Second thoughts ? Too much trailer?

[0949er]

The GVWR of my truck is only 7200 lbs. I have been researching non-stop after work and after reading post and websites now I am not quite sure where I am at. The trailer I have selected is 4500 lbs dry with a max load of 3090. That from what I understand that put the trailer GVWR to 7600 #, 400 lbs over my GVWR. Does that seriously blow my truck out of the water? And if so, is it seriously something I should think about? Realistically I can?t really see myself putting 1.5 tones of weight i this trailer? I am thinking about back tracking on my camper but at the same time I feel like I am over reacting ? Any thoughts ?

 

[xrated]

The safe way  to figure/calculate this is to look at between 12-14% of the GVWR of the trailer....7600 lbs.  In doing that, you have a potential of between 912-1064 lbs of tongue weight on the truck.  Then the question becomes, what is the payload of the truck, as stated on the door sticker on the driver's side door post?  Just for sake of this example, let's say your tongue weight is 1000 lbs and your payload is 1500 lbs (I have no idea of what your actual payload number is until you post it here).  So in that scenario, 1000 lbs of tongue from the 1500 lbs of available payload leaves you with 500 lbs left over for EVERYTHING else that goes in or on the truck when you are hooked up.  That anything and everything can include....truck toolbox and the contents in it, the weight of your W.D. hitch, passenger(s), firewood, generator, grill, chairs, ....again, anything and everything that goes in or on the truck.  Even applied bedliner sprayed on after the truck was purchased and not a factory installed option.  Only you know how much that number will be, based on your needs of stuff to take along.  If you think that you will be approaching or going over that payload number, whatever it may be, then it's probably time to consider either a bigger truck or a smaller camper with less tongue weight applied to the truck you have.

 

[0949er]

The safe way  to figure/calculate this is to look at between 12-14% of the GVWR of the trailer....7600 lbs.  In doing that, you have a potential of between 912-1064 lbs of tongue weight on the truck.  Then the question becomes, what is the payload of the truck, as stated on the door sticker on the driver's side door post?  Just for sake of this example, let's say your tongue weight is 1000 lbs and your payload is 1500 lbs (I have no idea of what your actual payload number is until you post it here).  So in that scenario, 1000 lbs of tongue from the 1500 lbs of available payload leaves you with 500 lbs left over for EVERYTHING else that goes in or on the truck when you are hooked up.  That anything and everything can include....truck toolbox and the contents in it, the weight of your W.D. hitch, passenger(s), firewood, generator, grill, chairs, ....again, anything and everything that goes in or on the truck.  Even applied bedliner sprayed on after the truck was purchased and not a factory installed option.  Only you know how much that number will be, based on your needs of stuff to take along.  If you think that you will be approaching or going over that payload number, whatever it may be, then it's probably time to consider either a bigger truck or a smaller camper with less tongue weight applied to the truck you have.

my payload rating is 1175 lbs on the door

 

[0949er]

Trailer Specs from the Dutchmen Website:

Length
25' 11"

Height (with AC)
10' 7"

Shipping Weight (Average)
4,510 lbs.

Hitch
456 lbs.

Axles
2

Cargo Carrying Capacity
3,090 lbs.

Fresh Water Capacity
52 gals.

Grey Water Capacity
42 gals.

Waste Water Capacity
42 gals.

Awning Length
11'

Refrigerator Size
7 cu. ft.

 

[Lou Schneider]

The GVWR of my truck is only 7200 lbs. I have been researching non-stop after work and after reading post and websites now I am not quite sure where I am at. The trailer I have selected is 4500 lbs dry with a max load of 3090. That from what I understand that put the trailer GVWR to 7600 #, 400 lbs over my GVWR. Does that seriously blow my truck out of the water?

GVWR is the maximum weight of the truck alone and has only passing significance to how heavy a trailer you can tow.

What you need is the GCWR, Gross Combined Weight Rating, how much the truck and trailer can weigh as a unit.  You can find this in the Ford Towing Guide, or possibly in your owner's manual, and varies according to how your truck is equipped ... engine size, rear axle ratio, etc.

https://www.fleet.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/towingguides/14FLRVTTgde_Sep9.pdf

You'll find the GCWR at the far left side of the Maximum Tow Ratings chart.

Where GVWR and Cargo Carrying Capacity comes into play is figuring out if the truck has adequate payload to carry the trailer's hitch weight along with the weight of all of the passengers and cargo.  This is more of a concern with 5th wheel trailers with heavy pin weights than it is with bumper pull trailers with lighter tongue weights.

Assuming the truck can handle the above, it's GCWR minus the truck's loaded weight that determines how much trailer you can tow.  This will be less than the Maximum Tow Rating which assumes no passenger or cargo weight in the truck.

 

[xrated]

my payload rating is 1175 lbs on the door

Unfortunately, with a payload number that low, you really don't have much room for anything besides the trailer tongue weight and  possible a couple hundred pounds of additional "stuff".  You need to be looking at upgrading the truck or looking at a smaller trailer.....sorry!

