Crazy or OK?
09-17-2014, 07:57 AM
#11
Senior Member
If weighing just the truck, loaded for camping but without the trailer, subtract the total measured GVW from GVWR to get an estimate of the max tongue weight you should be aiming for.
You can get another estimate by subtracting the rear GAW from its GAWR to get the max tongue weight your rear axle can support. This assumes you'll be using a WDH to return All weight to the front axle (Ford actually recommends that you return only 50% though).
If you don't have the hitch mounted when weighing, subtract the hitch weight from your estimated max tongue weight numbers. Or just forget it and assume that the WDH will move at least that amount of weight back to the trailer axles.
Here's what I got:
Steer 3200#
Drive 3100#
Total 6300#
So I've got 1200# available according to the total vs GVWR (7500#), but only 950# available when comparing the rear (drive) GAW to rear GAWR (4050#).
And sure enough, when hitching up and weighing, I was 130# over my rear GAWR but 200# under my GVWR. But I hadn't moved all the weight lifted off the front axle back on it, so I tightened up the WDH and moved some weight back behind the trailer axles. Think we're ok now.
Couple other things:
- using the WDH, you should never return to the front axle *more* weight than the trailer lifts off.
- I would be more concerned about exceeding the rear GAWR than the GVWR.
09-17-2014, 10:59 PM
#12
Senior Member
We are pulling a 34"' toy hauler RV (or should I say camper) We have only gone about 800 miles with it so far not yet in the mountains. With a Pro Pride hitch there has been NO sway but that hitch is 230 lbs which may be too much if you are already pushing the weight limits.
09-18-2014, 09:47 AM
#13
Senior Member
We are pulling a 34"' toy hauler RV (or should I say camper) We have only gone about 800 miles with it so far not yet in the mountains. With a Pro Pride hitch there has been NO sway but that hitch is 230 lbs which may be too much if you are already pushing the weight limits.
But you're right it's heavy. The hitch + 60lbs of propane + electric tongue jack = a lot of extra tongue weight for an already starving lack of payload in the F150.
09-18-2014, 01:03 PM
#15
09-18-2014, 01:42 PM
#16
Senior Member
Yeah, that's what I meant by suggesting an investment in a quality WDH. I too use a ProPride 3P and get zero sway.
But you're right it's heavy. The hitch + 60lbs of propane + electric tongue jack = a lot of extra tongue weight for an already starving lack of payload in the F150.
But you're right it's heavy. The hitch + 60lbs of propane + electric tongue jack = a lot of extra tongue weight for an already starving lack of payload in the F150.
Out of curiosity, about how much does the "stinger" (?) alone weigh? (The part that connects the truck to the main hitch assembly.)
A normal person can lift that at least, right? And the rest of it stays attached to the trailer, permanently I guess
09-18-2014, 04:49 PM
#19
Senior Member
No kidding. 230# ? ... had no idea. Looks like Superduty country.
Out of curiosity, about how much does the "stinger" (?) alone weigh? (The part that connects the truck to the main hitch assembly.)
A normal person can lift that at least, right? And the rest of it stays attached to the trailer, permanently I guess
Out of curiosity, about how much does the "stinger" (?) alone weigh? (The part that connects the truck to the main hitch assembly.)
A normal person can lift that at least, right? And the rest of it stays attached to the trailer, permanently I guess
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brulaz (09-18-2014)
