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**Bill** · 07-17-2005, 09:28 AM

In this Towing Rigs forum, we have a lot of discussion about the weight of a TM, but there is not much actual data. Yesterday I had a chance to do some detailed weighing, so here is at least one data point that may be useful in future discussions.

Trailer: 2006 2720SL
Dry weight according to TM web site: 2865 lbs

Factory options:

Awning
Low profile roof air
TV antenna
Spare tire (no longer considered an option?)
Swing tongue
Hanging kitchen cabinet
Microwave stand

In addition, the trailer contained the stuff that is always there for any trip:

Microwave
TV
Water hoses, extension cords, etc
Tools
Dishes, silverware, etc
Bed linens, pillows, etc
Cleaning supplies

The trailer DID NOT contain any of the stuff that gets changed out every trip

Cold food in the refrig/freezer
Dry food/canned food
Clothing
Toiletries
Computer, camera, binoculars, and similar goodies
Books, maps, etc

Fresh water tank: empty
Water heater: empty
Gray water tank: empty
Toilet: empty
Propane: both tanks full (40 pounds)

In this condition, the trailer weights were:

Gross weight (trailer disconnected from TV): 3550 pounds, divided up as
Left wheel: 1500 pounds
Right wheel: 1500 pounds
Tongue weight: 550 pounds

A couple points are notable.

The weight of the trailer, with options and basic supplies, is quite different from the “dry weight”.
The tongue weight is about 15% of the total weight – more than most travel trailers. This is one of the major contributors to the TM’s towing stability and lack of sway.
I didn’t have a chance to weigh it with the spring bars snapped up. The usual assumption is that a WDH puts a third of the tongue weight on the tow vehicle front wheels, a third on the tow vehicle rear wheels, and a third on the trailer wheels. I am not convinced that it works out that way in real life, but under that assumption, a weight-distributing hitch would move 185 pounds of the hitch weight back onto the trailer wheels. This means that with the WDH engaged, the weight on the trailer wheels would be about 3185 pounds, and the tongue weight carried by the tow vehicle would be about 365 pounds. Since the trailer's axle limit is 3500 pounds, and the tires’ limit is 3750 pounds (1875 x 2), there is some margin – but not a lot.
The left-right balance is excellent. However, as Ray has pointed out many times, the liquid tanks are on the road side, so if you run with the tanks full, not only do you increase the total weight, but you risk overloading the left tire.
Finally, I would expect that food, clothes, and other per-trip items would total at least 200 pounds. If you add bikes, extra or bigger batteries, solar panels (portable or mounted), water, and so forth – well, you can do the math. The margin quickly becomes vanishingly small.

Hope this helps

Bill

07-17-2005, 09:28 AM	#1
Bill Site Team Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: The mountains of Scottsdale, AZ, and the beaches of Maine Posts: 10,105	Some weight information In this Towing Rigs forum, we have a lot of discussion about the weight of a TM, but there is not much actual data. Yesterday I had a chance to do some detailed weighing, so here is at least one data point that may be useful in future discussions. Trailer: 2006 2720SL Dry weight according to TM web site: 2865 lbs Factory options: Awning Low profile roof air TV antenna Spare tire (no longer considered an option?) Swing tongue Hanging kitchen cabinet Microwave stand In addition, the trailer contained the stuff that is always there for any trip: Microwave TV Water hoses, extension cords, etc Tools Dishes, silverware, etc Bed linens, pillows, etc Cleaning supplies The trailer DID NOT contain any of the stuff that gets changed out every trip Cold food in the refrig/freezer Dry food/canned food Clothing Toiletries Computer, camera, binoculars, and similar goodies Books, maps, etc Fresh water tank: empty Water heater: empty Gray water tank: empty Toilet: empty Propane: both tanks full (40 pounds) In this condition, the trailer weights were: Gross weight (trailer disconnected from TV): 3550 pounds, divided up as Left wheel: 1500 pounds Right wheel: 1500 pounds Tongue weight: 550 pounds A couple points are notable. The weight of the trailer, with options and basic supplies, is quite different from the “dry weight”. The tongue weight is about 15% of the total weight – more than most travel trailers. This is one of the major contributors to the TM’s towing stability and lack of sway. I didn’t have a chance to weigh it with the spring bars snapped up. The usual assumption is that a WDH puts a third of the tongue weight on the tow vehicle front wheels, a third on the tow vehicle rear wheels, and a third on the trailer wheels. I am not convinced that it works out that way in real life, but under that assumption, a weight-distributing hitch would move 185 pounds of the hitch weight back onto the trailer wheels. This means that with the WDH engaged, the weight on the trailer wheels would be about 3185 pounds, and the tongue weight carried by the tow vehicle would be about 365 pounds. Since the trailer's axle limit is 3500 pounds, and the tires’ limit is 3750 pounds (1875 x 2), there is some margin – but not a lot. The left-right balance is excellent. However, as Ray has pointed out many times, the liquid tanks are on the road side, so if you run with the tanks full, not only do you increase the total weight, but you risk overloading the left tire. Finally, I would expect that food, clothes, and other per-trip items would total at least 200 pounds. If you add bikes, extra or bigger batteries, solar panels (portable or mounted), water, and so forth – well, you can do the math. The margin quickly becomes vanishingly small. Hope this helps Bill __________________ 2020 2720QS (aka 2720SL) 2014 Ford F-150 4WD 5.0L Bill's Tech Stuff album