How do we make sure we are not over weight for towing?

[BandJCarm]

I have begun to read these only after a bunch of folks post. THEN I read down and see if the OP has come back and responded. If not, I just move on.

Except I guess I just lied, huh? LOL

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by elchilero53

I was basing my recommendation on the number and weight of the passengers plus the dogs plus the junk most kids want to take with them that won't fit into the trailer plus the weight of the tongue. Yes, a 1-ton dually is overkill on the towing end, but there isn't any 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton on the market that can handle a family that large with the dogs and kid's stuff and handle the tongue weight on top even with max-tow setup.

A 2018 F150 with the HDPP option can have payload capacities over 2300lbs.

[rockfordroo]

Decembergirl

As mentioned, you will run out of payload before towing capacity. Here’s the quick and dirty payload calculation you need to do.

1. Look on the drivers side of your trailer for a sticker that looks like the one below. Find the GVWR on the sticker.



2. Take the GVWR and multiply it by 13% (0.13). The number you get will be a reasonable estimate of your trailers loaded tongue weight.

3. Take the tongue weight from #2 above and add 75-100 lbs for the weight of your E2 hitch. This is your total hitch weight.

4. Look on the drivers doorframe of your Yukon for the payload sticker. It will look something like the one below.



5. Subtract the total hitch weight from #3 above from the payload shown on the Yukon’s sticker.

6. Whatever payload is left from the subtraction in #5 above is what you have left for:

a. Weight of husband
b. Weight of wife
c. 120 lb 19-year old
d. 90 lb 11-year old
e. 30 lb 5-year old
f. 30 lb 2-year old
g. 60 lb Husky
h. Stuff

7. Items c thru d are already almost 300 lbs. If you and hubby each weigh 150 lbs, that’s another 300 lbs, bringing you to 600 lbs before any “stuff.”

Good luck.

[Hersbird]

Originally Posted by dbledan

You are right very limited options in SUVs. Would the H2 seat that many?

Nissan NV passenger van maybe depending on weight and configuration.

Payload:*2,928 to 3,143*lbs
Up to 9100 towing

May be cheaper to take 2 cars on trips than buy one that can do all that. I have to do this when the inlaws want to camp with us but that is only occasionally and not very far.

That year H2 seats 7 but with no room for a dog at that point, the rear seat can fold up in 1/2 and seat 6 overall with a square spot left over for a dog. The 2500 Suburban can seat up to 9 and still have a giant space behind the seat for dogs and baggage.

A lot of full size vans will handle that. I personally would look for a Duramax Chevy Express. They actually put the new 2.8 Duramax in the 2017+ Savana passenger and cargo vans, but it only tows 6100 pounds with that motor. I have heard it is pretty awesome MPG, over 20 mpg not towing. The 6.0 gas version 2500 or 3500 is good for over 9000 pounds towing and well over 2000 pounds payload.