Tow weight

[Capen2468]

I’m thinking about getting a trailer for the first time . I have a f150 with a 2.7 eco boost . I can tow 8500 . The trailer I’m thinking of getting weighs 6800 which includes hitch weight . Can I comfortably tow this weight with all the extra stuff you take camping ?

 

[Bob K4TAX]

You must do the numbers. The hitch weight, which should be a separate weight stated on the trailer, transfers to the tow vehicle. Inside the tow vehicle door is a yellow sticker that states the maximum cargo weight for the vehicle. Thus the hitch weight, plus the gas, plus the passengers, and plus the "stuff" you put inside the tow vehicle should be less than the maximum cargo weight. The maximum gross weight of the trailer should be less than the maximum tow weight limit of the tow vehicle. Don't forget to include the amount of water, grey water, and black water in the trailer as part of the gross weight calculation.

 

[Capen2468]

Thanks

So gas in my truck ,all water in trailer ,passengers ,plus all the stuff I carry count towards my maximum tow weight . Feel like I may be pushing it buying s 6700 pound trailer ( including hitch) with my 8500 maximum tow weight truck

 

[Bob K4TAX]

Thanks

So gas in my truck ,all water in trailer ,passengers ,plus all the stuff I carry count towards my maximum tow weight . Feel like I may be pushing it buying s 6700 pound trailer ( including hitch) with my 8500 maximum tow weight truck

There are 2 basic parts to proper weight calculations.
(a) Maximum cargo weight is what you put in or on your truck. Such as gas, passengers, trailer hitch weight, and camping stuff.
(b) Empty weight of the trailer is as it was manufactured. If items were added after manufactured, these must be included as part of empty weight. i.e. AC, extra battery, etc. There should be a sticker or label on the trailer identifying gross weight and empty weight. The difference between gross weight and empty weight is the weight you can put in your trailer such as water, food, clothes, and camping stuff.

For your specific tow vehicle, take the VIN number to the dealer and ask them to look up the numbers. Those are the real numbers for towing, not what is in the book or what someone said. There should be a yellow sticker on the driver-side door frame identifying the maximum cargo capacity of the specific vehicle. Cargo is what you put in/on your truck including the hitch weight, as 100% of hitch weight transfers to the tow vehicle. Usually about 10% of gross trailer weight.

It is not difficult to determine the numbers. Just don't rely on "well mine tows great" type of recommendtions.

 

[Capen2468]

My truck
Maimum cargo weight is 2250
Maximum tow weight is 8500

Trailer I want to buy 6134 #
Hitch weight 620 #
Just myself wife and dog . I won’t be packing too much stuff

Do you think I’m good ? I’m new to this just want to make sure . Also don’t want to be pushing it too much if I’m going up hills . Thanks for your help

 

[Capen2468]

Also my book says gcwr 12500# ( gross combined weight rating) my truck weighs 4000#