Wanna make the right decision the first time

[Endersbrab]

Well, the deal is done, I have ordered the Flagstaff 23LB Microlite complete with brake controller, wdh, and sway control. I am a FROG now, thanks for all your input.

First two trips will be for weddings. First will be to Pittsburgh PA and the other to Kure Beach NC

[grhodes50]

Congrats on the new tt.
You've done a great job matching your tt to your tv before you bought. I'm sure you'll have trouble free and safe trips with your new rig.

Post some pics when you get it. We love pics.

Good luck and happy camping!

[Endersbrab]

Pics are up...it towed home great

Thanks for all your help and input

[Captain Ron]

Nice looking trailer! Congrats!

What's the white stuff on the ground?

[buckeyefan]

Congrat!
We had some of that white stuff here as well...
Can't seem to make it go away.

[prof_fate]

All the math on weight is great but you're missing one important one - perhaps the most important one.

GCWR. You listed it as 11,000 lbs.
Your SUV weighs 5000 or so lbs (6400 gvwr-1342=5058). Approximately. Options can change that by 400 lbs as sunroofs, running boards, heated seats, third row seats, bigger tires/wheels can add up.

The hitch assy is gonna weight 70 some pounds. The trailer, empty, 4800 lbs or so. Your family weighs 570. Propane, batts on the trailer and gas in the truck are additional to all these other weights - 120lb for trailer and at least 200 on teh truck.

5000 + 70 + 4800 + 570 + 120 + 200 adds up to 10,760 lbs.

The total GCWR can only be 11,000 - that leaves 240 lbs for food, clothing, pots and pans, bedding, bath supplies, leveling blocks, fire wood, camping chairs...not nearly enough extra room.

From what I"m finding out (doing this same math and research) the GCWR is based on what the transmission can handle, and perhaps the engine's power/torque output. Final gearing is the biggest piece of the puzzle as it controls the load on the transmission. It's also what ford says will be damaged if one exceeds GCWR.

There are things you can do to improve this situation of course -new taller gearing in the truck is one ($300-600 or so, more for 4x4 as you need 2 ring and pinions), shorter tires/wheels (used it's cheap, new it's not), bigger trans cooler (cheap) or a HD towing rebuild on the transmission ($3-4,000).
If you only tow once a year for 100 miles in Kansas or something it may not be big deal, but load up for 2 weeks on the road and head into the mountains and you stand a fair chance of having an unexpected delay and cost for repairs.