Check my math - New Truck

[greenej12295]

Upgrading to a new ride and looking at it's capabilities as far as Payload, GVWR and GCWR before I purchase. Here is the new truck and my travel trailer specs:

Truck:
Curb Weight 4815lb
GVWR 7,100lb
GCWR 15,000lb
Payload 2,285lb
Towing 9,000lb

Travel Trailer:
Dry Weight 5,762lb
GVWR 7,600lb
Hitch Weight (MFG) 687lb

Here are my assumptions:

Payload including passengers, cargo, hitch/ball, full tank fuel = 1,118
Hitch Weight (12.5% of GVWR Trailer) = 950lb
Total payload on truck = 2,068lb
Remaining Payload = 217lb

I think I was liberal on passengers (2), cargo, hitch weight, and, etc but want to know others thoughts on my calculated hitch weight and that remaining payload.

I currently use a WD Hitch w/ Sway Control (850lb/8,500lb)

I'm not providing vehicle type or travel trailer type to keep the thread focused on these numbers. My gut says I'm fine but dropping 55K+ on a new truck I like to double check my math and get input from others. Years ago I didn't consider any of this, just bought the Travel Trailer and hit the gas. Thanks....

[tuffr2]

I think you are good with the payload. You seem to know what numbers to look at and so you know the lighter you keep the trailer the better.

[Dave Pelletier]

Congrats for using the TT's GVWR to calculate the weights rather than the dry weights that most use.

Short answer; I think your fine as far as being within the weight limits of the truck you are looking at. That said, that's more trailer than I'd prefer to tow with a half ton truck so considering you haven't purchased a truck yet, I'd go with a 3/4 or 1 ton myself.

I've been contemplating/researching the same thing for a few months now; my TT is 5400 lbs dry and has a GVWR of 7150 and my original plan was to "upgrade" my truck to a new 2021 F150 3.5EB max tow but after talking to a couple dozen people with similar set ups and reading all the tea leaves, I've decided to go with a 3/4 ton truck.

I know you wanted to stick with the numbers but the size/length of the trailer matters too; windage and leaverage of a long trailer make them more difficult to tow comfortably when you are close to the limits.....just something to keep in mind.

good luck,
Dave

[RVPioneer]

Math is good. You will be pushing the limits.

If you’re planning to do long, multi-day trips, a 3/4-ton would be a worthy consideration. For occasional, shorter trips, the 1/2-ton will do the job.

[greenej12295]

Thanks folks! I'm leaning toward the 2500 to be safe, which is why I'm doing my homework and asking questions of seasoned towers this time. No more whiteknucklin down the highway.

[tuffr2]

Agree with a bigger truck if going down the highway. 45 - 50 per hour is easy on back roads but if you are getting on the highway with semi's you will need to control the trailer a lot more.

Bigger trucks with the longer wheelbase [emoji106]

[mtofell]

Good job doing your research. Far too many folks stumble in here AFTER buying and end up kicking themselves.

I agree with some others.... go for the 3/4 ton. The experience is truly night and day. You'll be okay with what you propose but it's close and you will have to constantly be watching your pounds (not fun while trying to have fun).

[Dave Pelletier]

Originally Posted by greenej12295

Thanks folks! I'm leaning toward the 2500 to be safe, which is why I'm doing my homework and asking questions of seasoned towers this time. No more whiteknucklin down the highway.

....I've never heard anyone complain about having too much truck! ;-)

Dave

[swavescatter]

You're good on payload, but as others have said that's only half the battle. Long trailers catch a lot of wind and a light half ton truck can get pushed around very easily.

I towed a 30' bunkhouse with my diesel F250 (fat pig) and on windy days at 70mph I was still white knuckled.

I'm curious why your tow rating of 9k lbs is so low with such a high payload? Is it the gearing? Also refer to towing guides about max frontal area - this might be a consideration if you're under powered or geared too high for fuel efficiency.

[gmacecsko]

Congratulations! I have to buy 3 brand new trucks in 4 years in order to figure it all out. Ended up with a diesel dually partly to never need to do it again.

[nicky8668]

Originally Posted by Dave Pelletier

....I've never heard anyone complain about having too much truck! ;-)

Dave

I sometimes complain my truck’s wheelbase, too long for some tight elbow turn at my local bank drive thru service.

And it took me more than an hour to find a parallel parking space at Cape May beach last summer (there are plenty spots but too tight for a 3/4 ton short bed.

But I do enjoy the extra stability on the interstate.

[Dave Pelletier]

Originally Posted by nicky8668

I sometimes complain my truck’s wheelbase, too long for some tight elbow turn at my local bank drive thru service.

And it took me more than an hour to find a parallel parking space at Cape May beach last summer (there are plenty spots but too tight for a 3/4 ton short bed.

But I do enjoy the extra stability on the interstate.

Though I've driven a Quadcab, Long box 3500 dually as a daily driver for the past 17 years, I do get what you're saying. I've actually only had to take two tries at a drive through once that I recall.

My truck is a holdover from my truck camper; if I was to buy a new truck for my trailer today it would be a 2500/3500 SRW "short box" with the 6'9" box and an extended cab (not crewcab)...that isn't too much more truck than your typical 1/2 ton for parking and drive thrus


Dave

[Jshopes81]

A 3/4 ton cant be much more and its nearly the same size truck.

[nicky8668]

Originally Posted by Dave Pelletier

Though I've driven a Quadcab, Long box 3500 dually as a daily driver for the past 17 years, I do get what you're saying. I've actually only had to take two tries at a drive through once that I recall.

My truck is a holdover from my truck camper; if I was to buy a new truck for my trailer today it would be a 2500/3500 SRW "short box" with the 6'9" box and an extended cab (not crewcab)...that isn't too much more truck than your typical 1/2 ton for parking and drive thrus


Dave

Yea, that’s my only “complain” about more truck. It’s not a problem when we go camping in the PA woods, but when DW wants to go to beach, it’s such a headache to find a parking spot.

If you’ve been to NJ beach, along the street, there are many head-in angled parking. Even you park the truck all the way in, there are still a good 2-3’ of the bed out and blocks part of the lane. I hate doing that and end up paying $15/hr at a private lot.