Truck and Trailer

[tjdonahoe]

I would say that looks good. My experience is you don't want the trailer out weighing the TV by much,and it looks as if you have a good match.

[SteveH]

Originally Posted by Jim J

Good Catch Mr Morgan! I need to correct the truck hitched weight. The truck picks up 780 lb of tounge weight of the 980. The other 200 goes back on to the trailer wheels when hitched.

Hitched weights
Truck 6800 lbs
Trailer 7100 lbs.

Total 13,900 Lbs

Unhitched weights
Truck 6020 lbs
Trailer jack 980 lbs
Trailer tires 6900 lbs
Total 13,900 lbs

Jim, I would add it would be a good thing for you to know the tow vehicle's front axle weight unhitched, and with the trailer hitched, to see how effective your weight distribution hitch is set for returning the weight.

Since you say "truck", I'm assuming you have a pickup truck, and it has been my experience the rig will drive better if the front axle is returned to the unhitched weight with the WD hitch, when the trailer is hitched, and loaded for a trip.

[dkottum]

Recognizing the the problem is often Airstream hitch weight, which has evolved well beyond the 10% needed for good handling and sway resistance, the other way to approach this problem is to lighten the Airstream hitch weight.

Lighter hitch weight, less issue with the payload restrictions of the tow vehicle.

We have been looking into this alternative solution here:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449...er-129709.html

[Moflash]

Tongue weight is constant and does not magically disappear with a WD hitch.The WD hitch helps distribute the load but the load is still there.Its like a wheelbarrow in effect.Do some reading to concur.

[J. Morgan]

Weight does not "magically disappear", it is moved via leverage.

The point is,,,

That some of the weight IS taken off of the TV with a WD devise.

Granted some of this is transferred forward to the front axle, but some of it is put on the trailer wheels.

There is no doubt at all that I can make the rear axle of my TV too light if I crank my jacks up too high.

I have weight tickets that tend to prove this.

I say tongue weight that is no longer on the TV should not be applied to payload.

If this contention is wrong, then why is it wrong?


1/2 Ton 4WD Truck, 72 Sovereign Hensley Arrow

[slowmover]

It is correct. The rule of thumb for plan purposes is that with 100% FALR that 20-25% of TW will transfer to TT axles. A ratio of two to one, approximately, where two pounds is to steer axle and one to trailer.

[SteveH]

Just my opinion here with a little bit of conservatism thrown in, but if you have to consider the amount of the hitch weight that is distributed back on the trailer to get your tow vehicle weight under the max, you might have too light of a tow vehicle.

[tjdonahoe]

A person could move the batteries to the rear of the trailer along with the propane tanks like that one dude,and I am out of popcorn,I guess I better go out and plow some more snow..

[SteveH]

You could also do away with the propane, use only electric, and fill the propane bottles with helium.

[tjdonahoe]

Yea ! that would save 4 lbs per gallon,and the batteries far behind the rear axle thus lifting the tongue somewhat. I think in will have another glass of pre mixed egg nog.

[SteveH]

Originally Posted by tjdonahoe

Yea ! that would save 4 lbs per gallon,and the batteries far behind the rear axle thus lifting the tongue somewhat. I think in will have another glass of pre mixed egg nog.

You've probably had enough when you misspell "I".

[Lara Me]

I think it would be a great article if a one of the RV trailer publications were to conduct a series of tests involving 1/2 and 3/4 trucks, towing two trailers, say a 25' and a 30'.

If I was the author, I'd choose the same brand truck, and option it for tow capability, with the same wheelbase. I'd stick with either gas or diesel engines, not mix them up, since the issue is really about towing capability, not engine performance. Only concession would be to choose a larger displacement engine, especially for the 3/4 ton, since it has to carry about 1000 extra pounds (or 2klbs if a diesel). I'd also use the same WD hitch to see the effect.

I'd make sure the trucks and trailer have the types of weight to simulate real-world passenger weight, cargo, gear.

Tests I would conduct:

1. Measurement of axle loads, hitch loads, and general scale measurements, with and without a WD hitch.

2. Acceleration, passing, and braking tests including flat and real world conditions, such as on a steeper grade, panic braking.

3. Fuel efficiency.

4. Operating temps for oil and transmission fluid.

5. Handling, including slalom and quick lane changes, to see how the rigs handle.

6. For fun, rig up a Chrysler 300 sedan like you've read about, just to see

All of these are pretty easy to do, using over-the-counter ODB2 readers that take the data right off the trucks computer, and using available scales. It would really give the reader a perspective

That would be a nice objective article so a reader could accurately see how each type of vehicle performs. And perhaps put a chill to the saga of the "will my vehicle safely tow this trailer" debates.

My good friend has a nearly identically optioned eco-diesel 1500 crew cab, albeit with a shorter bed/wheelbase. Hmm......

[tjdonahoe]

You could get the information from your local salesman,why not try your friends 1/2 ton out with your trailer then use yours on the next run and report back your findings......no such thing as too much horsepower or money.".....

[mefly2]

Originally Posted by tjdonahoe

A person could move the batteries to the rear of the trailer along with the propane tanks like that one dude,and I am out of popcorn,I guess I better go out and plow some more snow..

What?

You have snow to plow? Mon dieu ...

Another 10" here this morning!

[n2916s]

Could be worse, I have to mow my lawn tomorrow...

[tjdonahoe]

Yes but you guys have a lot of snakes , I mean bid snakes, all kinds of bugs,wild iguana 's and all them things,we have just snow and cold.....

[DC Bruce]

Wow. The OP has probably jumped out of a second story window after slogging thru this. No one mentioned that per gov't requirements, every car and 1/2 ton truck has a sticker on the driver's side door frame, giving the maximum payload for that particular vehicle, reflecting its unique combination of options, tires, etc. I believe this is supposed to reflect a 175 lb driver and all fluids, including a full tank of fuel. In my experience, these vary widely between the same model truck with the same engine and drivetrain. Things that eat your payload are skid plates, sun roofs, low aspect ratio tires (e.g. 20" wheels) and power seats. Also extra capacity fuel tanks, such as Ford offers on its 1/2 tons. Also, of course, a second seat (crew cab, extended cab). So, if you care about this, there's at least one real number that you have to work with when figuring out what to buy. Although I haven't tried it out yet, I'm pretty comfortable with the idea of towing my new FC 27 FB with an F-150 and the max payload package. I'm thousands of pounds under the max towing capacity of the truck with either the V8 or the Ecoboost V-6, and while this is difficult to predict before I get the truck, I should have a rated cargo capacity of over 2,000 lbs. even with the Lariat model which has power seats. Interestingly, this package includes unique wheels as well. I had probably feel ok towing the 30 FC with this as well. The Classic 30, with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs might be pushing it. The thing is, as soon as you step up to a 3/4 ton, you have a truck that's about 1500 lbs heavier, dripping wet.

[VernH]

Based on all the discussions and additional research, I cancelled my order for the 1500 and purchased 2500 Cummins Turbo Diesel. More than enough truck and I'm comfortable with it. Thanks to all.

[m.hony]

The Duramax/Allison is a fine machine.

[tjdonahoe]

you will like it ,vern