Towing a TT with a 5.3

[ShawnR]

The limiting factor is really tongue weight and the truck load carrying capacity. Watch those numbers when you shop. For example: My 7500lb (loaded) TT has 1000lb tongue weight. Add another 500 for me, wife, dog, hitch, and tools and I'm usually slightly overweight on the truck.

[gmckenzie]

I have a Cougar 30 RKS. 34'4" from hitch to bumper, 8,200 gross weight. Tow with a 2015 NHT CC short box. My payload rating is 2015. Equal-i-zer 4 pt hitch.

 

Really wish people wouldn't look at dry weights. Look at the trailers gross weight rating. I can hit that weight without water. As pointed out above, it's payload you need to worry

 

Loaded with "stuff" for 2 weeks of camping, my truck weighed 7,540 lbs on the scale. If I had the non-NHT, I'd be overweight.

 

The way I figure it, if I tried to tow this trailer with a non-NHT truck (5.3L, 3.42) with a 7,200 lb GVW, I'd have to either lose 340 pounds in the truck bed (which I probably had 200 lbs of stuff in the truck) or lighten the trailer by 2,700 lbs. Using 12.5% of trailer weight as tongue weight.

[06trdrew]

Hi people. This was my estimate on paper from a few found internet tools

 

My calculations for Tow vehicle

Dry weight on truck = 5'198lbs + 750lbs for 6 people = 5'973lbs (85.3% of GVWR) Truck GVWR - 7000lbs

GCVWR = 15'000lbs max (truck loaded + Trailer loaded)

 

My calculations for trailer weights

Dry weight of trailer = 8'080lbs + 600lbs = 8'680lbs (No 2 week stays) Full hook up sites, not traveling with tanks full & no dry camping. (90.4% based on Loaded weight 8'680lbs & GVWR Rating 9'695lbs for trailer) GVWR = Carrying capacity 1505lbs + unit empty 8080lbs = 90.4%)

 

Calculations for combined Vehicle weights

 

Actual gross combined vehicle weight = 14'653lbs (15'000lbs) = 97.69% of truck rating.

Tongue weight = 1'042lbs or 12% (right in the 10-13% range)

A weight Distribution hitch will definately be used to help out.

The 60%-40% rule for distributing weight in the trailer will be used. (60% from trailer axle to hitch, 40% axle to bumber)

Total truck weight for vehicle 7'015lbs which is 15lbs over the MFG recomendation for vehicle.

 

Let me know your thoughts. I dont like pushing limits. Everyone has an opinion based on experience (head winds, breaking, weather and what if scenario's)

I would not think twice buying a 6'000-7'000lbs trailer. My percentages would be down to 87% from 97%

Some people say they tow 10k to 14k with 1/2 ton rigs. The fast lane truck just ran a 9K trailer up the gauntlet (youtube channel) without any issues. Interesting review

But i also like to make my own decisions based on researching for myself.

Thanks again

[ShawnR]

I think you're underestimating the load in the RV and the tongue weight. You'll be closer to gross than dry weights and tongue weight % can go up, especially since the propane and pass through storage are up front. The hitch is darn heavy as well. With minimal cargo your truck is maxed so if you don't like pushing limits it's too heavy.

[NEFisher11]

Your using as dry weight for your truck which would be incorrect. My truck weighs 6k going across the scale with my father and i.

[06trdrew]

You are probably right. I have been a little uncomfortable with making the decision. Either I buy a 3/4 ton or I drop the trailer weight.

 

The other option is the Keystone Passport 3320 which drops weight about 1'500lbs. That will make things a little better with the 1/2 ton.