Newbie Tow Capacity Question
Hello All, Looking into getting a travel trailer but not completely understanding the weight ratings and how they compare to the tow vehicle's capacity. I've got a 2015 Silverado 1500 double cab...
Forum Discussion
What is your trucks payload capacity - tow capacity means nothing. Payload (how much you can carry) is the only thing that matters. This is written on a label in your trucks door jamb. Then, look at pin weight of the trailer - this is 10-15% of the trailers total weight. Don't look at empty weight, look at full weight. Include water, sewer, etc. you don't want to get caught with full tanks and not able or uncomfortable to tow it. I tow mine all the time with full water, then back home with full sewer, trying to find a place to dump on the way home, sometimes its right near home. If you limit yourself to places with full hookups, you will be staying home because its difficult to get reservations.
Your trailer weight should be camp ready, full of gear, lawn chairs, dishes, clothes, etc. The GVWR is the weight of the trailer full, per the manufacturer. Reading this site, most are over that weight once they put stuff in it. Don't forget, your payload includes anything in the truck or bed of the truck like bikes, camp fire wood, etc. Easy to fill it up, so start low then you don't have to worry about what you add later.
Your trailer weight should be camp ready, full of gear, lawn chairs, dishes, clothes, etc. The GVWR is the weight of the trailer full, per the manufacturer. Reading this site, most are over that weight once they put stuff in it. Don't forget, your payload includes anything in the truck or bed of the truck like bikes, camp fire wood, etc. Easy to fill it up, so start low then you don't have to worry about what you add later.
