6,000 lb GVWR not enough....
#17
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: Windsor,Ontario,Canada
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Ford doesn't publish the dry weight as it varies with the different options. Besides that you do not need it. Use the GVWR and GCWR and do the math. What you need to do it load up your truck in its towing configuration and weigh it. Subtract that weight from the GVWR to see if you have sufficient reserve for the passengers and tongue weight of the trailer. Then you need the tongue and trailer weight.
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Last edited by JMC; 07-11-2010 at 12:55 PM. Reason: Spelling
#19
Ford does publish Base Curb Weight in the Truck Source book, but that includes no options or passengers, just standard options, all fluids, and a full tank of gas.. Then it publishes the weight of each option. For example, my truck has a base curb weight of 5481lbs. A the scale last week my truck weighed in at 6080lbs. Subtract 230 lbs for me, and my truck weighs in at about 5850, with roughly half a tank of gas. I would have 369lbs of options and accessories. Subtract 5850 from 7200 and you get 1350lbs. The sticker on the door lists my truck's payload at 1425lbs, so I must have added 75 - 100lbs of options and misc cargo.
I was surprised that my truck weighed in over 6000lbs with just me in it.
I was surprised that my truck weighed in over 6000lbs with just me in it.
Last edited by greencrew; 07-11-2010 at 10:53 PM.
#21
Weighed the truck, 5060 lbs, quarter tank of gas. Weighed the 2 together and subtract truck weight, trailer weighs 4000 lbs full of water. With a bathroom scale and some blocks and a bit of math, I calculate tongue weight to be between 700 and 800 pounds. Just a bit much for the bumper. Now looking for a torsion bar setup !
#22
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Weighed the truck, 5060 lbs, quarter tank of gas. Weighed the 2 together and subtract truck weight, trailer weighs 4000 lbs full of water. With a bathroom scale and some blocks and a bit of math, I calculate tongue weight to be between 700 and 800 pounds. Just a bit much for the bumper. Now looking for a torsion bar setup !
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#23
#24
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A weight distribution system spreads the weight along all the axles. Including the trailer. Experts recommend the tongue weight be between 10 to 15% of the trailer weight. So your tongue weight should be be 400 to 600 lbs. I would fix that first. Here is some interesting reading; http://www.sherline.com/lmbook.htm#refrn9
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#26
Bought the WD setup tonight and will be setting it up on the following evenings after work. I'll try to weigh the truck and trailer, axle by axle on the local woodlot scale, if it's quiet. I'll have a better idea what I've got, and how to adjust it for weight / axle and ride.
Thank you all for your suggestions and information, you've been a great help.
Denis ;-)
Thank you all for your suggestions and information, you've been a great help.
Denis ;-)
#27
It sounds like you are completely new to towing. There are lots of good articles and helpful people on http://www.rv.net/forum/
Have a look around there at some of the how-to articles for calculating weights, setting up weight distribution, etc.
800lb tongue weight doesn't seem far off for a camping trailer. Depending on the location of the water/propane tanks they can be a little nose heavy when loaded up, but it will help handling.
Have a look around there at some of the how-to articles for calculating weights, setting up weight distribution, etc.
800lb tongue weight doesn't seem far off for a camping trailer. Depending on the location of the water/propane tanks they can be a little nose heavy when loaded up, but it will help handling.
#28
More like, completely new to towing a camper, been pulling a boat & other stuff for ever. Tried the WD last night, rides like a dream ! Only drops 1 - 1 1/2 " at the rear bumper when hooked up, headlight aim is close to perfect, and I now notice the rear of the truck doesn't bounce like it did without the WD.
Read JMC's link about towing, very informative. Will get to the other tonight. Thanks again !
Read JMC's link about towing, very informative. Will get to the other tonight. Thanks again !