Houston, we have a weight problem
So looking at a new trailer and I'm thinking there might be a problem, need some feedback from the weight police please! My 15 Ram 1500 has payload capacity of 1260 lbs. You put me, my wife and our ...
Forum Discussion
"Advertised" tongue weights are usually for an empty trailer so your loaded tongue weight will be more than the 730lb. What is the size and GVWR of the trailer you are looking at? I would use 12.5% of the trailer's GVWR as a reasonable estimate of loaded tongue weight. If the trailer has a larger cargo capacity - say 1500-2000lbs or more, then you could add 1000-1500lbs to the dry weight of the trailer and then multiply that by 12.5% rather than use the GVWR. Don't forget to add about 85lbs to your payload calculation for your weight-distributing hitch. I think by the time you add everything up, even without the kids tagging along you'll find you are going to be well over your available payload. I'd look for a smaller trailer.
Also, as you mentioned you have the factory air suspension - if the suspension exceeds its operating limits it will enter "protection" mode and deactivate the compressor to avoid damage. I have the factory air on my '14 Big Horn and love towing the trailer with it. My payload is a little less than your 1260 so we put the upper limit for trailer GVWR around 4000 to ensure we stayed under the available payload.
Also, as you mentioned you have the factory air suspension - if the suspension exceeds its operating limits it will enter "protection" mode and deactivate the compressor to avoid damage. I have the factory air on my '14 Big Horn and love towing the trailer with it. My payload is a little less than your 1260 so we put the upper limit for trailer GVWR around 4000 to ensure we stayed under the available payload.
