Towing Question
#1
11-12-2009, 12:29 AM
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Towing Question
I’m looking to upgrade my motorcycle trailer and want to make sure I am calculating correctly and will be within my vehicle towing capacity. I have a 2000 Dodge Dakota quad, 4.7l with tow package (and weight distribution hitch)……according to sticker and manual, this Dakota’s gvwr is 5,960 lbs, gcwr 9,500lbs, tongue max at 700 lbs, max towing 6,350lbs and curb weight 4,413lbs.
The trailer, a 2007 7x18 Haulmark, has a delivered curb weight of 4,082lbs (owner had factory installed floor storage, cabinets, electric and 110v lighting) and a tongue weight of 360lbs (8%), according to Haulmark. The trailer also has a grizzly gripped floor (4 gals, est 50lbs), pitpal helmet shelf (est 15lbs), three marine batteries (est 180lbs total), and an empty toolbox (est 150lbs) for an estimated total of 4,477lbs.
To make sure I am under the Dakota’s gvwr of 5,960lbs, I add the Dakota’s curb weight (4,413lbs), passenger’s weight (3 @ 575lbs), cargo weight (0lbs) and the tongue weight (est 537lbs @12% of 4,477) for a total of 5,525lbs. In this scenario, the Dakota is approximately 435lbs lower than stated gvwr.
To make sure I am under the Dakota’s gcwr, I add the Dakota’s curb weight (4,413lbs), passenger’s weight (3 @ 575lbs), cargo weight (0lbs), and estimated trailer weight of 4,477 for a total of 8,965lbs. In this scenario, the Dakota hitched is 535lbs under its gcwr.
If correct, I can basically move this trailer as is or with very little added cargo. If I look to upgrade to a truck so I can haul all my cargo (+200lbs in truck and 1,800lbs in trailer), I can apply the same formula in reverse to get a minimum gvwr, gcwr and tongue weight max that I need.
Correct?
The trailer, a 2007 7x18 Haulmark, has a delivered curb weight of 4,082lbs (owner had factory installed floor storage, cabinets, electric and 110v lighting) and a tongue weight of 360lbs (8%), according to Haulmark. The trailer also has a grizzly gripped floor (4 gals, est 50lbs), pitpal helmet shelf (est 15lbs), three marine batteries (est 180lbs total), and an empty toolbox (est 150lbs) for an estimated total of 4,477lbs.
To make sure I am under the Dakota’s gvwr of 5,960lbs, I add the Dakota’s curb weight (4,413lbs), passenger’s weight (3 @ 575lbs), cargo weight (0lbs) and the tongue weight (est 537lbs @12% of 4,477) for a total of 5,525lbs. In this scenario, the Dakota is approximately 435lbs lower than stated gvwr.
To make sure I am under the Dakota’s gcwr, I add the Dakota’s curb weight (4,413lbs), passenger’s weight (3 @ 575lbs), cargo weight (0lbs), and estimated trailer weight of 4,477 for a total of 8,965lbs. In this scenario, the Dakota hitched is 535lbs under its gcwr.
If correct, I can basically move this trailer as is or with very little added cargo. If I look to upgrade to a truck so I can haul all my cargo (+200lbs in truck and 1,800lbs in trailer), I can apply the same formula in reverse to get a minimum gvwr, gcwr and tongue weight max that I need.
Correct?
#2
11-16-2009, 10:53 PM
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Concur with your calculations...but consider braking performance.
My 05 DAK with 4.7 HO is rated a little higher higher than yours but I DO NOT tow any weight higher than 85% of max GCWR...or trailer weight greater than 75% of max trailer weight rating. (just my personal opinion).
Also, I use a load leveling anti sway bar set up at 75% of either Max Hitch Weight or 75% GCWR. (again, just my opinion)
Braking is adequate at 75% of GCWR but I use trailer brakes at 50% to 75% of GCWR.
FYI my Gen 2 DAK towed well but stopped terribly at 85% of GCWR.
My 05 DAK with 4.7 HO is rated a little higher higher than yours but I DO NOT tow any weight higher than 85% of max GCWR...or trailer weight greater than 75% of max trailer weight rating. (just my personal opinion).
Also, I use a load leveling anti sway bar set up at 75% of either Max Hitch Weight or 75% GCWR. (again, just my opinion)
Braking is adequate at 75% of GCWR but I use trailer brakes at 50% to 75% of GCWR.
FYI my Gen 2 DAK towed well but stopped terribly at 85% of GCWR.
Last edited by 05Dakotaho; 11-16-2009 at 11:03 PM.
#3
11-16-2009, 11:00 PM
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