2 Q's: Turning Radius & Tongue Weight
First, can someone please explain in newbie language how to calculate turning radius and how to use that information when towing? Second, I understand that TW contributes to GVW of your TV, but I'v...
Forum Discussion
Turning radius is calculated by the engineers who design the TV, it's part of the vehicle spec. Look up specs for your TV and you'll find the turning radius.
That number is only useful in comparing how tightly one vehicle turns compared to another, it's not something you can use on the road simply because you don't measure turns before you enter them. Also, your effective turning radius changes while towing. The TV turns the same, but you won't make it through the same tight turn with a trailer behind you.
Yes, TW is added to GCWR and it is a spec worth paying attention to. For example here are the numbers on my TV:
Weight empty 6700
GVWR 8600
Tow rating 12000
GCWR 19000
So if I want to tow 12000 lbs, I subtract that from my GCWR and the truck can only weigh 7000, so basically a full tank and a driver. If want to load my truck to the max with passengers and cargo, subtract 8600 from the 19000 GCWR and that means my max trailer weight can be 10400.
In the real world, the last time I had the rig weighed with the family on board, the truck was 8600, TT was 8700, GCW was 17300. TW on my rig is about 1200.
That number is only useful in comparing how tightly one vehicle turns compared to another, it's not something you can use on the road simply because you don't measure turns before you enter them. Also, your effective turning radius changes while towing. The TV turns the same, but you won't make it through the same tight turn with a trailer behind you.
Yes, TW is added to GCWR and it is a spec worth paying attention to. For example here are the numbers on my TV:
Weight empty 6700
GVWR 8600
Tow rating 12000
GCWR 19000
So if I want to tow 12000 lbs, I subtract that from my GCWR and the truck can only weigh 7000, so basically a full tank and a driver. If want to load my truck to the max with passengers and cargo, subtract 8600 from the 19000 GCWR and that means my max trailer weight can be 10400.
In the real world, the last time I had the rig weighed with the family on board, the truck was 8600, TT was 8700, GCW was 17300. TW on my rig is about 1200.
