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Old 07-04-2018, 09:32 AM   #7
Bill
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Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: The mountains of Scottsdale, AZ, and the beaches of Maine
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KestiRose -

For the tow vehicle, a 6500 pound rating is plenty. You need to be careful of three weight-related things, though.

First, the TM axle is rated for only 3500 pounds, and the tires (if 14 inch) for not much more than that. So you must not exceed this.

Second, the trailer's hitch weight is probably above 400 pounds, and possibly above 500 pounds. Your tow vehicle most likely has a hitch weight rating of 500 pounds, so you must not exceed that number.

Third, the tow vehicle's rear axle has a maximum weight carrying rating, probably in the vicinity of 4000 pounds. You'll find the actual value on a sticker on the driver's door or door frame. This includes all the weight that the rear axle is carrying, including the weight of the tow vehicle itself, plus whatever you put in the way back of the truck, plus the hitch weight of the trailer. It is not a good idea to exceed that, either.

If you tend to pack heavy, as I do, you would do well to pack up the tow vehicle and the camper to the same amount it will have when ready to camp, then find a CAT scale (catscale.com), and weigh the three axles of your ready-to-camp trailer. Quick and easy, about $10.

Bill
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