Question concerning TV

[rodro123]

Add this and that, then subtract that wow I'm totaly lost now. If you really want to know all your weights the only true way is a CAT scale. The following is a link to locate the closest one to you. http://catscale.findlocation.com/

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by chinnie

snip......It's the tongue weight that terrifies me and am not sure how to know if we have surpassed that?

Chinnie,

Referring back to the previous posts, anywhere the term "loaded TT weight" or "loaded tongue weight" was used it took into consideration the weights of the hitch, storage cargo, LP fuel, kitchen stuff, clothing, etc., the summation of these weights were used in the hypothetical loaded weights. In some cases some members referenced their "actual weighed" loaded weights for a reference point in the discussion.

Since we all load our TV's and TT's differently (some lite, some heavy), the only way to confirm that "your actual" loaded weights (TV, TT, Tongue weight) are within specified limits is to visit a CAT scale as previously mentioned by myself and other members.

What I believe we have accomplished thus far through your thread discussion is that your 1/2 ton TV is capable of towing the TT in question, but only a CAT weigh-in process will confirm this based on "your" loading habits.

As stated earlier, your TT's recommended loaded tongue weight is a percentage (13%-15%) of the TT's loaded weight...., don't add weights to a published dry hitch weight.

When you get ready to go to a CAT scale, with just your TV or TV/TT combination, we can help you through this process as well.

Bob

[Denise]

Originally Posted by chinnie

Don't we also have to add the weight of anything stowed under the front bed to that?.....Does all this get subtracted from the payload?

We've weighed our tt several times in the 20 months that we owned it. Our tongue weight does fluctuate depending how/what we store under the bed, front storage, or bedroom cabinets. As a result, we usually store lightweight rarely used items under the bed. The cabinets we use mainly for clothes, presription med bottles, hats, and the sort.

Of course, this is just our experience. Hope this helps some as you prepare to have your tt weighed

[Denise]

Originally Posted by chinnie

It's the tongue weight that terrifies me and am not sure how to know if we have surpassed that? The way I see it is - if I am adding this correctly we have a tongue weight of 1185 lbs correct [dry hitch weight + 200 lbs propane/battery + 200 lbs hitching system]? Don't we also have to add the weight of anything stowed under the front bed to that?.....Does all this get subtracted from the payload?

Chinnie, get the weight/numbers suggested above. Go ahead and do the math, BUT, also post your weights here. There are few 'weight knowlegeble' members like Rustic Eagle who could double check your calculations and offer meaningful advice as a result. Happy packing!

[kfbeaver]

I have the same TT as you do and with your set up you should be fine but as others have said todays half tons are like older 3/4 tons just check your weights and keep an eye on temp gauges. You won't be disapointed with air bags I love mine. I run a 1 ton diesel because I haul large payloads and any direction I go from home I have a 5000' plus pass to climb. Best wishes and happy camping.

[eredinger]

So this thread has me a bit worried. Please take a look at the numbers below and let me know what/if anything we should be worried about.

Here's my TV:
2007 1/2 ton
Dodge Big Horn Crew 5.7 Hemi
800 lb hitch /8000 lbs tow with WDH
20" tires and rims
P275/55 R20
2 ply tread/2 ply sidewall 2403 lb max rating

My TT
2011 26BH
Unloaded Vehicle Weight (lbs.) 4,725
Dry Hitch Weight (lbs.) 595
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (lbs.) 7,500
Cargo Carrying Capacity (lbs.) 2,775

My concern is the tires and the hitch weight. Should I be ok with the setup? I understand I should load it up and weight it fully loaded, but hoping you may have some feedback before i do.

Thanks to all!!!

[Crabman]

Originally Posted by eredinger

So this thread has me a bit worried. Please take a look at the numbers below and let me know what/if anything we should be worried about.

Here's my TV:
2007 1/2 ton
Dodge Big Horn Crew 5.7 Hemi
800 lb hitch /8000 lbs tow with WDH
20" tires and rims
P275/55 R20
2 ply tread/2 ply sidewall 2403 lb max rating

My TT
2011 26BH
Unloaded Vehicle Weight (lbs.) 4,725
Dry Hitch Weight (lbs.) 595
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (lbs.) 7,500
Cargo Carrying Capacity (lbs.) 2,775

My concern is the tires and the hitch weight. Should I be ok with the setup? I understand I should load it up and weight it fully loaded, but hoping you may have some feedback before i do.

