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Old 07-17-2018, 01:52 PM   #1
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How much should I tow?

Thinking about upgrading trailer. Truck is a new diesel titan rated at 12050 lbs. The trailer weight empty is 6000, to be safe lets add 1000 lbs for stuff and some water so were at 7000. So we would be 5000 lbs below max but who wants to be at max. Plus we will be going through mountains from time to time. I'm never in a hurry as were due to retire in 2 years and drive 65 mph.
Is there a % weight below max to be ok?
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Old 07-17-2018, 01:56 PM   #2
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I've heard 80% of max is a safe number. Others might disagree.
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Old 07-17-2018, 01:58 PM   #3
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I think you'll get 1000 opinions here but I think you should be good with what you have here.

As long as you keep around those numbers you should be fine. Personally, I'd like to stay under 70% of max tow.. just my opinion though.. some will say otherwise (more or less).

I think it just makes sense.. you'll have less stuff that breaks and the truck will last longer.
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Old 07-17-2018, 02:05 PM   #4
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Load capacity is usually exceeded before tow capacity. Focus on load capacity ( yellow sticker on drivers door).
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Old 07-17-2018, 02:06 PM   #5
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you should be able to tow 12,050 if properly distributed.

7K is only 60% of the max. i wouldnt worry about that weight.

these arbitrary safety margins that people make up are ridiculous.
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Old 07-17-2018, 02:09 PM   #6
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The total weight of the trailer tongue, passengers and stuff in your truck should not exceed your truck's rated cargo capacity. Ignore the tow rating, that figure is useless. Focus on cargo capacity.
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Old 07-17-2018, 02:22 PM   #7
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Also empty/dry weight means nothing since no one tows an empty trailer.
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Old 07-17-2018, 02:40 PM   #8
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Also empty/dry weight means nothing since no one tows an empty trailer.
He listed dry and wet weights in his post.
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Old 07-17-2018, 02:47 PM   #9
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Quote:
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He listed dry and wet weights in his post.
That was for anyone reading and wondering for the first time. Just information.
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Old 07-17-2018, 03:00 PM   #10
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Greg, post the payload number from the door sticker.
It will say "Occupants and cargo should not exceed xxxxlbs".
The driver is considered one of the occupants.
You'll never get close to the 12,050 number because you'll run out of payload capacity WAY before then.
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Old 07-17-2018, 04:19 PM   #11
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I pull a 8,000lb TT with the same truck, you should have no problems.
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Old 07-17-2018, 05:02 PM   #12
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As has been said 1000s of times on this forum, and previously on this thread, ignore:
- “max. towing capacity” as that number is generally for a truck equipped differently than yours (e.g. regular cab, 2WD, etc.)
- UVW as no one tows without the items that aren’t included in that number.

The diesel will “pull” that trailer, but can it carry the weight and be at or under the cargo carrying capacity? Diesels take up a lot of the weight carrying capacity in a half ton. Assuming 7000# probably isn’t too far off what your actual weight would be. I suggest you take the truck to a CAT scale fully loaded with passengers and a full tank of fuel to see how much capacity you have available vs your truck’s GVWR and RAWR. You may be fine or you might not. It’s best to get some real numbers rather than relying on what someone else thinks.
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Old 07-17-2018, 05:39 PM   #13
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As has been said 1000s of times on this forum, and previously on this thread, ignore:
- “max. towing capacity” as that number is generally for a truck equipped differently than yours (e.g. regular cab, 2WD, etc.)
- UVW as no one tows without the items that aren’t included in that number.

The diesel will “pull” that trailer, but can it carry the weight and be at or under the cargo carrying capacity? Diesels take up a lot of the weight carrying capacity in a half ton. Assuming 7000# probably isn’t too far off what your actual weight would be. I suggest you take the truck to a CAT scale fully loaded with passengers and a full tank of fuel to see how much capacity you have available vs your truck’s GVWR and RAWR. You may be fine or you might not. It’s best to get some real numbers rather than relying on what someone else thinks.
Great points!!!.
Truck is what they call a 5/8 ton not half of that matters.
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Old 07-17-2018, 05:48 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by itat View Post
As has been said 1000s of times on this forum, and previously on this thread, ignore:
- “max. towing capacity” as that number is generally for a truck equipped differently than yours (e.g. regular cab, 2WD, etc.)
- UVW as no one tows without the items that aren’t included in that number.

The diesel will “pull” that trailer, but can it carry the weight and be at or under the cargo carrying capacity? Diesels take up a lot of the weight carrying capacity in a half ton. Assuming 7000# probably isn’t too far off what your actual weight would be. I suggest you take the truck to a CAT scale fully loaded with passengers and a full tank of fuel to see how much capacity you have available vs your truck’s GVWR and RAWR. You may be fine or you might not. It’s best to get some real numbers rather than relying on what someone else thinks.
I looked it up online, if I'm reading the right spot, carrying capacity is 2320 pounds.
Trailer is 850 tongue weight. Wife and I are 350 lbs( together not each ) now just fuel and stuff right?
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Old 07-17-2018, 05:50 PM   #15
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The phrases 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton and 1 ton have really lost their meanings with regards to trucks. There are so called 1/2 tons out there that can out haul 3/4 tons. Get a truck that can haul your camper regardless of what they call it.
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Old 07-17-2018, 06:03 PM   #16
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Originally Posted by Greg in michigan View Post
I looked it up online, if I'm reading the right spot, carrying capacity is 2320 pounds.
Trailer is 850 tongue weight. Wife and I are 350 lbs( together not each ) now just fuel and stuff right?
What cab configuration are you referring to? The diesel crew cab will max out at about 1850lbs.
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Old 07-17-2018, 06:10 PM   #17
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Diesel engines, while fantastic for towing are heavy. Diesel engines trucks have less cargo capacity than their gasoline counterparts.
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Old 07-17-2018, 06:14 PM   #18
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You are well under the payload with that truck. Have fun, and report back how it works.

As it is new, I am curious.

Sounds like a better choice than the Ram half ton. At least on paper.

Does it have exhaust braking on the cruise? My Ram does. A great feature.

Getting diesel in a big truck stop will be a new experience. Not like other pumps!
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Old 07-17-2018, 06:18 PM   #19
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Originally Posted by Greg in michigan View Post
I looked it up online, if I'm reading the right spot, carrying capacity is 2320 pounds.
Trailer is 850 tongue weight. Wife and I are 350 lbs( together not each ) now just fuel and stuff right?

What does the load capacity sticker on the drivers door jamb say? That is the one that matters.
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Old 07-17-2018, 06:26 PM   #20
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You are well under the payload with that truck. Have fun, and report back how it works.

As it is new, I am curious.

Sounds like a better choice than the Ram half ton. At least on paper.

Does it have exhaust braking on the cruise? My Ram does. A great feature.

Getting diesel in a big truck stop will be a new experience. Not like other pumps!
Hate to say it but I'm not sure. It either does or it has some transmission thing going as it can almost stop without the brake when in tow mode
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