Towing by the numbers... Please check

[Jkc0607]

I would love to have some of you tow experts to check the figures. Thanks in advance.

Numbers from the truck:
GVWR = 7,000
GCWR = 16,200
Front GAWR = 3,525
Rear GAWR = 3,800
Payload on the yellow sticker = 1,630

Actual weights (2 people, 3 large dogs, 7/8 full tank, no gear)
Steer axle = 3,360
Drive axle = 2,620
Total = 5,980

Calculation for towing limits:
Using 15% safety factor...
Maximum trailer gross weight (wet + WDH weight) is
(16,200 - 7,000)X 0.85 =~8,000
Maximum tongue weight is (using the GVWR to calculate as rear GAWR will not be the limiting factor
(7,000 - 5,980) X 0.85 = 867

With these figures, I should be within the Ford specs with Front and rear GAWR, GVWR, GCWR, towing capacity etc...

p.s. I intend to drive light in the truck and store most of the gear in the trailer.

[chertz]

Originally Posted by Jkc0607

I would love to have some of you tow experts to check the figures. Thanks in advance.

Numbers from the truck:
GVWR = 7,000
GCWR = 16,200
Front GAWR = 3,525
Rear GAWR = 3,800
Payload on the yellow sticker = 1,630

Actual weights (2 people, 3 large dogs, 7/8 full tank, no gear)
Steer axle = 3,360
Drive axle = 2,620
Total = 5,980

Calculation for towing limits:
Using 15% safety factor...
Maximum trailer gross weight (wet + WDH weight) is
(16,200 - 7,000)X 0.85 =~8,000
Maximum tongue weight is (using the GVWR to calculate as rear GAWR will not be the limiting factor
(7,000 - 5,980) X 0.85 = 867

With these figures, I should be within the Ford specs with Front and rear GAWR, GVWR, GCWR, towing capacity etc...

p.s. I intend to drive light in the truck and store most of the gear in the trailer.

I think it looks ok.. but its friday afternoon and my calculator broke... The biggest issue typically is payload... it appears you are calculating it correctly. Don't underestimate how much weight a hitch and gear will add.

Also be leary of just "loading everything in the camper"... if you get that camper too tongue light by loading the rear of the trailer and you will go for a ride!

[SmokeyWren]

Originally Posted by Jkc0607

(7,000 - 5,980) X 0.85 = 867

Not a full tank of gas?

No shank and head from your weight-distributing hitch? The good ones such as the Reese Strait-line weigh over 100 pounds. My ProPride probably weighs closer to 150 pounds.

No tools or a jack and jack base? You'll be kicking yourself in the butt if you have to change a trailer tire in a muddy ditch.

IOW, I'll bet your 5,980 weight for the wet and loaded TV is significantly understated compared to what it will weigh full of gas when ready for a long RV trip. Weigh it again and do it right next time. I suspect your actual max tongue weight is closer to 700 pounds, which is a TT that grosses less than 5500 pounds.

[Jkc0607]

Should have filled the tank. My over sight. I agree on being closer to 700 lbs, even with the 15% safety factor. Thanks for the response.

[Oldelevatorman]

Don't trust the payload on the sticker. When I weighed my truck with me and a full tank of gas and subtracted that from the trucks GVWR my payload dropped by 350lbs. from what the sticker said!