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02-12-2019, 10:53 AM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Herculaneum, MO
Posts: 24
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Truck/Travel Trailer Towing Scenario
Hello! Thank you all for having this site and taking time to answer everyone’s questions. I wanted to run a truck/travel trailer scenario by you all to get your opinion before I purchase this used travel trailer directly from an owner. Our family recently sold our 2007 Rockwood Roo 21RS and are looking to upgrade to a larger camper to accommodate a growing family.
According to my calculations, I am within the perimeters of pulling this camper, but wanted to make sure as I’ve been reading different articles online about towing this size trailer with a ˝ ton. Thanks for any thoughts, comments, or suggestions!!!
Truck
2014 Chevy Silverado Crew Cab 4x4 6’6” bed (EcoTec3 5.3L, 3.42 Axel Ration, Factory Trailer Brake Package installed)- using an Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4 point sway control- 10,000lbs GTW, 1,000lbs TW
Curb Weight of truck: 5292
GVWR of truck: 7200
GCVWR: 15000
Payload capacity of truck: 1883
Towing Capacity: 9500
Based upon: https://media.gm.com/media/us/en/che...pecs.html#crew
Estimated Payload in Truck
Passengers: 450 (me, my wife, small child, dog)
Cargo: 350 (went a little heavy just to be safe, usually we have coolers, firewood, bin of toys)
Total payload (minus hitch weight): 800
Travel Trailer
2011 Coachman Catalina 28DDS
Unloaded Vehicle Weight: 6042
GVWR: 7700
Hitch/tongue weight: 748
For reference, when we pulled our last camper we never pulled it with water in the travel trailer and our additional cargo weight in our last camper never came close to exceeding 1,000 lbs, however with a larger camper and more storage we may place close to 1,000 lbs in weight in the camper.
When calculating my numbers I see that I still have 335 lbs of available payload in the truck (less fuel), GVW for the truck is 6,840, GCVW is 13,792 (including GVWR of 7700), and that I am under my towing capacity of 9500. My family’s safety is important to me which is why I ask about pulling this trailer. We live in eastern MO and the most we would travel with this camper is locally within 4 hours of our home so no long steep inclines or declines up mountains. Also, any comments on gross axle weight rating would be appreciated as well!
__________________
GreenHorn Hauler
Missouri
TV: 2014 Chevy Silverado Crew (5.3L), 4X4, 6.6 bed, trailer package and break
TT: 2011 Coachmen 28DDS
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02-12-2019, 11:14 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Saint Louis
Posts: 1,458
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This write up is good, but i think you need to make sure your payload is correct. Check your driver side door sticker
__________________
2015 Ram 2500 4x4 6.4l with 2015 Sandpiper 25RLS
Wife, myself and 2 furry kids
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02-12-2019, 11:17 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 4,041
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GreenHorn Hauler
Hello! Thank you all for having this site and taking time to answer everyone’s questions. I wanted to run a truck/travel trailer scenario by you all to get your opinion before I purchase this used travel trailer directly from an owner. Our family recently sold our 2007 Rockwood Roo 21RS and are looking to upgrade to a larger camper to accommodate a growing family.
According to my calculations, I am within the perimeters of pulling this camper, but wanted to make sure as I’ve been reading different articles online about towing this size trailer with a ˝ ton. Thanks for any thoughts, comments, or suggestions!!!
Truck
2014 Chevy Silverado Crew Cab 4x4 6’6” bed (EcoTec3 5.3L, 3.42 Axel Ration, Factory Trailer Brake Package installed)- using an Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4 point sway control- 10,000lbs GTW, 1,000lbs TW
Curb Weight of truck: 5292
GVWR of truck: 7200
GCVWR: 15000
Payload capacity of truck: 1883
Towing Capacity: 9500
Based upon: https://media.gm.com/media/us/en/che...pecs.html#crew
Estimated Payload in Truck
Passengers: 450 (me, my wife, small child, dog)
Cargo: 350 (went a little heavy just to be safe, usually we have coolers, firewood, bin of toys)
Total payload (minus hitch weight): 800
Travel Trailer
2011 Coachman Catalina 28DDS
Unloaded Vehicle Weight: 6042
GVWR: 7700
Hitch/tongue weight: 748
For reference, when we pulled our last camper we never pulled it with water in the travel trailer and our additional cargo weight in our last camper never came close to exceeding 1,000 lbs, however with a larger camper and more storage we may place close to 1,000 lbs in weight in the camper.
