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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Tow Vehicles -> Do I have enough tow vehicle?
Post Info TOPIC: Do I have enough tow vehicle?
Sweenja1


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Do I have enough tow vehicle?
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We are seriously considering buying a coach with a dry weight of 13,424 lbs.  Cargo weight up to 3,376 lbs and maximum combined weight of 16,800 lbs.  Kingpin weight of 2442 lbs.

 

We currently have a 2007 Chevy 2500HD with the big 8.1 liter gas engine with the Allison Transmission and a 410 rear end.  Owners manual says maximum trailer weight 15,600 lbs, GCWR 22,000 lbs with a kingpin tongue weight not to exceed 3000 lbs.  It has Gross Axle Weight Rating of 4670 lbs on the front and 6084 LBS on the rear.  I currently tow a 5er with a loaded weight of 11,000 pounds without any issues. 

 

The actual GVW of the truck is 5,847 lbs, 6,548 with cargo.

 

I was told to subtract the actual weight of the truck with cargo from the manufactures CGWR of 22,000 lbs which leaves me with about 16,452 lbs however that would exceed the 15,600 lbs max set by the manufacture.  I have also used other calculators that have set the max limit at 12,500 lbs which is much less than the manufacture rating?  this is confusing to me lol... 

 

I would like to hear opinions on whether I can or cannot tow this trailer with my current truck.  I understand I would have to be vigilant in not letting the cargo capacity on the coach to exceed 2,176 pounds. 

 

 



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2007 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 extended cab, 8.1 gaser, Load Lifter 5000 airbags

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sirwinston21


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You will need a 1 ton dually. After loading your stuff your pin weight could easily surpass 3000lb.


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Sweenja1


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This is one of the things I was wondering, is the trailer pin weight is based on the dry weight or the cargo weight = maximum CGVW?



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2007 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 extended cab, 8.1 gaser, Load Lifter 5000 airbags

2016 Heartland Bighorn 3760EL
Bill and Linda


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Jerry:

The 2500 will “pull it” with the big 8.1 and Allison, but you need a 1-ton a 3500 due to the weight issues.

As I commented in your other post and question about the Escalade, I am familiar with the weights on that trailer when loaded and you will be at about 3,500lbs of pin weight loaded depending on options – like a generator.  The specs in the brochures are dry weights (none of your stuff in the trailer) right off the assembly line.

An Escalade is a “3500HD Duramax/Allision” or equivalent truck trailer.  That great 18” frame for strength adds weight – which actually is a good thing.

PM me if you need more specific information as I most likely will have it for the combination equipment you are considering.

Bill



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Bill & Linda
Cummins12V98


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You can easily hit 25% pin weight that would be about 4,200# that is not including hitch tool box and ???? The honest and safe answer is a Dually!

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The Junkman


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Your over with just Truck capacity.. forget about pin weight..

22k GCWR - 6548 Actual weight = 15,452 max .. versus 16,800 actual loaded weight.. Over weight by 1300 ish.. Pin weight can be managed.. GCWR.. can not.

Be sure to check the specs on your truck.. 4x4 , your 4.10's, if it's crew cab, can greatly increase capacity.



-- Edited by The Junkman on Tuesday 9th of December 2014 07:32:38 PM

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Sushidog


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The advertised pin weight is dry, without options (some of which may be "mandatory options")  - which is a way of advertising a lower weight than what it really is. It's sad, but the only way to know your actual weight is to weigh the trailer.

For example, the sticker inside my Aliner says it weighs 1,040lbs. It actually weighs about 1,550lbs, and loaded with water and camping gear about 1,700 lbs. It's those pesky "options" (like battery, propane tanks, second ac, spare tire, awning, electric jacks, etc.) that make your fiver weigh more. 

Moral of the story, your pin weight will be more than advertised, especially once it's loaded.

Chip 



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MarkS


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Chip, you paint a very clear picture of empty vs loaded. My fiver is still empty so I plan on weighing it before loading it. I want to know how much crap we are taking. In my case, if I have additional weight like cases of green beans or thousands of rounds of ammunition, I will put it up front over the pin. I don't want the additional weight on the trailer axles. I need to be careful not to overload the pin on the POS Limpwrist (Lippert) frame.

A great improvement to sales documentation would be a clear explanation of what their weights include and what is typical for a family to load in a coach. I know this would vary greatly, but a general number could be assumed per person. Something like men's clothes 20 pounds, women's clothes with shoes 4000 pounds. Some numbers that would give a novice a starting place.

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manycats


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Mark, my DH's jeans, boots and shoes weigh a lot more than my cotton pants, T shirts and mocs. Plus he gets his clothes dirtier and has to change more often. His ammo also weighs more than mine. I will admit however than my kitchen "requirements" weigh more than his, even though he loves cast iron. Good advice though, sales docs, both for tow vehicles and RVs are unrealistic.

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Sushidog


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The dealer said it would pull it just fine. What do you guys think?

 

It was a booger getting it over those mountains though.


Chip



-- Edited by Sushidog on Wednesday 31st of December 2014 09:22:24 AM



-- Edited by Sushidog on Wednesday 31st of December 2014 09:23:11 AM

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1999 National Tropical Class A gasser

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cheryls-other-half


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Sushidog wrote:

The dealer said it would pull it just fine. What do you guys think?

 

It was a booger getting it over those mountains though.


Chip



-- Edited by Sushidog on Wednesday 31st of December 2014 09:22:24 AM



-- Edited by Sushidog on Wednesday 31st of December 2014 09:23:11 AM

 I say.. 'nuff said...'  (to those of you who DON't have a trailer/Truck yet, let this be a lesson to you.

BIGGER is better/Safer!



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