Tow weight
Im new to the rv trailer world. I am currently in the market for my 1st travel trailer. The idea is to eventually find a full time/seasonal campground that has full amenities. I have small children an...
Forum Discussion
A trailer needs enough tongue weight to pull correctly. too little causes sway. the sweet spot on travel trailers us usually 13-15%.
the truck has to be able to carry that weight which is why on suv's and half ton trucks payload is typically the limiting factor.
The listed tongue weights are not accurate just like the dry weights these dont include things like batteries, propane, even appliances. assume you will load your camper.
using my setup as an example.
my camper (https://www.rvusa.com/rv-guide/2008-forest-river-flagstaff-micro-lite-travel-trailer-floorplan-23lb-tr3599) can be loaded to weigh 4677 (im close to this and NOT loaded excessivly)
my truck has a payload of 1950 lbs
1950 payload
-500 lbs (my family, remember they will grow)
-100 lbs (my hitch)
-350 lbs in the bed (usually bikes and fire woord)
=1000 payload available.
my tongue weight is right aroung 800 lbs at max (fresh tank in the front) and 700 on the return.
i have 1000 lbs left to carry the tongue weight of my trailer and use at most 800 lbs of it. this leaves me with enough to carry my trailer (dont think pull thing hold the weight of).
since my kids will grow i know I need this buffer.
my last camper was slightly lighter (not much) and I was right at capacity towing with a grand Cherokee, wouldn't like to be there again, towing was NOT comfortable.
I would recommend you re-evaluate what you want. if its going to be seasonal buy a seasonal. if its travel either get used to a smaller camper or get more truck. if you opt for a smaller trailer understand you will likely be going larger (and still needing more truck) later.
the truck has to be able to carry that weight which is why on suv's and half ton trucks payload is typically the limiting factor.
The listed tongue weights are not accurate just like the dry weights these dont include things like batteries, propane, even appliances. assume you will load your camper.
using my setup as an example.
my camper (https://www.rvusa.com/rv-guide/2008-forest-river-flagstaff-micro-lite-travel-trailer-floorplan-23lb-tr3599) can be loaded to weigh 4677 (im close to this and NOT loaded excessivly)
my truck has a payload of 1950 lbs
1950 payload
-500 lbs (my family, remember they will grow)
-100 lbs (my hitch)
-350 lbs in the bed (usually bikes and fire woord)
=1000 payload available.
my tongue weight is right aroung 800 lbs at max (fresh tank in the front) and 700 on the return.
i have 1000 lbs left to carry the tongue weight of my trailer and use at most 800 lbs of it. this leaves me with enough to carry my trailer (dont think pull thing hold the weight of).
since my kids will grow i know I need this buffer.
my last camper was slightly lighter (not much) and I was right at capacity towing with a grand Cherokee, wouldn't like to be there again, towing was NOT comfortable.
I would recommend you re-evaluate what you want. if its going to be seasonal buy a seasonal. if its travel either get used to a smaller camper or get more truck. if you opt for a smaller trailer understand you will likely be going larger (and still needing more truck) later.
