Behave!😂 You can really irk folks when you tell them that that 80% figure isn’t really a thing and payload will limit them around that point anyway.

Then again, they do get stumped when you answer their “you have to stop the trailer, too!” with “use your trailer brakes and controller”…

 

I never really bagged on people who used that 80% figure, but mainly because they likely aren't considering all the variables that someone should be looking at ESPECIALLY if they're towing near vehicle limits. Trailer height, trailer length, payload, axle ratings, weight distribution (or not) all have to be taken into account and dialed in when towing at a truck's limits. I doubt someone ignoring all of those and just looking at tow rating should get anywhere near 100% of GVWR - not because the truck can't handle it, but because they're only using one variable.

 

It's not my intent to bag on anybody. I just wanted to provide context for my opinions about the OP's questions.
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Of course, I was speaking only on my own behalf - I see lots of people online make the 80% claim and I don't try and change their mind, that's all.

 

Engineers build with safety margins, the marketing department not so much.

 

Nothing wrong with suggesting a NEW to RVing operator consider a percentage of less than 100% tow capacity for their first trailer. Margin for error on the operator’s part, not the tow vehicle.
80% is not bad but I usually recommend the trailer GVWR be 70-75% of the vehicle tow rating for a first time RV owner.
Again, emphasizing a towing neophyte.
The difference is feeling the tow is part of a vacation or work.
When I towed my trailer with my Explorer, it was work. Now with the F150, it is much, much more a pleasurable accomplishment.

 

Agree 100% - can tow vs. can tow comfortably/safely/easily is something people don't consider until they've white knuckled a few trips. The closer you get to a tow vehicle's limits the harder it is to achieve the latter.

 

But some on this Forum will make you feel less of a man unless you take it to the limit. I also encourage newbies especially to start out smaller, learn the dynamics of responsible towing and what that entails. If anyone is ever at a campsite and watch some of these people back into spots, I certainly wouldn't want them to be close to me towing at 100% or even close.

 

One of the hardest things to do especially if you have an idea of what your trailer weighs is to know what the tow hitch weight actually is without going to a cat scale. Using a Weigh safe hitch is one way. There are also devices you can buy.

Back in my Dad's day, he would steal the two bathroom scales and put a metal sheet on the scales then the hitch on the metal sheet. It worked in a red neck manner of speaking.....

 

You only need one scale and a 2x4 for leverage. Calculate the multiplier for the scale weight based on the length of the 2x4 and the distance of the tongue from the scale. The result is close enough for gummint work.