When calculating my numbers I see that I still have 335 lbs of available payload in the truck (less fuel), GVW for the truck is 6,840, GCVW is 13,792 (including GVWR of 7700), and that I am under my towing capacity of 9500. My family’s safety is important to me which is why I ask about pulling this trailer. We live in eastern MO and the most we would travel with this camper is locally within 4 hours of our home so no long steep inclines or declines up mountains. Also, any comments on gross axle weight rating would be appreciated as well!
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you can help the trucks payload by storing more things in TT like the coolers etc.
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02-12-2019, 11:20 AM
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#4
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Denver To Yuma In 90 Days
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Yuma, Arizona
Posts: 3,882
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If you want to see the real cargo capacity and tow rating of your exact truck, skip the online charts and go look at the sticker inside the driver's door of your actual truck.
Those are the only numbers to use.
Also, forget about dry weight of the camper...
That number doesn't mean squat!
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02-12-2019, 11:28 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Snohomish, WA
Posts: 1,151
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As others have said, check your door sticker for the actual payload rating of your truck.
The other number that I would question is the hitch weight. The listed, unloaded trailer's hitch weight is 748. Add gear, propane and batteries on the front and its likely closer to 950. Also, for a fair guess, use 13% of the GVW. 7700 x 13% = 1,001.
Also don't forget the weight of the hitch itself at about 75 pounds.
Passengers: 450
Cargo: 350
Equalizer: 75
Tongue weight: 1001
All that equals 1,876
__________________
2017 Forest River Surveyor 247BHDS...
...Tugged by a 2016 F250 XLT FX4 SuperCrew, Shortbed 6.2L, 4wd, 3.73...
...Joined with a Husky Centerline TS 800-1200lbs WDH
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02-12-2019, 11:49 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 10,833
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I doubt that 2014 has 11883 payload with the weak V 8 engine, a Ford F 150 with Ecoboost has 1900 to 2000 lbs.
__________________
B and B
2022 Venture RV SportTrek STT 302 VRB Travel Trailer
2018 Heartland Landmark 365 Louisville 5th Wheel
2015 Heartland Bighorn 5th Wheel
2013 FR Rockwood 8289WS 5th Wheel
2012 FR Rockwood 2703 SS Travel Trailer
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02-12-2019, 11:53 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Snohomish, WA
Posts: 1,151
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Quote:
Originally Posted by B and B
I doubt that 2014 has 11883 payload with the weak V 8 engine, a Ford F 150 with Ecoboost has 1900 to 2000 lbs.
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Payload has very little to do with engine power.
In fact, a more powerful diesel powered truck has a much smaller payload compared to the same truck with a gas engine.
My old ecoboost had a payload of only 1529....plenty of power though.
__________________
2017 Forest River Surveyor 247BHDS...
...Tugged by a 2016 F250 XLT FX4 SuperCrew, Shortbed 6.2L, 4wd, 3.73...
...Joined with a Husky Centerline TS 800-1200lbs WDH
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02-12-2019, 12:54 PM
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#8
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Herculaneum, MO
Posts: 24
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I put 1883
__________________
GreenHorn Hauler
Missouri
TV: 2014 Chevy Silverado Crew (5.3L), 4X4, 6.6 bed, trailer package and break
TT: 2011 Coachmen 28DDS
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02-12-2019, 01:31 PM
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#9
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Multi-Slacker
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: SoCal
Posts: 2,279
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Since you are at the outer limits of the truck at 1st blush, it is time to start refining. Get the exact GVWR from the sticker on the TT. From the CCC on your TV door sticker, subtract anything you installed: cap, bed liner, nerf bars, etc. and the WDH weight. Compare that result to 15% of the TT's GVWR. If you are out of payload compare the loaded weight to the axle and tire ratings.
Regardless of whether or not you are over payload, realize that you have no more margin. No margin for error or for safety. At that loading, you will want to change rear end and transmission fluids and filter much more frequently than recommended.
__________________
Safe Travels
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02-12-2019, 01:44 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Virginia
Posts: 9,728
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After you think you know where you are weight wise, go to a scale (Like a Cat Scale) and weigh. You might be surprised.
