"Dry Weight" Questions
If "dealer installed options" are not counted in the dry weight of a travel trailer, is there a rule of thumb estimate to include when calculating potential GVW? And what would constitute those option...
Forum Discussion
OEM's have gotten a bit better at listing weighs of how they left their factory...in the old days, they used the 'curb' or 'stripper' model in order to be able to list the highest 'tow' weight. Both for the TV and trailer.
They have no other choice other than to list the TV/Trailer weight as it left their factory, as there are many middle vendors to even the owner adding components/systems/etc that all increase the actual weight
Why been and will continue to say load up ready to go camping and then weigh the whole setup, axle by axle. If you have the time, weigh it with and without the WD tensioned
Another thing...decide if you believe in the OEM ratings system or not.
If not, then academic these discussions and do whatever, but know you have potentially taken the OEM(s) off the liability and warranty hook
If yes, then do some homework gathering the OEM's info (specifications, ratings, limits, recommendations, etc), go out and actually weigh the TV & trailer...then do the simple math
If not willing to actually weigh everything, then use the OEM's max ratings as the basis and know that it is still a gamble.
Good luck !
They have no other choice other than to list the TV/Trailer weight as it left their factory, as there are many middle vendors to even the owner adding components/systems/etc that all increase the actual weight
Why been and will continue to say load up ready to go camping and then weigh the whole setup, axle by axle. If you have the time, weigh it with and without the WD tensioned
Another thing...decide if you believe in the OEM ratings system or not.
If not, then academic these discussions and do whatever, but know you have potentially taken the OEM(s) off the liability and warranty hook
If yes, then do some homework gathering the OEM's info (specifications, ratings, limits, recommendations, etc), go out and actually weigh the TV & trailer...then do the simple math
If not willing to actually weigh everything, then use the OEM's max ratings as the basis and know that it is still a gamble.
Good luck !
