TT Towing Weight???

FGH wrote:
I have a conversion van that tows 6200 lbs. I am looking at 2 TTs which weight 5600 and 5800 lbs. I will be using a weight distributing hitch with 6000/10000 capacity.
Am I safe to buy either one of these?

With just you in the van pulling an empty trailer - JUST.
Load up the van with family and the trailer with the normal camping stuff - NO WAY!

FGH wrote:
Thanks for info....what weight should I be looking at?

Needed a whole lot more info to actually tell you that. A way you can guesstimate is look on your drivers door sticker for max payload/cargo, subtract weight of people and stuff you will have in van, then multiple that number by 10.

FGH wrote:
Thanks for info....what weight should I be looking at?

That's the problem... We can't tell you unless you give us the GVWR, GCWR, and actual weight of your van. Since it's a conversion van it most likely weighs more than the production model, and has less payload and towing capacity.

It's all about due diligence up front, otherwise we're all guessing!

The weights all depend on your GCVWR; combined that is, get your van towed and that will determine what's left. Remember that after you buy a TT you will be adding ~500 pounds not including any water that you may carry if you elect to.

Remember that the weights on the yellow sticker represent dry weights and may not be the real weight. It will not represent any options, aftermarket or other things added after the sale, that is if you are buying used.

Grab the sticker on your door post and have your van weighed. That will tell you what the true weight is and what your max gross combined weight rating will be. From there you can determine how much TT to buy.

Remember, lawn chairs, grills, kitchen utensils, bedding, fresh water hoses and the like all add weight.

Is this a 1/2 ton conversion that has a tow rating of 6200 before the conversion? I would get the van weighed and see how much actual payload capacity you have before looking into a trailer.

Thanks for info....what weight should I be looking at?

FGH wrote:
I am looking at 2 TTs which weight 5600 and 5800 lbs.

These are probably "dry weights." Loaded, optioned and ready for camping, these two TT will be around 6400 and 6600 lbs.

Tongue weight will be roughly 800/900 lbs...which is even more important and counts against your payload.

You are being smart to ask and research before you buy and make an expensive and potentially dangerous mistake

What is the van's GCWR, GVWR and actual weight? You'll need these data points to really know the answer...

No. You will be over loaded when you hook up. You need more TV, or less trailer.