Do this loaded like you are heading to camp.
https://catscale.com/how-to-weigh/
__________________
2005 Dodge 3500 Cummins
2017 Wildwood Lodge 4092 BFL
1966 Mustang GT
1986 Mustang SVO
Lillie Spoiled Rotten Boxer Mix
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02-12-2019, 02:26 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Where the stars at night are big and bright
Posts: 970
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnD10
If you want to see the real cargo capacity and tow rating of your exact truck, skip the online charts and go look at the sticker inside the driver's door of your actual truck.
Those are the only numbers to use.
Also, forget about dry weight of the camper...
That number doesn't mean squat!
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The OP said "unloaded weight" which is the weight of the unit it as it leaves the factory. It is recorded on the yellow stick on the side and inside door of the trailer. My scaled unloaded weight was 2# higher that number with two full 20# LPG bottles and a battery but no water.
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02-12-2019, 02:38 PM
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#12
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Denver To Yuma In 90 Days
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Yuma, Arizona
Posts: 3,882
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Quote:
Originally Posted by elchilero53
The OP said "unloaded weight" which is the weight of the unit it as it leaves the factory. It is recorded on the yellow stick on the side and inside door of the trailer. My scaled unloaded weight was 2# higher that number with two full 20# LPG bottles and a battery but no water.
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I know what he said...and loaded weight is the only number to go by!
Like I said...dry (unloaded) weight doesn't mean squat...or diddly!
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02-12-2019, 02:42 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Where the stars at night are big and bright
Posts: 970
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GreenHorn Hauler
Hello! Thank you all for having this site and taking time to answer everyone’s questions. I wanted to run a truck/travel trailer scenario by you all to get your opinion before I purchase this used travel trailer directly from an owner. Our family recently sold our 2007 Rockwood Roo 21RS and are looking to upgrade to a larger camper to accommodate a growing family.
According to my calculations, I am within the perimeters of pulling this camper, but wanted to make sure as I’ve been reading different articles online about towing this size trailer with a ˝ ton. Thanks for any thoughts, comments, or suggestions!!!
Truck
2014 Chevy Silverado Crew Cab 4x4 6’6” bed (EcoTec3 5.3L, 3.42 Axel Ration, Factory Trailer Brake Package installed)- using an Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4 point sway control- 10,000lbs GTW, 1,000lbs TW
Curb Weight of truck: 5292
GVWR of truck: 7200
GCVWR: 15000
Payload capacity of truck: 1883
Towing Capacity: 9500
Based upon: https://media.gm.com/media/us/en/che...pecs.html#crew
Estimated Payload in Truck
Passengers: 450 (me, my wife, small child, dog)
Cargo: 350 (went a little heavy just to be safe, usually we have coolers, firewood, bin of toys)
Total payload (minus hitch weight): 800
Travel Trailer
2011 Coachman Catalina 28DDS
Unloaded Vehicle Weight: 6042
GVWR: 7700
Hitch/tongue weight: 748
For reference, when we pulled our last camper we never pulled it with water in the travel trailer and our additional cargo weight in our last camper never came close to exceeding 1,000 lbs, however with a larger camper and more storage we may place close to 1,000 lbs in weight in the camper.
When calculating my numbers I see that I still have 335 lbs of available payload in the truck (less fuel), GVW for the truck is 6,840, GCVW is 13,792 (including GVWR of 7700), and that I am under my towing capacity of 9500. My family’s safety is important to me which is why I ask about pulling this trailer. We live in eastern MO and the most we would travel with this camper is locally within 4 hours of our home so no long steep inclines or declines up mountains. Also, any comments on gross axle weight rating would be appreciated as well!
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I tried this and it was a flop. Find a truck scale that weighs semis and weight the truck with all passengers, cargo, hitch/with spring bars & sway bars in the back, and a full fuel tank. Subtract that from 7200. What remains is the actual payload that you have left to work with. Your trailer tongue weight will probably run 900+ # after you weight the trailer attached to the TV. With those numbers, you can figure how to load the trailer and truck for optimum weight distribution.
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02-12-2019, 02:58 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Delaware
Posts: 133
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A couple of additional things to consider:
If it turns out that your tongue weight approaches 1000 lbs, then you should move up to the 12,000/1200 Equalizer. According to the Equalizer instructions for sizing the hitch, you need to also include any weight stored behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.
Many posters on this forum will advise you to include the weight of the WDH in your calculation. That's fine so long as you also deduct the amount transferred back to the trailer. My experience has been that it will transfer about 150 lbs back to the trailer with the setup in my signature. Personally, I never count the weight of the hitch because I assume that amount (or more) will be transferred back to the trailer. As others have said, the Cat scale is what tells you what's really going on.
