Tow Vehicle Sizing & Weight Calculators

[tkbnz11]

Originally Posted by jwomack

Easy way to chose your TV is to ask your RV salesperson. Then use this easy guide:
1. If sales person says a 1/2 ton is adequate, get a 2500HD diesel
2. If they say a 3/4 ton is adequate, get a 3500HD diesel
3. If they say you need a 1 ton, its time to talk to your local Frieghtliner dealer

Amen!

[Cyclone Dave]

You may consider checking out this new web based app called Before You Buy RV.
BYBRV ensures RV purchase compatibility & it's designed expressly for vehicle buyers & dealers.

The app creator states that "many, if not all, towing guides fall short of providing one specific detail that you need to know when purchasing a vehicle. That omitted detail is the rear Gross Axle Weight Rating."

[biron]

Just a question here how many logged into a discussion forum before there first RV purchase? lol I learned the hard way then found the forums The advice here is great if you come here first, go figure.

[SeeTheUSA]

Originally Posted by biron

Just a question here how many logged into a discussion forum before there first RV purchase? lol I learned the hard way then found the forums The advice here is great if you come here first, go figure.

When we decided an RV of some sort might be in our future, the first one for us, I fortunately found iRV2 and learned so much to consider as we shopped. I found some other boards, too, but was quickly put off by some of the behavior. I stayed with iRV2 and about six months after joining, we bought our first rig. That was in 2005.

Still here! On our second rig now. Still learning, too, and iRV2 is my favorite "teacher!" Pretty good bunch here, and the administrators/moderators work hard to maintain a pleasant atmosphere.

[djsamuel]

Originally Posted by biron

Just a question here how many logged into a discussion forum before there first RV purchase? lol I learned the hard way then found the forums The advice here is great if you come here first, go figure.

Fortunately, I came to several forums first. It changed my view of a tow vehicle and than was a huge factor in choosing my first TT. Very happy I did and continue to appreciate all of the advice provided, whether I ask the question or not.

[biron]

It is interesting how the discussion forum has change my shopping I wouldn't think of a major purchase now without checking online. I imagine everyone under forty did it automatically.

[Cyclone Dave]

As many as those who seek knowledge from RV Forums, there are those who don't. So far this year, I've averaged 1 email a month from someone needing help, after the fact.

[2014-3585RL]

Yep right on

[Ghostrider61]

I am looking to get a toyhauler. The one I am looking at is a 2014, keystone raptor 300mp. Here are the numbers
Dry weight:11.370
Cargo: 5.130
Hitch weight: 2.595

2015 chevy 2500, CC, diesel, 4x4, Truck numbers

Curb weight: 7294
Max payload: 2793
Max gvwr: 10.000
Max trailing: 13.000
Max 5th wheel: 17.100
Gcwr: 24.000
Fgawr: 5200
Rgawr: 6200

Will I be over my weight limits.

[Gordon Dewald]

The way I read the numbers are dry weight of trailer 11,370 + curb weight to truck 7294 = 18,664.

GCVW 24,000 - 18,664 = 5,336.

1) You will have "room" for 5,336 lb of "stuff". That includes people, water, toys, food, dishes, etc. summed from the truck and 5 wheel.

2) One thing to check is the weight on the rear axle of the truck loaded as you would travel normally pulling the trailer. The sum of that plus the pin weight (2595) of the 5er should be less than 6200.

3) Also look at what you will be carrying in the 5er. If the max trailing is the total weight of the trailer you will have to keep the additions (toys, bedding, water, propane, etc) to less than 1630 lb. If the 5 wheel number 17,100 is used that will give you a weight of 5730 in the 5er. (See point 5)

4) Check out the max payload of the truck. If the max payload is 2793 and the pin weight is 2595 you would be able to only load the truck with another 198 lb. What I have read about increasing load with airbags, etc. does not change the GAWR rating of the axle. Check this with your dealer.

5) Perhaps someone with more knowledge that me can explain the max 5 wheel number. If you add that number 17,100 to the GVWR 10,000 it will far exceed the GCWR of 24,000 by 3,100.

As far as I am aware the GCVW is the max the manufacturer has rated the vehicle for regardless of what you are towing as long as the axle ratings are not exceeded and the properly installed hitch is adequate for what you are pulling.

Perhaps your dealer can clarify point 5 for you. They will be able to guide you so warranty issues for exceeding the specs will be alleviated.

I think point 4 is a concern and deserves further investigation.

Hope this helps.

[Cyclone Dave]

Originally Posted by Ghostrider61

I am looking to get a toyhauler. The one I am looking at is a 2014, keystone raptor 300mp. Here are the numbers
Dry weight:11.370
Cargo: 5.130
Hitch weight: 2.595

2015 chevy 2500, CC, diesel, 4x4, Truck numbers

Curb weight: 7294
Max payload: 2793
Max gvwr: 10.000
Max trailing: 13.000
Max 5th wheel: 17.100
Gcwr: 24.000
Fgawr: 5200
Rgawr: 6200

Will I be over my weight limits.

You will most likely overload the rear axle. Learn more at Fifth Wheel St.

[TXiceman]

ghostrider61, With a 3/4 ton truck, you are probably over on GVWR and/or rear axle GAWR.

You need to consider the added load for the truck for passengers and cargo as well as the LOADED pin weight of the trailer. Typically your pin weight will be about 20% of your trailers GVWR. Based on your numbers fro the trailer, it should have a GVWR of 16,500# and a loaded pin weight of about 3300#.

Your curb weight on the truck is listed at 7294# which is probably low for the Chevy 4x4 diesel.

7294# + 3300# = 10594#

Is is 594# over the truck GVWR without adding any cargo or passengers.

Out trailers GVWR is 16,600# and I use a diesel dually.

You will need more truck or less trailer. Sorry for the negative news.

Ken

[Ghostrider61]

Thank you all for the information.

[jimmerz]

UGH! All this tow info and it seems so confusing. I wish you could enter your truck specs and then it would have a drop down list of TT's / 5th wheels your specific vehicle could tow. (obviously the amount of people and stuff you add are up to you to figure out.) It would be much easier than trying to find a weigh station and getting everyone loaded with a full tank of gas.

Sorry, I'm one of those people who bought the Tow Vehicle FIRST!!! Now after countless forum threads and a VERY conservative nature, my wife is NOT happy that we can not tow her 5 star Hotel on wheels with my 1/2 TON!

I'll keep reading...