RobertE
RVF Supporter
- Joined
- Apr 22, 2025
- Messages
- 86
- Location
- Jacksonville, FL
- RV Year
- 2021
- RV Make
- Grand Design
- RV Model
- Imagine XLS MKE
- RV Length
- 25
- Fulltimer
- No
I go further than that and figure 50-60% of the mfg ‘er specs for tow capacity. That would mean 5000# max for your truck.
Err on the safe side and go 15% for hitch weight instead if the standard 10%.
Two things to consider 1) suspension and 2)drive train. Brakes aren’t as important since the trailer has brakes.
1) Suspension. Always hitch the trailer before buying to see how much squat there is. Weight distribution are supposed to help - I’m not convinced of they affect hitch weight. Probably more for stability.
Remedies are air bags (best), helper springs.
2) Drivetrain. Most trucks have are capable of towing, but a towing package is better. 4WD drive trucks have usually a beefier suspension.
Tow packages often just have the hitch, connectors, maybe some features related to towing, but things like higher capacity transmission coolers maybe not. Locking differential is a good feature.
All that said, it’s not an exact formula, with many variables such as terrain, and you never know what you will have until you get the trailer out on the road. Wind resistance can influence things white a bit and really test your vehicle.
Err on the safe side and go 15% for hitch weight instead if the standard 10%.
Two things to consider 1) suspension and 2)drive train. Brakes aren’t as important since the trailer has brakes.
1) Suspension. Always hitch the trailer before buying to see how much squat there is. Weight distribution are supposed to help - I’m not convinced of they affect hitch weight. Probably more for stability.
Remedies are air bags (best), helper springs.
2) Drivetrain. Most trucks have are capable of towing, but a towing package is better. 4WD drive trucks have usually a beefier suspension.
Tow packages often just have the hitch, connectors, maybe some features related to towing, but things like higher capacity transmission coolers maybe not. Locking differential is a good feature.
All that said, it’s not an exact formula, with many variables such as terrain, and you never know what you will have until you get the trailer out on the road. Wind resistance can influence things white a bit and really test your vehicle.