 

[0949er]

Unfortunately, with a payload number that low, you really don't have much room for anything besides the trailer tongue weight and  possible a couple hundred pounds of additional "stuff".  You need to be looking at upgrading the truck or looking at a smaller trailer.....sorry!

I agree. But with a max trailer load of 3k lbs all that extra stuff can go right in the camper.

 

[SpencerPJ]

I have a 2005 YukonXL, tows 8200#, Payload 1500#.  My trailer is very similar specs as the one you are looking at, I feel loaded mine is closer to 6200#, tops..  I feel I have more truck than you.  I've been pulling trailers, boats, construction trailers my whole life. I could pull more trailer with my YukonXL, but to be honest, the numbers that are missing, are the wind factors.  A slightly windy day, I feel I am at my limits with my truck.  A wind, and a hill, and semis passing me, I really feel I am at my limits.  All these towing numbers don't account for the size and 'sail' effects of the big, tall trailer.

My 2 cents, yes, you are a bit higher than you should be with that trailer and that truck.  You can do it, but you will be at it's outer envelope non-stop. 

 

[0949er]

I have a 2005 YukonXL, tows 8200#, Payload 1500#.  My trailer is very similar specs as the one you are looking at, I feel loaded mine is closer to 6200#, tops..  I feel I have more truck than you.  I've been pulling trailers, boats, construction trailers my whole life. I could pull more trailer with my YukonXL, but to be honest, the numbers that are missing, are the wind factors.  A slightly windy day, I feel I am at my limits with my truck.  A wind, and a hill, and semis passing me, I really feel I am at my limits.  All these towing numbers don't account for the size and 'sail' effects of the big, tall trailer.

My 2 cents, yes, you are a bit higher than you should be with that trailer and that truck.  You can do it, but you will be at it's outer envelope non-stop.

What kind of motor is in that Yukon XL? I?m rated at 365 hp 420 tq, I can?t believe this will have any problem moving the trailer at all.

 

[SpencerPJ]

2005 Yukon XL, 5.3 Vortex, HP 295 @ 5200 rpm, TQ 335 @ 4000,  I think I have 342 rear end, and I do have the Tow Package.  I agree, you do have a bit more in every category.  I guess the question is, are you looking to use it more as 'weekend' camping, or cross country?  I'm more in the weekend, short vacation category.  You are correct, your truck will move the weight great, on flat land.  It's the hills and wind that starts changing everything.

I will say, if you select that trailer, I would always run with minimal water, fill up when closer to campspot, don't pack everything you'll never use, etc.  Stocking up on firewood hurts me in the payload department as well.  I always fill a few tubs and throw them in the trailer. 

People pull more, with less than you are pondering. Over the years, many come back and say, darn I wish I would have gotten more truck, or less trailer. I don't at all want to say that you shouldn't get that trailer, but I will say that you are on the fence with happiness pulling it, like everything, it's a trade-off. 

Good luck with this adventure, I hope what you decide meets and exceeds your expectations  )

 

[RVRAC]

Since your payload is 1175, you need a different truck or a smaller TT.

 

[0949er]

Since your payload is 1175, you need a different truck or a smaller TT.

I will let you guys know how it ends up. Picking her up tomorrow

 

[longhaul]

The GVWR of my truck is only 7200 lbs.

That really doesn't tell us much for giving you a good recommendation.
Other factors like year and model truck.....trucks FAWR and RAWR....engine size .....trucks gear ratio......transmission  (4 speed or 6 speed or 8 speed/etc).

My wifes 2016 1500 7200 gvwr chevy crew cab 4wd 5.3 355 hp/383 torque 6l80e tranny/4000 rawr has a 9400 lb tow rating with a 1620 lb payload. Her truck  pulls my 10000 gvwr car hauler/7500 lb blue tractor with a cab. Top of the cab is 11' 4" high and has no aero. Her truck is under all weights and does a great job in the hills  and out on the flats in 35-38 mph head winds.
 
So much depends on your trucks other specs ..if it can do it.

 

[0949er]

That really doesn't tell us much for giving you a good recommendation.
Other factors like year and model truck.....trucks FAWR and RAWR....engine size .....trucks gear ratio......transmission  (4 speed or 6 speed or 8 speed/etc).

My wifes 2016 1500 7200 gvwr chevy crew cab 4wd 5.3 355 hp/383 torque 6l80e tranny/4000 rawr has a 9400 lb tow rating with a 1620 lb payload. Her truck  pulls my 10000 gvwr car hauler/7500 lb blue tractor with a cab. Top of the cab is 11' 4" high and has no aero. Her truck is under all weights and does a great job in the hills  and out on the flats in 35-38 mph head winds.
 
So much depends on your trucks other specs ..if it can do it.

