Towing question

[eatmorebacon]

Just doing some research to double check towing capacity for my setup. We drive a 2003 Chevy Silverado 1500 HD CC 4X4. Max TV GVWR is 8600. I believe the towing capacity is 10,200 lbs according to manufacturer. ( I need to check my rear end gear ratio to double check ).

TT is a 2010 Jayco Jay Flight 25BHS. Dry weight of TT is 5790, GVWR of TT is 8180. Manufacturer's hitch weight is 670. We do not load down the TT by any means when we travel. I am careful how I pack it and try to keep weight to a minimum and spaced according to how it will benefit towing.

The GCWR is 14,000 lbs according to TV specs.

I am using a Reese 1200 WD hitch and Reese single sway bar.

My question is, if the GCWR is 14,000 lbs, does that mean I cannot tow anything more than 5400 lbs? GCWR - GVWR of TV? Or am I overestimating the actual weight of TV by assuming it is 8600 lbs?

I have been hauling it for two years and have had no problems. The numbers just are not making sense to me.

Also, according to vehix.com, the max trailer weight with a WD hitch is also listed as 10,200 lbs. I have checked with trailerlife.com and several other websites that deal with towing and am still left looking for a better answer to my question. Can somebody please shed some light on my towing setup and its capacity or if I'm overloaded.

Thanks!

[eatmorebacon]

I think I just realized GVWR includes any payload (which is rated around 3000 lbs for this truck I believe, and the curb weight of the vehicle is the GVWR - Payload. That makes it around 5506 lbs, which is probably closer to my actual weight of the truck unloaded. This would make more sense. So to compare against GCWR I should take:

14,000 - (Curb weight of TV + any additional payload on the TV) to see what I could actually pull.

If my payload is around 1000 lbs: 14000 - (5506 + 1000) = 7494
Therefore I should make sure I am under 7494 lbs on my TT's actual weight.

Can anyone clarify if I did this right?
Thanks!

[Crabman]

There are several sticky threads dedicated to tow and weight ratings which may help you make better sense of it all. http://www.jaycoowners.com/forumdisplay.php?f=37


I think you are on the right track with your second post. Let`s say your truck weighs 6500 with passengers and any gear in the truck. That would leave you 7,500 lbs for the trailer to stay within your GCWR.

[TexasA&M]

I believe you are over-estimating the weight of your truck (as you mentioned). For reference, my 2006 F250 weighs in at 8,600lbs (diesel motor). This is without any passengers, but loaded to go camping for four days. Your half ton should weigh considerably less than this.

[eatmorebacon]

Thanks Crab and Texas. I just noticed the Stickys in the towing section. Sorry. I am still figuring out this awesome site.

I think I have figured out the GCWR now that I understand curb weight vs. GVWR a little better.

One other quick question I have is does my Reese WD hitch increase my towing capacity any. Does it increase the tongue weight capacity on my TV? I have found some research indicating it does as far as tongue weight capacity. But I'm not sure about towing capacity.

Also according to vehix.com, on my TV the original tongue weight capacity is 500 lbs. With a WD hitch it goes up to 1200 lbs. Wouldn't this depend on the WD hitch rating also? Any thoughts?

[Crabman]

Using a WD system increases the hitch receiver capacity in your case from 500 (WITHOUT WD) to 1200 lbs (WITH WD). It does not increase your towing capacity. And yes it also depends on your receiver hitch rating. BTW take a good look at your hitch if it is OEM GM. Mine was pretty sorry. Check out my thread. http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthread.php?t=3127

[eatmorebacon]

wow. original OEM was ready to retire!

I will be checking mine today. I can't imagine it will be in that condition. I was lucky enough to find this 03 1500HD in near mint condition a couple of years ago with only 24000 miles on her! It was only used for towing on trips by original owner who actually towed a 5'er with the truck. Guy was really into maintaining it.

But I will be checking the Class of the hitch and the tow rating. I suspect it should be a Class IV?