. My TV is a 1-ton SRW newer model truck. I have excess payload at 3300 lbs but I also will load a 700 lbs ATV in the truck bed while pulling my TT. These are the features I want for my reasoning... so a 1-ton truck is much better suited to my needs.

There are a lot of TTs that will fit the bill you are asking about but your question is will you be limited. The answer is yes, you will be limited. It will come down to your expectations in what you want in your TT and if you are willing to compromise features for a lighter weight TT. If you will not compromise, then look for a tow vehicle that has tow ratings into 10k lbs AND has enough payload to handle how much weight the truck will carry, tongue weight and all other items added to the truck.

[2012Coleman]

There is such a chart but it is useless. The important thing to consider is payload - or how much your tow vehicle can carry. Payload will be exceeded before the manufactures inflated tow capacity number is reached.