payload capacity requirements

You're correct. Remember that a 250/2500 diesel will have a lower payload of around 1900-2200lbs. A gasser which would be great for 7000lbs should have near 2800-3000lbs payload.

At least 2,000 pounds payload would be correct. Did you include the weight of a weight distributing hitch? How about the weight of a truck tool box full of tools, jumper cables, tow chains, spare parts and fluids, etc?
Will your children grow and gain weight?

Nope, I missed adding the WD hitch, so another 100lbs and the tools are in the front compartment of the trailer. Okay so the 1/2 ton, GMC 1500 with a payload of 1947 is not going to be enough is it. I need a 2500 / 250.

Another option is the F150 with the HD Payload option.

Nope, I missed adding the WD hitch, so another 100lbs and the tools are in the front compartment of the trailer. Okay so the 1/2 ton, GMC 1500 with a payload of 1947 is not going to be enough is it. I need a 2500 / 250.

Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think you'll find a GM 1500 model that seats 4 and has 1900+lbs of payload. Maybe the old HD edition? I think a 3/4 ton would suit your needs best, might get away with an F150 with the HD tow AND payload package but the are rare.

TerryandKim wrote:
Hello everyone!
If I am towing a 7000lb trailer (I'm at a 840 - 900lb hitch weight)
The weight of my people and "stuff" in the truck is 970 (two parents, one 16 yr old, one 13 yr old plus 200lb stuff in the truck bed and 100?lb fuel)
The total I'm carrying then is between 1810 and 1870lb. If I'm buying a new-to-me truck am I correct in thinking that I need at least a 2000lb payload capacity??? So I'm looking for at least a gmc 2500 or F250? I don't need to hear opinions on whether GM or Ford is preferred, just trying to figure out my payload reqirements.
Am I thinking it through correctly? Please and thank you!

Ok, I gotta ask. How do you know your trailer weighs 7000 lbs with an 840 to 900 lbs tongue weight? Did you weigh it, or are you guesstimating from the mfg's published weights?

If you're guesstimating....be aware that you could be waaaaaay off. You really need "actual" weights to be making a permanent decision on the vehicle to pull it.

Ron

lanerd wrote:

TerryandKim wrote:
Hello everyone!
If I am towing a 7000lb trailer (I'm at a 840 - 900lb hitch weight)
The weight of my people and "stuff" in the truck is 970 (two parents, one 16 yr old, one 13 yr old plus 200lb stuff in the truck bed and 100?lb fuel)
The total I'm carrying then is between 1810 and 1870lb. If I'm buying a new-to-me truck am I correct in thinking that I need at least a 2000lb payload capacity??? So I'm looking for at least a gmc 2500 or F250? I don't need to hear opinions on whether GM or Ford is preferred, just trying to figure out my payload reqirements.
Am I thinking it through correctly? Please and thank you!

Ok, I gotta ask. How do you know your trailer weighs 7000 lbs with an 840 to 900 lbs tongue weight? Did you weigh it, or are you guesstimating from the mfg's published weights?

If you're guesstimating....be aware that you could be waaaaaay off. You really need "actual" weights to be making a permanent decision on the vehicle to pull it.

Ron

He has not said the length, BUT from my experience, seing a plus minus 100 lbs on the HW with my old 24' TT was not uncommon, depending upon the amount of food in the kitchen, ie front kitchen model. IF I had some liquids/solis in the gray and black tank, located BEHIND the axels. All of these items can be a factor into how much HW someone has or does not have in the trailer.

I would say minimum 2000 lbs. If the two children bring a friend, I would have 500 lbs for them in the truck payload requirement! so from my perspective, 2500 minimum! 3000 would be very secure, along with some ability to move up to a longer TT if need be, or bikes etc in the bed.

marty

The OP will be happy with a pickup with over 2,000 available payload and disappointed with much less.

Yes a 2500 will be fine for what you're doing. No need to put every item on a scale and log it's weight.

The trailer was 6804lbs last time I scaled it. It's a 7100 gvwr and 26' trailer.
I'll keep shopping, I'll find a decent 3/4 ton in my price range with the wants and needs we have. Thanks for all the comments!!