Cargo Capacity of New Skylark

[TejasTerry]

We will be picking up our new Skylark this weekend. I was just now looking at the specs...our TV is fine, however according to the specs, I can't have more than 500 lbs of cargo...Am I missing something? With DH and I, some clothes, and really keeping it bare bones, I still think we will exceed this...Maybe we need to reconsider? Geez...

Here are the listed specs from Jayco:

Weights
Unloaded vehicle weight (lbs.) 2,950
Hitch weight (lbs.) 285
Gross vehicle weight (lbs.) 3,500
Cargo carrying capacity (lbs.) 550
Measurements
Exterior length 22'
Exterior height w/AC 117"
Interior headroom 78"
Tank Capacities
Fresh water tank (gals.) 28.5
Gray wastewater tank capacity (gals.) 22.5
Toilet/black wastewater capacity (gals.) 2

[TejasTerry]

Well I called the factory, and they explained that that is capacity to carry while towing. Duh...sorry for the newbie question...but 500 lbs is still not very much...after filling up propane tanks, that leaves us with 332 lbs of stuff we can carry....

Any feedback?

[Murphie]

Looks like you'll have to leave DH at home. (just joking). I remember looking at this trailer and liking the design but if remember correctly it is a single axel trailer and that may play a part in not leaving much capacity for carrying stuff. You would really have to think of light weight stuff that can purpose itself for more than one thing.

[Crabman]

In order to achieve their "liteweight" status, and be able to be towed by smaller tow vehicles, a compromise is necessary. So they have small tank sizes and small Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC). I think you are overestimating the weight of propane though, which should be about 40 lbs with two 20lb cylinders. The yellow sticker on the trailer will have the weight as delivered from the factory including full propane tanks. It will also have your adjusted CCC on it. Bottomline is yes you will have to load selectively and carefully with this unit, as with most liteweights.

[TejasTerry]

Well, the good thing is, I've always been a "minimalist" when it comes to travel anyway. So packing light is my thing...lol

I read on the internet that propane weighs 4.2 lbs. per gallon at 60 degrees F.
That is where I came up with the weight of the propane.

I will check the yellow sticker...so much to learn about all of this. Thanks for everyone's input!

TejasTerry

[Zombied]

While 500# does add up quickly, you can pack a lot of gear with that weight limit. One thing to be conscious of is that the main storage compartment on the model I have is behind the axle. His can lead to more sway. Make sure you have the proper tongue weight.

[Crabman]

Originally Posted by TejasTerry

Well, the good thing is, I've always been a "minimalist" when it comes to travel anyway. So packing light is my thing...lol

I read on the internet that propane weighs 4.2 lbs. per gallon at 60 degrees F.
That is where I came up with the weight of the propane.

I will check the yellow sticker...so much to learn about all of this. Thanks for everyone's input!

TejasTerry

A 20 lb cylinder only holds around 5 gallons when full. Less then that since they only fill them up around 85%. So 4.2 lbs per gal. x 4.5 gals per tank = about 19 lbs. X 2 tanks = about 38 lbs. Your 500-332 figure comes to 168lbs. So you have a bit more CCC then you thought. Aint this fun? You`ll get it all figured out, and we`ll help!

[TejasTerry]

Originally Posted by Crabman

A 20 lb cylinder only holds around 5 gallons when full. Less then that since they only fill them up around 85%. So 4.2 lbs per gal. x 4.5 gals per tank = about 19 lbs. X 2 tanks = about 38 lbs. Your 500-332 figure comes to 168lbs. So you have a bit more CCC then you thought. Aint this fun? You`ll get it all figured out, and we`ll help!

Ok I was totally off on that calculation....I was thinking it was a 20 "gallon" cylinder...duh Silly me...:hihi:

[robo59097]

Don't forget the tanks. 20lbs of propane plus 17lbs for the tank. 37 pounds each X2 = 74lbs

[rog4kneer]

Weight becomes even more of a problem if you carry water. Think, fresh and hot water is about 18 gallons. About 150 lbs. Don't forget the weight of the spare tire as well as propane.
Have found that we pack real light. We only bring items we really need. We have been able to find some real light items such as a nice gas grill that only weighs 15lbs, and works real well.
We only bring about 5 to six days worth of clothes, most campgrounds have laundramats.
We buy most of our food and supplies on the road.
So far have found no problems adhering to weight limitations.

[Crabman]

Originally Posted by robo59097

Don't forget the tanks. 20lbs of propane plus 17lbs for the tank. 37 pounds each X2 = 74lbs

The tanks are part of the dry weight as weighed at the factory so he does not need to factor that in the CCC.