Towing Weights

[BigMike]

This past week the wife and I and lots of family members went on a camping trip. I was as loaded up as I ever have been so decided to weigh everything. Here's what I came up with.



Truck alone pretty well loaded with fuel and passengers:

Steer Axle - 4460#

Rear Axle - 3080#

Total Truck-7540#



Hooked Up my 5er and weighed the next day.

Steer Axle - 4500 # Thought it would be higher

Total Truck -10060 #

Trailer Axle - 8380 #

GCW - 18420 #



If you do the math 10060-4500 = 5560# Rear Axle Weight

Total Trailer weight -1842# - 7540 = 10880# fresh water tank 1/3 full.



Looked at the owner's manual. For my truck it appears my GCR should not be over 18000#, although that's for a 4. 10. Mine is a 3. 55. It appears I'm over my weight rating by 420#.



Also, the book indicates Gross Axle Weigh Rating (GAWR) for the front in 4100# and the rear is 6084#. Looks like I'm ok on the rear but too high in the front, even without my 5er hooked up.



Am I ok with these weights? I see folks pulling a lot more load than I am with the same truck. Are they illegal or am I looking at this the wrong way?



Would appreciate any insights from you experts.

 

[klenger]

You have exceeded the GVWR for the truck (8800 lbs) by 1260 lbs. It looks like your pin weight is 2520 lbs. Can you load more of the wieght in the rear of the trailer? How many is "lots of people"?

 

[BigMike]

Klenger, I calculated my pin weight at 2480#. Only had three people in the truck plus a full cooler of ice and beverages in the rear. When I hook up my 5er, the bed of my truck drops 2-3". Seems like that would put more weight on the rear axle. My 5er is perfectly level. Would it help to stiffen up the rear suspension and adjust my hitch?