Tycho wrote:
Boy this stuff is almost bad as common core math!
Looking at that 1385#s minus my families weight puts the number down in the 1000 range. Throw possibilities of cargo around 200 pounds and we are talking 800 range. Though I would think most of my cargo would be in the TT and not the Expy?
In any case that max number is looking lower than the max tongue load of 890#s.
I checked the hitch sticker and it can support the WD hitch which then says max tongue is 920 on the sticker.
Gdetrailer wrote:
Buying by using DRY or EMPTY weights without figuring in ALL the "stuff" you load into the trailer will often put you into a potential overload situation..
In our shopping I definitely have been looking at the max trailer weights not the dry. My rule of thumb has been looking at somewhere around 7500 or below. But as I read more online I have become more confused about what is going to be good for us. Some say it is too much TT for the TV, others have success stories of pulling TTs bigger for multiple years without issue.
Also another question, how much does a load leveling suspension help? My Expy has one when we bought it and am not sure how helpful it is.
Thanks again for everyone's comments and helpful suggestions!
Think of it as two different "cargo's", one is passengers plus stuff like snacks, drinks, entertainment, games, tablets/computer items/cellphones that you take IN the vehicle..
Then the second "cargo" is all the needed camping items you will want to take with you..
The second one really adds up and it is typically carried as cargo by the trailer.
Typically you will take pots, pans, silverware, food, drinks, clothing for each person, bedding for each person, additional entertainment items, games, basic tools, extension cords, water hose(s), sewer hose, wood blocking (for leveling and under stabilizers), flashlights, bicycles, outdoor chairs and so on and so on..
Some trailers the 12V battery AND propane tanks and propane are not accounted for in the trailer dry weight.. That can add 120 lbs directly to your tongue weight.
Pretty darn good chance you will average 800-1,000 lbs of personal items you will put into the trailer for camping..
Additionally, if you plan to dry camp, freshwater WILL take a huge bite out of your trailer cargo..
If this is your first time towing/camping, typically as a newbee you will tend to pack on the heavy side.. Took us a couple of years to weed out a lot of extra unneeded stuff!
Personally, I do not subscribe to the general consensus around most RV forums of going big or go home..
I call it the "super size" mentality where most folks think just because a vehicle is rated at a certain level that they MUST buy a trailer AT that level..
I would rather UNDER SIZE my trailer for the vehicle!
For instance, 2013 F250 with 3415 lbs of cargo.. 26ft TT loaded I am at 7K lbs.. Well below my vehicles capacity in all aspects..
Gives me plenty of leftover capacity just in case MR MURPHY crosses my path..
I can tell you, it HAS payed dividends a few times.. I have dodged DEER running across in front of me not once but TWICE over the years.. And at HIGHWAY SPEEDS!! One time was so close I could see the deer ticks JUMPING off the deer :E
MR MURPHY stinks but I beat him at his game :B
Had I had a lighter vehicle and heavier trailer, the outcome most likely would not have been good.
