Half ton vehicle capacity?

[Kingfish58]

I have a 2012 Tundra Crewmax with a tow rating of 9900lbs and cargo capacity of 1600lbs.

Given this, I am much more concerned about exceeding the capacity of the truck cargo capacity rather than what it can tow, since I am not considering any trailer over 7500 lbs GVWR. If I understand correctly, tongue weight must be added to the vehicle capacity, so:
800lbs tongue weight + 800lbs occupants, gas, etc. and I'm at capacity. Is this correct?

Also, my understanding is that a weight dist hitch reduces tongue weight by around 20%-how is this measured?

What are you folks towing with a Tundra or other half tons doing? Taking two vehicles for 4 campers?

[Tim D]

Originally Posted by Kingfish58

I have a 2012 Tundra Crewmax with a tow rating of 9900lbs and cargo capacity of 1600lbs.

Given this, I am much more concerned about exceeding the capacity of the truck cargo capacity rather than what it can tow, since I am not considering any trailer over 7500 lbs GVWR. If I understand correctly, tongue weight must be added to the vehicle capacity, so:
800lbs tongue weight + 800lbs occupants, gas, etc. and I'm at capacity. Is this correct?

Also, my understanding is that a weight dist hitch reduces tongue weight by around 20%-how is this measured?

What are you folks towing with a Tundra or other half tons doing? Taking two vehicles for 4 campers?

You are correct and this is where the problems occur towing with a "half ton". As long as you don't exceed either weight you can do it.

WDH helps take some of the weight off the rear by "distributing" some of it to the front end of your tow vehicle as well as back to the trailer axles.

You will be at cap quick.

[8iron]

The published max tow ratings are irrelevant for campers. If you are towing a large boat or equipment you may be able the reach that limit without exceeding the trucks payload rating but not with a travel trailer. The weight distribution does take weight off the rear axle but adds it to the front (so that is still considered payload) and back to the TT which gives some wiggle room. You also have to consider the +-100 weight of the WD hitch itself that has to be included as well.

[MEHoffman]

I am pulling a SunSet Trail 30RE with my 2012 Tundra double cab, 4WD, 5.7, with no problems. I using a E2 wd hitch with 4 point sway control and have airbags on the rear. I run ~40 psi in the bags and that gives me the stiffer suspension feel that I prefer. BTW I average 10 mpg towing.

[johnwill]

I have a 2008 Tundra and I pull a 310SB pulls fine. I do want to put airbags on the rear. that may help a bit but I am only getting 8.7 MPG If I get it tuned up it should do a bit better.

[OhioMark]

Originally Posted by 8iron

The published max tow ratings are irrelevant for campers. If you are towing a large boat or equipment you may be able the reach that limit without exceeding the trucks payload rating but not with a travel trailer. The weight distribution does take weight off the rear axle but adds it to the front (so that is still considered payload) and back to the TT which gives some wiggle room. You also have to consider the +-100 weight of the WD hitch itself that has to be included as well.

8iron,

Your first sentence threw me at first, but I think I get the gist of what your saying. You're stating that with a travel trailer you will always max your payload before hitting tow max, right?

I'm not totally onboard with that but in the context of 1/2 ton capabilities I do agree that looking at tow capacity without accounting for tongue and payload max spells trouble.

[8iron]

Originally Posted by OhioMark

8iron,

Your first sentence threw me at first, but I think I get the gist of what your saying. You're stating that with a travel trailer you will always max your payload before hitting tow max, right?

I'm not totally onboard with that but in the context of 1/2 ton capabilities I do agree that looking at tow capacity without accounting for tongue and payload max spells trouble.

The max tow ratings for vehicles do not exclusively refer to travel trailers. They can be flat deck car/equipment haulers, boats, utility trailers etc. We tend to assume that the tow ratings refer to our rv trailers but that is not the case.

[OhioMark]

Kingfish58,

I've posted this before, but I attach the link here

http://changingears.com/rv-sec-calc-...eight-tt.shtml

It a great tool to calculate out your towing based on your vehicle, passengers, stuff, etc..