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Old 06-20-2012, 06:24 AM   #1
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Is my towing math sound?

I have a 2003 Suburban K1500 with a 5.3 and 3.73 rear. According to the DMV the truck weighs in at aprox 5,300lbs.
It has a towing capacity of 7500lbs. A GCVW rating of 13,000lbs.
I am buying a TT with a dry weight of 4,800lbs and a GVWR of 7,500lbs.

I realize that the listed weights of the truck and dry weight of the TT are not exact and are not real world but should be close enough for estimation until I get the weighed.

I am guessing at adding 1,000lbs to each, the TT and the TV when actually traveling. The 1,000lbs is a large over estimation as the wife and I combined are less than 300, she is a petite women, and the 3 kids are all less than 300 combined. I plan to keep the TV empty except for the family. This gives me a TT weight of about 6,000lbs and a TV weight of about 6,300 lbs. Total of 12,300lbs. 12,400lbs with the WD Hitch. Still under the GCWR with the over estimation on the TV added weight.

According to my math I should be fine towing. This is my 1st time towing anything this big so I guess I am really looking for some encouragement from the pros.
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Old 06-20-2012, 06:38 AM   #2
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In my opinion you are good to go. When you are starting with a 7500# towing capacity and a 4800# trailer you are well within the margin. While you are considering all of the factors that go into the absolute limits about the only time you need to get that precise is when you are approaching one or two of the limits to start with.
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Old 06-20-2012, 07:47 AM   #3
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You should be OK. Biggest problem you might find is staying under the Suburban's GVWR. With the trailer attached and passengers and gear onboard you might discover you are slightly over. Run the rear tires at the max cold weight printed on the tire sidewall, not what is on the door jam.
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Old 06-20-2012, 10:54 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by drfife View Post
...problem you might find is staying under the Suburban's GVWR.
Agreed. Don't forget to factor in the tongue/hitch weight to your vehicles GVWR. My dry hitch weight was listed by the factory as 635 lbs and ended up 750 lbs after adjusting cargo in the TT to reduce it. Fuel, passengers, cargo, tongue weight. The TV available payload get's reduced quickly.

Open the drivers side door and look for factory placards showing the GVWR, max payload and gross axle weight ratings. I would weigh the TV empty with full fuel only. You then have an accurate baseline for your TV weight calculations.
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Old 06-21-2012, 08:42 AM   #5
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Brian,

Smart move looking into your TV weight limits when purchasing a travel trailer, and as mentioned your TV's GVWR is an important weight limit to watch.

Also, keep in mind that a TV's published Tow Rating is based on the TV's curb weight......, This JOF sticky explains in a little more detail: http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthread.php?t=3866

As member "mrnoyb" stated, the "loaded" TT tongue weight is also deducted from the TV's payload/cargo capacity and GVWR......, a factor that many easily over look. I would figure the loaded tongue weight to be 13% to 15% of the loaded TT weight. Oh, don't forget the weight of the WDH as well.

Published TT Dry weights of most TT's aren't shipped weights..., I would add about 250lbs to round-up to a shipped weight.

IMO the TV/TT combination based on the weights you presented is doable, but in the same breath I would say that it is also a combination that one could easily exceed one or more specified weight limits......., all depends on one's loading habits with three kids.

Good to hear that you plan to weigh the TV/TT combination under loaded conditions...., the following link may be helpful when you get to the CAT scale: http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthread.php?t=3871

Bob
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Old 06-23-2012, 06:42 AM   #6
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Thanks for the advice everyone. Once I get the unit home I am going to take a trip to the scales and get her weighed to get a real world dry weight. Then I will do it again once I get her loaded for a trip.
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