Rv Newbie...Need Help With Tow Truck!!

JulieS456 wrote:
Hello everyone!

We just purchased our 1st new to us TT! The TT is 33feet long and has a dry weight of 6,576 with a payload of 3,167.

Here are some average numbers that will help you in your tow vehicle choice.

Average load of dishes, flatware, pots and pans, BBQ and associated stuff, bedding, camp chairs, groceries, water, etc, weighs 800 - 1000 lbs. Loaded weight on your trailer will be around 7500 lbs. Higher, if it is a toy hauler with toys on board.

Average tongue weight is 12 - 13 percent of loaded trailer weight. Your loaded tongue weight will be around 1000 lbs. Again, this will be higher if it is a toy hauler.

You'll need a weight distributing hitch and some type of sway control. Some hitches have sway control built in, some don't. This equipment weighs about 100 lbs.

When you go truck shopping, every truck will have it's own payload number. Depending on cab configuration, 2wd or 4wd, power train, drive train, suspension, gear ratio, and installed options, they will be different. Look at the tire / loading sticker (on drivers door post) for the max occupant / cargo weight capacity. That is the payload.

The truck's payload gets used up by the combined weight of every thing and everybody in it or on it, including hitch equipment and tongue weight from the trailer.

You may find a few 1/2 ton's that will do the job, but, you'll find more 3/4 tons. Give yourself some cushion, it can be unpleasant towing at max capacity.