Checking My Numbers

[smonagle]

Hello All,

I have calculated these numbers several times but want to make sure everything is lining up correctly. Any help you can offer is greatly appreciated.

2013 Ram 2500 5.7liter Crew Cab SB
-GVWR-8800
-Payload- 2430
-Towing 11,460
-3.73 axle
- GCWR- 18,000

2011 Coleman 267bh
-dry weight (at scales) 7,460
- GVWR- 10,100

Hitch weight - 156lbs
Passengers- 514lbs
Gear in trailer - 950lbs

How is this looking number wise?!

Thanks!

Scott

[justafordguy]

The gas engine will struggle a little in the mountains but the truck will handle the trailer just fine.

[Skip426]

Sorry to say you're short a couple of numbers .
But so far I don't see a problem.

You need the trucks actual curb weight. The advertised payload may not include some options on the truck. The unloaded rear axle weight to compare to the RAWR. The trailer's actual weight on the hitch, ( tongue weight).
Easiest way to get all the numbers , so you don't have to guess; is to take the truck to the scales , with just the driver and a full tank of fuel. Get both front and rear axles weighed , not just the whole truck. Then loaded for travel, passengers and gear in the truck and the trailer, front and rear axle weights of the truck and trailer with both axles on the scale.
The place that can get into trouble first is the rear axle, you can be under the GCWR and still be over on the RAWR.

[Loraura]

Where is your tongue weight applied to the bumper when the TT is attached?

Dry it should be 7,460 * .12 = 895 LB
with 950lbs of stuff in camper it should be about (7460 + 950) *.12 = 1009 LB
TT loaded to max it could be 10,100 *.12 = 1212 LB

Be sure you purchase the correct WDH bars to support 1200 lbs.

If you're getting your payload off the door, and you haven't added after market parts like cattle guards, rail steps, tool boxes etc, you would have:

2430 payload
-156 hitch
-512 passengers
-1212 worst case scenario (WCS) tongue weight
_____
550 lbs left over for payload -- You're good there (barring any heavy after market parts)

GVWR = CURB WEIGHT (missing) + 156 +512 +1212 -- this needs to be below 8800

GCWR = CURB WEIGHT (missing) + 156 + 512 + 10,100 (WCS) -- this needs to be below 18,000

Curb weight should be on the door. If you've added stuff, or carry a lot of tools or misc items in the truck, go to a CAT scale and see what your truck weighs.

[smonagle]

It's a fifth wheel so no need to use wdh bars! Will work on getting the curb weight. Thanks!

[MarkQ]

Originally Posted by smonagle

It's a fifth wheel so no need to use wdh bars! Will work on getting the curb weight. Thanks!

That would explain the 10k weight for a 26-28' TT. 😂

[Skip426]

Originally Posted by smonagle

It's a fifth wheel so no need to use wdh bars! Will work on getting the curb weight. Thanks!

I saw , the first RV in signature line , and the avatar picture , and started typing.
5ers , pin weight will run 15>20% of total trailer weight, so pay careful attention to RA Weight loaded, compared to the RAWR. and proper tire inflation.

[smonagle]

Oops. Ha ha. The old picture is now our seasonal camper. We decided to tow the fifth wheel and park the travel trailer 😜

[Loraura]

Ahh a 5er. Sorry I didn't catch that.

Everywhere that I multiplied by *.12 should be increased to *.15-.20
so... I'll use 18% as a median.


Dry it should be 7,460 * .18 = 1342
with 950lbs of stuff in camper it should be about (7460 + 950) *.18 = 1513 LB
5er loaded to max it could be 10,100 *.18 = 1818 LB

If you're getting your payload off the door, and you haven't added after market parts like cattle guards, rail steps, tool boxes etc, you would have:

2430 payload
-156 hitch
-512 passengers
-1818 max loaded 5er pin weight
_____
-56 lbs left over for payload -- You're over by 56 pounds at max 5er weight and 18% pin weight (barring any heavy after market parts)

GVWR = CURB WEIGHT (missing) + 156 +512 +1818 -- this needs to be below 8800

GCWR = CURB WEIGHT (missing) + 156 + 512 + 10,100 (max 5er weight) -- this needs to be below 18,000

[smonagle]

Curb weight is 6123 so based on that when I am fully loaded I would be close but under. The thing is that I won't be anywhere near the max trailer load. I certainly don't have 2500lbs of stuff 😛