2014 f150 eco boost 7200 GVWR, super crew 4wd 365 hp / 420 twq , tow capable tranny, integrated brake controller, integrated anti sway, upgraded wd hitch, tow package, 36 gallon gas tank ( ) 4050 rawr, 15100 lb GCWR (7900 # trailer); payload of 1175. 3.31 rear end . Found the window sticker today

Assuming 2000 lbs of ?stuff? in the trailer (and that seems high to me) that?s a tongue weight of ~650 lbs. so doing the math: 1175 payload - 70 (my eight over 150) - 150 (person 2) - 650 (tongue) - 100 lb Wdh = 205 lbs for my 7 month old and items not included in that 2k lbs in the trailer (which will be virtually nothing)

*deep breath*

 

[xrated]

2014 f150 eco boost 7200 GVWR, super crew 4wd 365 hp / 420 twq , tow capable tranny, integrated brake controller, integrated anti sway, upgraded wd hitch, tow package, 36 gallon gas tank ( ) 4050 rawr, 15100 lb GCWR (7900 # trailer); payload of 1175. 3.31 rear end . Found the window sticker today

Assuming 2000 lbs of ?stuff? in the trailer (and that seems high to me) that?s a tongue weight of ~650 lbs. so doing the math: 1175 payload - 70 (my eight over 150) - 150 (person 2) - 650 (tongue) - 100 lb Wdh = 205 lbs for my 7 month old and items not included in that 2k lbs in the trailer (which will be virtually nothing)

*deep breath*

You are "assuming" a 10% tongue weight, which rarely happens (more like 12-13%) and even if you do achieve the 10% tongue weight, that number is very likely going to be too light and cause issues with trailer sway.  My previous truck/trailer combo was a Toy Hauler and because of the additional weight in the rear of the trailer (two motorcycles, toolbox, riding gear, etc.), the tongue weight was right at 10%...maybe a bit under.  My first trip with it as soon as I got on the interstate and started getting up to speed, at about 50 mph, it started swaying a bit.  At 60, it looked like a hear of snakes going down the road.......and all of this with a well setup W.D. hitch.  Bottom line is I kept adding weight to the front until I go to about 12% of the trailer weight on the tongue and the sway mostly went away.  My point is this, you are figuring 10% of 6500 lbs and you probably need to be using a more realistic number of between 12-13%

 

[0949er]

You are "assuming" a 10% tongue weight, which rarely happens (more like 12-13%) and even if you do achieve the 10% tongue weight, that number is very likely going to be too light and cause issues with trailer sway.  My previous truck/trailer combo was a Toy Hauler and because of the additional weight in the rear of the trailer (two motorcycles, toolbox, riding gear, etc.), the tongue weight was right at 10%...maybe a bit under.  My first trip with it as soon as I got on the interstate and started getting up to speed, at about 50 mph, it started swaying a bit.  At 60, it looked like a hear of snakes going down the road.......and all of this with a well setup W.D. hitch.  Bottom line is I kept adding weight to the front until I go to about 12% of the trailer weight on the tongue and the sway mostly went away.  My point is this, you are figuring 10% of 6500 lbs and you probably need to be using a more realistic number of between 12-13%

If I have to go up to 12% I will just leave the wife at home....

 

[IBTripping]

So, if you load the trailer with only 1,500 lbs, that gets you below the max capacities. No iron frying pans or dutch ovens.  It probably won't be the most enjoyable towing experience. But, you're under the maximums.  )


And, if you want, you can still leave the wife home.  : ;D

 

[0949er]

Just want to give you guys an update....

I am officially one of you

Wife and I (and our 8 month old) picked her up this afternoon. Spent the day switching between trim models (they tried to sell us a light interior, we wanted the dark), The dark didnt have the outdoor grill, yada yada. Finally got what we wanted at the price we wanted. $15,850 out the door (plus tax); free hitch install. Wasnt a bad deal at all.

Now the fun part, the tow! Im pulling the trailer with a 2014 f150 ecoboost w/ tow package. Had a 1 hr 30 minute drive north through a construction zone on I85. Started off real nervous; real scared. SLowly got use to her about 20 minutes in and we were cruzing no issues at all in the slow lane maintaining 65 up and down hills. The truck had more than enough getup to get out into the fast lane and attempt to pass sub-speed limit cars/trucks/etc. Did not feel the trailer "sway" or anything uneasy. I mean I could definatly feel it back there (especially in the pedal) but overall drive experience was easy. Even set curise control towards the end. I have to say though, I have never seen my truck push 50+ mph in second gear before trying to speed up goign up a hill. That little v6 tubo will move though!

The next challenge was parking the trailer at my house. I have a ~8 3/4' gate in my back yard. My trailer is every bit of 8' wide. My wife and I squeezed her in perfectally after about 30 minutes

Anyways, we are all here safe. We are tired, exaused. Camper is plugged in charging the battery (I need to replace a fuse and relay in my fuse panel in the truck to "charge on the plug" ) and I paln to show it off to the in-laws tomorrow.

We have our entire june booked with camping trips. Cant wait

Thanks for all the help and support~

 

[jackiemac]

Congratulations!  Post some pics when you get the chance...

 

[SpencerPJ]

Congratulations!  Post some pics when you get the chance...

X2, Congratulations, Glad the truck did well.  Be safe, there are a LOT of idiots that seem to pull in front of us, and sometimes stopping seems like stopping a train.