Exceeding Hitch weight and GAWR Concern
 

New guy here. I have a 2010 F150 supercrew 4x4 with max tow package. My problem is that my 7,300 lb GVWR trailer exceeds the max hitch weight (1,150 lbs as stated on a tag on the hitch) and rear GAWR (4,050 lbs on truck door tag).
I weighed my trailer and found the tongue weight (loaded for camping, but with 1 propane tank removed to keep tongue weight down) was 1,200 lbs. The trailer dual axles weight only showed 5,440 lbs (combined). So, trailer total weight isn't a problem, it's only the tongue weight that is a problem.
In addition, my rear axle GAWR max is 4,050 lbs and, when hitched to the trailer and loaded with necessary camping gear (about 150 lbs that is too big for the trailer), the actual weight on my rear axle measured 4,200 lbs. (If it matters, the front axle has a GAWR of 3,900 lbs and actually weighed 3,460 lbs).
Issue: the trailer's tongue weight exceeds my max hitch weight by 50 lbs (1,200 - 1,150) and exceeds my rear GAWR by 150 lbs (4,200 - 4,050).
How serious is this (i.e., danger to truck, danger driving, or just in the "it's part of the safety pad" zone...)? If it's going to be a problem/headache, any suggestions on what can be done (i.e., add rear spring stiffeners, air shocks...)?
Thanks much for your help,
--Dave

I don't know the answer to your question but I'm interested as well.

How did you measure the tongue weight? And, assuming you use a weight distribution hitch (I do on my 7,000 pound camper), does that have an effect on the max tongue weight?

man to be honest, it just numbers. if you can weight it out right so your leafs arent bottomed out and its not raping your tranny to tow it then jus tow the mug. thats what a trucks for man! if u need to pull it better just press the pedal more!

that seems like avery heavy tongue weight for a 7k trailer what trailer is it?

here are my new trailers weight specs
Weights Dry Weight: 5495 GVWR: 7582 Carrying Capacity: 1851 Hitch Weight: 582 Axle Weight: 4912 Lengths/Capacities Exterior Length: 33' 3" Exterior Height
(With A/C): 10' 6" Fresh Water: 32 gallons Black Water: 40 gallons Gray/Galley Water: 40 gallons Tire Size: 205/75R14 C

What kind of hardware do you have?
I don't think the 50lbs would be a big deal .

Do you have a weight distribution hitch? to equalize the weight to the front.

Also it sounds kinda high on the tongue weight. ? Just wondering where you came up with that #?

Some info for you.
http://www.hitchinfo.com/index.cfm?e...ntpieceid=5146


Also Rear spring stiffeners, air shocks won't really help what you want. They will only keep your truck from saggin. Also I have heard air bag assists work better. They are variable, and you can inflate them when you/need them and deflate them when you don't

That's 18% tongue weight (you should be 10-15%). You need to move some stuff further back in the trailer to move the load off the front.

That tounge weight seems real high. Can you adjust the axles foward like a boat trailer? Otherwise just load the trailer towards the back to reduce the tounge weight a bit. I wouldnt worry about 50 pounds anyway.

I am in the same boat as you about 150lbs over on my rear axle weight. But I am under on my total combined weights. My trailer has the front kitchen and a super slide that sits in front of the axles so it gives me a high tongue weight, not much I can do. I have my distrubution bars adjusted so the trailer and truck sit level when all hitched up. I have recently towed a 2100 miles trip through all types off terrain and had no problems.

Don

All,
Thanks for responses--I wasn't expecting so many so quick.
Viper238, thanks for the article reference. Pretty much it just says don't go over the maximums.
I'm going to re-weigh the truck axles, trailer tongue, and trailer axles, 18% is a high ratio for tongue weight.
But for those asking...The trailer is an Airstream 28' which has a posted tongue weight of 980 lbs and a GVWR of 7,300 lbs--just seems to be nose heavy. With 1 propane tank, 2 batteries and a few dishes in the kitchen the measured tongue weight was 1,200 lbs (truck plaza certified scale with tongue jack on scale segment--$9 if interested in obtaining your actual trailer tongue and axle weights). BTW, the dual axle weights, measured at the same time, were only 5,440 lbs.
I am using a weight distribution hitch which allows a tongue weight (per hitch tag) of up to 1,150 lbs with a tow weight of up to 11,200 lbs.
Thanks, and I'll come back with the re-weighed truck/trailer weights later this afternoon.
--Dave