Newbie Tow Capacity Question

Thermoguy wrote:
What is your trucks payload capacity - tow capacity means nothing. Payload (how much you can carry) is the only thing that matters.

No!!! Both are important.

They measure different things.
- Tow rating is mostly about pulling and braking ability.
- Payload factors into how much hitch weight you can handle. If you load up the truck and there is only 400lb of payload left...you are limited to a 400lb hitch weight...which means around 3000-3500lb trailer.

As others have suggested, best to assume the trailers GVWR until proven otherwise. Then assume 15% hitch weight. This will be a bit conservative but you are unlikely to find out after the purchase, that you messed up.

So if you have a 7200lb tow rating, figure around 1000lb hitch weight. A family of 4 can easily weigh in at 600lb. Add in bikes, firewood, cooler, etc in the truck bed and you can easily be looking at 2000lb loaded in the truck (don't forget brush guards, running boards and other bolt on accessories which count against payload)...1/2 ton truck payloads range from around 950lb up to 2500lb. At the upper end, your payload may be fine with a 7200lb trailer. At the lower end, expect a white knuckle ride as you will be grossly overloaded.

There is a yellow sticker on the door jam that lists the payload. If you have the truck already, swing by a truck stop and weigh the truck with the family and gear in the truck and you can determine how much of the payload is already used up and what's left available to cover hitch weight.

PS: there are also individual axle weight limits that you should also stay within.