Thanks to all!!!

Is your hitch receiver only rated 800lbs with WD? Do you have the tow package? As far as the truck itself goes, it will handle the trailer fine. Not sure about the tires.

[eredinger]

Yes..its listed as a class 3 hitch at 500/5000, 800/8000 with WDH.

[Crabman]

The stock GM hitch on my truck is rated 600 without WD, 1500 with and 12,000lbs, but I have the tow package. Did you add this hitch to your truck or is it stock? It is quite possible you will exceed 800 lbs with a loaded trailer, considering the dry tongue weight is about 600 lbs. But you can get a Class V Curt hitch for less then 200.00 from etrailer. In fact I `m thinking about replacing mine because of excessive rust from salt water.

[eredinger]

I did add the hitch to the truck. I am now looking into a class 4 hitch with will take it to 1000/10000 , 1200,12000 with WDH. I'm so glad I saw this thread before i went on our first trip at the end of the month.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by eredinger

snip.......I am now looking into a class 4 hitch with will take it to 1000/10000 , 1200,12000 with WDH.....snip

I concur with "Lee's" observations/comments..., and the Class IV receiver (minimum) is the way to go.

The 20" tires you have aren't designed for towing and you should look into an LT rated tire with additional tread and sidewall ply's. My brother in-law had a similar "P" rated 20" tire on his TV and found that his TV would "wonder" a little because of the minimal sidewall ply. The tire up-grade will make a notable difference in it's handling while towing.

You didn't mention the size rating of your WDH ....., but an 800lb rated WDH would be "ok" for an extremely lite loaded 26BH, but a 1,000lb rated WDH would be a better choice to cover a broader loaded TT tongue weight potential of the 26BH.

The 26BH has a generous CCC value, so you are smart to check the actual loaded TT weight at a CAT scale.

When you go to the CAT scale, plan to make three independent trips across the CAT scale (advise the clerk ahead of time):

First: Weigh loaded TV only.
Second: Weigh loaded TV and TT.
Third: Weigh loaded TV and TT but with WD spring bars not engaged (leave them hanging).

With these three independent weight certificates you will be able to confirm your loaded tongue weight, axle weights, and confirm that the WDH is adjusted correctly.

It's comforting to see folks take notice of their loaded TV/TT weights, having everything set-up correctly will make for an enjoyable and safe towing experience.

Bob

[Denise]

Originally Posted by Rustic Eagle

It's comforting to see folks take notice of their loaded TV/TT weights, having everything set-up correctly will make for an enjoyable and safe towing experience.

Bob

Amen to that! Even more comforting, members here at JOF take the time to educate vs berate others regarding their tv (ie: owning a 1/2 ton vs a 3/4 ton) as how to tow safely with the tv they have.

When Don and I needed advice on numbers and what we could tow with the 1/2 ton tv we had, JOF wasn't going yet, and we had to rely on "other" *cough* rv forums to educate ourselves. The thread I started at those two forums quickly became a argumentative debate on why we shouldn't tow anything with a 1/2 ton rather than how to. The name calling was rampant. You would have thought my middle name was "idiot" LOL.

I will take the opportunity now to offer a public thank you to all who contributed positive/informative input in this thread to help newbies out. It's because of you, folks can come to JOF because they feel safe with their questions

[Seann45]

Originally Posted by healthi

Amen to that! Even more comforting, members here at JOF take the time to educate vs berate others regarding their tv (ie: owning a 1/2 ton vs a 3/4 ton) as how to tow safely with the tv they have.

When Don and I needed advice on numbers and what we could tow with the 1/2 ton tv we had, JOF wasn't going yet, and we had to rely on "other" *cough* rv forums to educate ourselves. The thread I started at those two forums quickly became a argumentative debate on why we shouldn't tow anything with a 1/2 ton rather than how to. The name calling was rampant. You would have thought my middle name was "idiot" LOL.

I will take the opportunity now to offer a public thank you to all who contributed positive/informative input in this thread to help newbies out. It's because of you, folks can come to JOF because they feel safe with their questions

Is that where you got the original information on 2000lb elect tongue jacks from? LOLOLOLOLOLOL