Community Forums

desertranger · 10-24-2012, 02:36 PM

I've read all the weight topics I can find. Feel like im in the classroom when the instrucxtors asks, :Any questions?" and I answer, Ahh!! Now I don't see..."

and I am totally confused. Better to ask here where there are people whose brains work and know this.

I found a 2003 Chev 3500HD 4x4with tow package. Vortec 6l Engine rebuilt for performance side about 40k miles ago. Drives like a monster. Good feel to the truck and performs the way I used to build 350s for hot trucks and 4x4s. All in, all it checks out OK.

Taken off the weight tags. From what I've been reading here this should work. Truck will tow trailer plus a bit more with an equalizing hitch between the two and maybe air shocks. Comments please? I like the truck and the guy is holding it for me pending the weight readings.

Having dinner with RV friends tonight so I'll ask them as well.

The Truck
GVWR 8600 lbs
GAWR FRNT 4410 lbs
GAWR Rear 6000 lbs

The Travel Trailer 31ft Heartland North Country 2 axles.
GVWR/PNBV 9830 lbs
GAWR/PNG each axle 4400 lbs

Thanks for any help.

trackman · 10-24-2012, 02:59 PM

You will have no problem backing up to your trailer with just hitch and ball and pulling away. Weight distribution is a plus but with your setup you will not need it unless the suspension under your rig is shot.

desertranger · 10-25-2012, 08:15 AM

Thanks Trackman. I kind of thought so but to have someone confirm that I actually learned something helps. I'll try it without the equalizer first. If it works fine, if not I can always put one in.

jesilvas · 10-26-2012, 09:01 PM

You may still want a sway bar

desertranger · 10-27-2012, 04:27 PM

Sway bar is a must. I travel in windy country a lot.

Jmjtx · 10-28-2012, 05:28 PM

I've used a friction sway bar before and upgraded to a Reese Dual Cam, which has been great! Highly recommend, imho!

wonderer1 · 10-28-2012, 07:56 PM

gvw = gross vehicle weight (maximum weight). gaw= gross axle weight (maximum weight per axle) . so your truck can carry as a load on axles gvw. same for your trailer. so your truck with it's load weighs X plus the tongue weight of the trailer as a load on your truck. as long as this doesn't exceed gvw and or gaw your ok. that being said you also have to check the tire gross allowable weights. also what is your bumper or hitch rated at ? is it rated enough for the tongue weight ?

desertranger · 10-29-2012, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wonderer1

gvw = gross vehicle weight (maximum weight). gaw= gross axle weight (maximum weight per axle) . so your truck can carry as a load on axles gvw. same for your trailer. so your truck with it's load weighs X plus the tongue weight of the trailer as a load on your truck. as long as this doesn't exceed gvw and or gaw your ok. that being said you also have to check the tire gross allowable weights. also what is your bumper or hitch rated at ? is it rated enough for the tongue weight ?

I like this response.

That's one advantage, no hitch on the truck yet so no guessing. I'll know what to put on there when I'm finished working in this. I even copied it for later referance.