__________________
Steve, Barb, and 5 daughters who love to camp
2017 Shamrock 23IKSS, Weight sticker: 5314 lbs, Equil-i-zer 4pt. 1,000/10,000
2006 Fleetwood (Coleman) Niagara: Sold
2004 Suburban 2500 8.1 liter, 4.10, tow rating 12,000, GCWR 19,000, Doorjamb payload: 2108
2003 Suburban 1500 Z71, 5.3/3.73, airbags, LT tires, Big Brake Upgrade, Prodigy P2
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02-12-2019, 03:16 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 4,223
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnD10
If you want to see the real cargo capacity and tow rating of your exact truck, skip the online charts and go look at the sticker inside the driver's door of your actual truck.
Those are the only numbers to use.
Also, forget about dry weight of the camper...
That number doesn't mean squat!
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WRONG WRONG WRONG. That sticker is only an approximate number best used to compare similar trucks. You’ll never get a CAT scale number to match the door sticker.
Examples...my ‘14 1500 door sticker said 1783. CAT scale with full fuel and me was 1710. Without the fuel and person it should have been 2060.
Next, ‘17 Ram Dually. Sticker payload 5960. CAT scale, no persons, full fuel 5840 remaining payload.
Next, ‘18 Ram 2500 diesel, sticker 2460, CAT scale, full fuel no pax 2410. Without fuel would have been over 2600.
Until the OP goes to the scale the numbers in that post are not correct.
__________________
BIRDS AREN’T REAL
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02-12-2019, 05:24 PM
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#16
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Herculaneum, MO
Posts: 24
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I am very grateful for your and everyone else's thoughts and comments. I will check my door decal tonight just for comparison sake. I have a CAT scale by my home and I'll fill up on fuel and weigh the truck with myself and fuel. Afterwards, if I'm understanding everyone correct I'll then subtract that number from the listed GVWR on the truck to determine additional available payload in the vehicle (family + cargo in the bed).
I hadn't considered weighing in the weight of the batteries, gas in the propane tank, and am still unsure due to the conflicting points of whether or not I should account for the weight of the equal-i-zer weight distribution system as apart of the hitch weight of the camper.
__________________
GreenHorn Hauler
Missouri
TV: 2014 Chevy Silverado Crew (5.3L), 4X4, 6.6 bed, trailer package and break
TT: 2011 Coachmen 28DDS
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02-12-2019, 05:40 PM
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#17
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Site Team
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Goodyear, Arizona
Posts: 33,598
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When you weigh at the CAT scale, anything in the truck, other than fuel, counts as payload. Including the driver.
Also, RV manufacturers started including propane weight, in the factory UVW sticker weight, back in 2009 or 2010.
__________________
Dan-Retired California Firefighter/EMT
Shawn-Musician/Entrepreneur/Wine Expert
and Zoe the Wonder Dog(R.I.P.)
2016 PrimeTime TracerAIR 255, pushing a 2014 Ford F150 SCREW XTR 4x4 3.5 Ecoboost w/Max Tow Package
4pt Equal-i-zer WDH and 1828lbs of payload capacity
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02-12-2019, 05:41 PM
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#18
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Member
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 96
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To the OP I have a 2014 Silverado Crew Cab LT 4x4 with 5.3L and max trailering package. So similar to yours. With spray on bedliner plus tonneau cover and maybe 70 lbs of stuff my truck weighs in at 5835 on a Cat Scale. With me in the seat I'm down to around 1170 lbs of actual payload left.
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02-12-2019, 05:45 PM
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#19
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Multi-Slacker
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: SoCal
Posts: 2,279
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As far as I know, a WDH transfers some weight from rear axle to front axle, not to the trailer. Trailer axle/frames/tires assume 10 - 15% of TT weight is borne by the hitch. Best way to tell for sure - you guessed it! Cat scale.
__________________
Safe Travels
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02-12-2019, 05:49 PM
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#20
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Misfit Adventures
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Sharbot Lake Ontario
Posts: 165
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We have the 2017 Catalina 28DDS beautiful trailer pulling with 2017 dodge ram 1500 outdoorsman crew cab . Fortunately we are a small family ruffly 250 lbs all together with some toys to keep the little man entertained. The truck pulls the trailer with no problem even in the hilly terrain. Enjoy your TT.
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