Estimate of cargo weight

[Raife]

So I'm still doing research and steaming down the path of a purchase. I want to ensure I factor in the right amount of "cargo."

What would be a reasonable number to use for cargo...family of 5 (three small kids). I know the answers will likely be all over the place, but looking for some ideas.

I was thinking between 1,200-1,500 pounds but I don't have a real sense of if that is in the ball park. This includes the stock stuff needed (kitchen items, stuff for the trailer (hoses, cables, etc.) and then food, clothes, and personal items for us.

We have done tent camping for years, so are able to pack light.

Thoughts?

[Boomerweps]

kellem wrote:
Years ago tinkering with marginal tow vehicles, Chevy Colorado at that time, we actually scaled weighed every single item we put in trailer.

With a family of 5 and a dog we ended up with 1492 lbs completely stocked and our trailer ended up weighing 18 lbs shy of GVWR.....Still have the note pad.

I did similar but in REVERSE. After CAT Scaling my TT with my former TV, I found out I was over TT GAWR & TV rear GAWR. So I pulled out a lot of stuff out of the TT and some from the TV, weighing it all. Then I could subtract those weights from the CAT values to make sure I should be under all the weight limits. Did have to estimate firewood load I stopped hauling. Still need to scale the TT with the new TV.

Going from towing at 96% GCWR to 65% GCWR makes towing a comparative dream!

[GrandpaKip]

I weighed our trailer on the way home from the dealer. 4180#
Sticker dry weight 3885#
Brochure dry weight 3850#
Loaded weight 5000#
Gross weight 6200#
2 people 1 wee dog
We are 1150# added to the published dry weight and 820# over scaled weight. That’s a significant difference of 330#.
Just to give you an idea of what the manufacturer says and the real world.

[Raife]

The gas I accounted for as I weighed it on a CAT scale with tank full.

[rbpru]

After 5 years an 40,000 towing miles at or even a bit over the max cargo limit, I cannot say that I notice much change in towing performance.

I can say that towing at or near the trucks full capacity, does increase the over all wear and tear on tires, shocks, brakes and even the suspension.

But that is the price you pay for heavy vehicle use. The CAT scale numbers simply allow you to know where you stand weight wise.

Also on long trips gasoline, water, food and such can cause significant weight variations.

[Raife]

kellem - that is the perfect example I needed. Thank you.

[kellem]

Years ago tinkering with marginal tow vehicles, Chevy Colorado at that time, we actually scaled weighed every single item we put in trailer.

With a family of 5 and a dog we ended up with 1492 lbs completely stocked and our trailer ended up weighing 18 lbs shy of GVWR.....Still have the note pad.

[dodge_guy]

Don’t forget the extra outside fridge. And enough chaired for a small concert. And then a full size hammock with sand just in case! Not to mention tools you may need. Charcoal and charcoal grille. It all adds up!

[Raife]

Well I certainly hope I don't need all that...

[Lwiddis]

Until the kids get older, want to bring bicycles etc. 1,200 to 1,500 is about right. No, you don't need an extra kitchen sink but on the other side you will want to bring fun and comfort items. Good chairs are heavy.

[jdc1]

Bet you didn't know you now need a toaster, coffe maker, expresso machine, popcorn maker, crockpot, rice steamer, a second pillow for everyone. a dog bed, a mixer, wine glasses, and a whole bunch of other stuff you never took tent camping.

[Raife]

Thank you everyone.

[TomG2]

The estimates mentioned may or may not be accurate but you are in control of the actual number. In a marginal situation, I have had my friend bring her pickup hauling things like generators, fuel, spare propane, water, etc. Normally, I have enough tow vehicle to haul it all and then some. You are in charge.

[fx2tom]

IMO and from experience 1200-1500 is reasonable. We were about 1000-1100 with a family of 4

[Jebby14]

Just use the gvwr of the trailer you are looking at + a few hundred lbs in the bed of the truck. You will likely end up there so might as well plan for it.

dont forget the hitch has quite a bit of weight to it and remember kids grow faster than trucks need to be replaced