Newbie to trailer trailers, trying to not be terrified aka Tow Rating

[Rosy]

General rule I stick to is less than about 27 feet and less than about 6500 lbs dry for a halfton. You'll run out of payload long before you hit the rated towing capacity. Also remember that the dry tongue weight doesn't include propane, battery, weight distribution hitch, spare tire if it's in the front, etc.

 

[Bob K4TAX]

As a rule, the trailer dry weight is the number when the trailer is at/left the factory. This is before the dealer adds anything and before the owner adds anything. You'll never see this weight number again. So don't bother to use it for any calculations.

The trailer gross weight posted on the trailer placard is very close to the weight rating of the axle(s) under the trailer. For calculation purposes, always use the gross weight number and take 10% to 12% of that for the tongue weight. Ours has two 4000 lb axles.

In our case:
Trailer dry is 5715, Trailer gross is 7685 The trailer cargo weight is 1932 per the placard. 7685 - 5715 = 1970 So there is a 38 lb discrepancy somewhere. ????
Truck GVRW is 7000, Tow rating is 9500, and cargo weight is 1386 lbs per the placard on the driver side door.

I figure tongue weight at 800 lbs. Therefore: truck cargo of 1386 - 800 = 586 for passengers and camping stuff in the truck. OH, the WDH is 80 lbs which is part of the truck cargo weight.

Yes, with a 1/2 ton you'll run out of cargo weight before you exceed the tow weight limit. Yes, you can pack most of the stuff in the trailer. Just be sure 1/2 is fore and 1/2 is aft the axles. And yes you will need a WDH.

Bob

 

[Kevin D Pem]

1/2 and 1/2 ? 10 to 15% tongue weight is safe. Use a scale to make sure you have a safe tongue weight after you think you are loaded right.

Not enough tongue weight with cause the tail to wagg the dog, very unsafe!!!