The answer might be obvious, but I am not quite sure. So, I am asking opinions from those much more experienced than me on this issue.
I have an enclosed 7x16 trailer, dual axle, that has a GVWR of 7000# according to the manufacturer's plate on the trailer. Each axle is rated for 3500#. In my search for a coach I am noticing that many of the older DP's (300hp, 330hp) are rated for a 5000# towing capacity. I know that I cannot/should not tow a full 7000# with this configuration.
However, the 7000# is a gross rating. The trailer weight is about 2260#. The trailer plate also says not to load over 4740# of cargo.
If I only load up to a maximum of 2740# of cargo, I would stay under the 5000# limit of the coach. I would be subjecting myself to spot inspections by various DOT agencies, etc. And, that is fine. I can self-police and weigh at a local CAT scale to be sure the trailer is under 5000#.
Is this still a legal configuration? The trailer would be under its maximum load by 2000#. I could upgrade the ball on the coach to a heavier duty (higher rating) as an extra pre-caution. I would probably need to change it anyway, as the trailer has a 2 5/16" hitch.
I already have this 7x16 trailer and really don't want to buy another trailer that is smaller for the few times that I might need to tow an enclosed trailer with a motorhome. BTW, my Jeep Grand Cherokee, with the factory tow package, can handle the 7000# trailer. I do use this combination a lot, so the 7x16 trailer is a keeper.
BTW, the 7x16 does have electric trailer brakes. The controller is a wireless system (Tekonsha 90250 Prodigy RF Electronic Brake Control). All I need to do to hook it up to a motorhome (or any other tow vehicle) is plug the control into a 12VDC (lighter) outlet at the driver's location, plug the trailer connection into the coach, then adjust the brakes using the hand-held control while taking a short test-drive. The controller wirelessly talks to the control box mounted on the trailer during the setup. For normal braking operation, the control box senses g-forces and applies the brakes automatically. Even if the hand-held control is unplugged, the brake system still works fine. One can also apply the brakes with the hand-held control. That does require that the hand-held control be plugged into 12VDC power.
I know, the brake controller is a bit off-topic on my own post. But, I thought it was worth sharing.
So... Any thoughts on if I can tow the 7000# trailer, loaded to keep the gross weight under 5000#, with a 5000# rated tow vehicle? What other things should concern me about this that I don't know to ask?