Sway Fatigue
I am wondering if there are parts of the tow vehicle/trailer that will suffer fatigue over a long haul trip resulting in increased trailer sway while you travel. And what can be done to reduce those p...
Forum Discussion
Rough31 wrote:
My truck is a 2011 Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L engine and factory tow package. The vehicle is rated for 10,500lbs. My trailer is the Sunset Trail 31SS. The factory dry weight is 7000lbs so I am well within my vehicles tow capacity. My hitch is an Equalizer with 1000lb sway arms.
Any thoughts are appreciated.
I doubt it the trailer weights anywhere close to the 7000# dry weight. Dry weight does not include any item listed as an option...A/C, microwave, awning, TV, batteries, etc. You add propane, some water and your supplies, it can easily reach 8000#.
Your truck 10,500# tow rating is a maximum, with a base model truck, no options, no cargo, no passengers other than a 150# driver and no hitch. For every pound you add to this base model, the 10,500# number is reduced by that amount. So load up the family, kids, dog, firewood and camping supplies and see where your truck weight falls relative to the GVWR. A 1/2 ton truck with a 8000# trailer will have a hitch weight of something like 900# as a minimum.
GVWR - loaded truck = Maximum hitch weight or payload capacity.
GCWR - loaded truck = Maximum loaded trailer weight.
Are you OK on both of these numbers...I doubt it.
Ken
