Yahooligan
Temecula, CA
Senior Member
Joined: 11/05/2007
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club
 Offline
|
martipr wrote:What is all the noise about GVWR? That is as unlikely as the dry weight. My TT GVWR is 10600# and empty weight, per the CAT scales is 7000#. There is no way I will ever put anywhere near 3600# in the TT. The most I have ever weighed was just under 8000# and that with clothes, food and equipment for 4 people. In my case, and I'll wager in most cases , the limiting factor is the CVWR.
It's not noise, it's a logical data point to look at when considering whether or not a TT is within your TV's limits. A lot of agencies don't care what your loaded weight is, they look at GVWR of the trailer, GVWR of the TV, and GCVWR of the TV. If TT GVWR + TV GVWR > TV GCVWR then you could be in trouble. It's much safer and more logical to go by GVWR than published dry weights, provided a shipping weight is not attached to the TT.
Are you suggesting people ignore all weights and just buy whatever they want? I hope not. The most logical number to look at when considering a TT and whether it will be too heavy for the TV is to make sure the GVWR of the TT is within the TV's tow limits. I'm not sure why anyone would disagree with that.
My TT has a GVWR of 9500lb and a shipping weight of 6600lb, typical load would add no more than 1000lb and I know I'm still well within my limits. If my TT had a GVWR of 10,000lb or more it would be MUCH easier for me to end up over my limits, not to mention I'd need a Class A CDL due to the TT GVWR.
It's great that you know your TT and TV, most people don't have the option of having a TT weighed prior to purchase and we all know dry weights are a fantasy, so sans shipping weight the logical number to pay attention to is TT GVWR.
--
Hogan & Clan
2005 Nissan Titan CC SE 4x4
2010 Keystone Hideout 31BHSWE
|
jmtandem
carson city nv
Senior Member
Joined: 01/18/2006
View Profile
Offline
|
martipr,
Dry weights are often inaccurate from the manufacturer and usually don't include options. Most owners don't weigh the trailer or the tongue. Most don't carry the same loads for each trip, long or short, water full or empty, etc. So, the only real number is the GVWR. You might be the exception by weighing your trailer and tongue and knowing exactly the weight you are at. Most don't.
'05 Dodge Cummins 4x4 dually 3500 white quadcab auto long bed airbags overload springs bumpers
|
wilcamp
Belmont Co., OH
Full Member
Joined: 06/24/2008
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club
Offline
|
My TT dealer and sales staff worked responsibly to match our '08 Jay Flight 24RKS to our previous Suburban LT 1500, having a 5.3L and a 3.73 rear-end. Towing capacity for the Suburban was 7200#, and the dealership works backwards from that. They subtract at least 2000# (i.e. 5200# for my package) and then begin to show camper units at or below those dry weights. In our case, this 2000# margin sets us up at 72% of the towing limits of my Suburban. For two full seasons, this match-up has served well our traveling needs. It gets us to our destination in comfort and ease, but we know there are limitations. We certainly don't expect, nor try to pull up-hill grades at 65 or 70 mph. Diesel units pass us frequently, but the added expense of purchase and maintenence just don't justify having a DP for my daily driver when not towing. For me, it's a comfortable and affordable trade-off.
Wil, Tara, and Nakeeta (Alaskan husky)
(Joey our 6-yr. old Jack Russel mix, just passed over the Rainbow Bridge 12/19/09)
2008 Jay Flight 24RKS; 2006 Chevy Suburban 1500 4X4 Z71
|
JohnDoe
Mifflinburg Pa
Senior Member
Joined: 10/25/2005
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club
Offline
|
I have a 28 foot trailer with a 12 foot slide, I weighed it on a cat scale on the way home, after spending the winter in it, weighed 7200. I have a Chev 1/2 ton with the 5.3 eng and 3.78 rear end and tow package, that was my 5th tip too florida with it and will go again after Christmas, so if your going local with your trailer think you will be OK< would think it will weigh about same as mine.
|
TXiceman
(Near) Houston,TX
Senior Member
Joined: 11/17/2000
View Profile
Offline
|
The 4.7L will pull the trailer but not well or long distances if you travel by yourself and add NOTHING to the trailer. The short story is you need more truck or less trailer.
I had a Ram with the 4.7L and it was a DOG when yo loaded it down....lots of noise from the reving engine and lots of fuel and really did a poor job. Sure glad it was a company vehicle and I did not pay for it.
Ken
KE5DFR
Vintage 1979 Silver Streak Supreme Rocket toted by a 2002 F350, crewcab dually, 7.3L,4.10 axle,SCMT. Travel with one miniature Schnauzers, one standard schnauzer and one African Gray parrot. Practicing for retirement!
|
|
|
|
