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MarcoMatt · 06-10-2020, 10:27 AM

Hey there

I'm looking at buying a truck and trailer. I've seen an amazing deal on a trailer, but I think it's going to be too big for the truck. That's fine and I'm happy to pass on it, however it did bring up the question on how to actually find out the tow capacities before I purchase the truck, can weigh it etc.

I'm looking at a 2015 Expedition as my tow truck. I know the GCWR with my intended setup is 14,900 (looking at HD Trailer Tow Pack only).

I am unable to find the GVWR for the Expedition online which I know will determine the size of the trailer I can drag (GCWR-GVWR[truck] = GVWR[trailer]).

I also think that the payload is around 1,600. We will need around 900lbs on top of the weight of the truck (+75% gas, plus family and dog etc).

Using the hitch weight of around 10%, I think I need to be buying a trailer with a GVWR under 7,000lbs to be within all the specs of the truck.

That brings me to my question - how can I find out it's GVWR and possibly even it's actual weight (with 25% gas and 150lb driver) without actually looking at the truck in person*?

*Normally, I'd go and look at it no problem, but my wife has an underlying health condition and her Dr has drummed social distancing into us both on numerous occasions recently.

**Spdracr39** · 06-10-2020, 10:30 AM

There should be a sticker in the drivers door jamb that will tell your particular vehicles capacities. All you can do with the charts is get a general idea. It can vary widely based on the option packages on your particular truck. Personally I think a 7000 lb trailer is a little ambitious with an SUV but opinions will vary.

Milford 47 · 06-10-2020, 10:35 AM

If your planning on towing very many miles the last thing you want it a marginal Tow Vehicle

MarcoMatt · 06-10-2020, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Milford 47

If your planning on towing very many miles the last thing you want it a marginal Tow Vehicle

It won't be marginal because we won't get near the GVWR for the trailer as we won't travel with that much stuff.

MarcoMatt · 06-10-2020, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spdracr39

There should be a sticker in the drivers door jamb that will tell your particular vehicles capacities. All you can do with the charts is get a general idea. It can vary widely based on the option packages on your particular truck.

Ok - so you can't get a complete picture without looking at the sticker. I'll see if I can get the seller to send me a photo of the sticker.

HDGoose · 06-10-2020, 02:13 PM

You can get close by using google to search for the truck towing specifications.

One example -

http://www.rambodybuilder.com/2013/d...ammlup3500.pdf

Rhagfo · 06-10-2020, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarcoMatt

It won't be marginal because we won't get near the GVWR for the trailer as we won't travel with that much stuff.

Famous last words!

SmokeyWren · 06-11-2020, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarcoMatt

I am unable to find the GVWR for the Expedition online...

It's online, but needs more detail. Is it the regular Expedition or the EL (extra long). What trim (XL, XLT, King Ranch, Platinum or Limited)? 4x4 or 4x2?

Assuming EL, XLT, 4x4 with tow pkg and auxiliary fuel tank, here's one source for towing weight specs:
https://www.nadaguides.com/Cars/2015...-XLT-4WD/Specs

Max tow rating is 6,600, GVWR is 7720, and payload is 1,617

Different trim levels and options will change the weight specs. So use that website and input the specs for the tow vehicle you are considering.

Quote:

... which I know will determine the size of the trailer I can drag (GCWR-GVWR[truck] = GVWR[trailer]).

That will tell you the max weight of any TT the drivetrain can pull without holding up traffic on hills and passes, and without overheating anything in the drivetrain, but it will not tell you the max weight of any trailer you can tow without being overloaded. For that you need to know the payload capacity available for hitch weight. if you cannot weigh the wet and loaded tow vehicle, then you are stuck with using WAGs and estimates of weights of passengers and other weights that will be in the tow vehicle when towing. Subtract the weight of everybody and everything that will be in the tow vehicle from the payload of the tow vehicle to get payload capacity available for hitch weight. Divide the payload capacity available for hitch weight by 13% for TTs or 20% for 5ers to get approximate max GVWR Of the trailer you can tow without being overloaded.