Considering purchasing a TrailManor - Page 3

Redtail Cruiser · 09-15-2013, 08:26 AM

Hard to believe that an F150 has the same max tongue weight that some of the minivan and mid size SUV's do. Something must be wrong with the way some manufacturers calculate this number or Ford is being very conservative.

TM Pilot · 09-15-2013, 05:05 PM

Believe it! (See photo). My F150 can increase the tongue weight to 990lbs with a WDH.

In contrast, my 2005 Toyota Sienna has a max towing weight of 3500lbs; max tongue weight of 325lbs without WDH and 500lbs with WDH.

09-15-2013, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redtail Cruiser

Hard to believe that an F150 has the same max tongue weight that some of the minivan and mid size SUV's do. Something must be wrong with the way some manufacturers calculate this number or Ford is being very conservative.

I think the restriction is the hitch itself. I have an F150 with the 500/5000 rating on both the bumper and receiver. It is a Class 3/4 hitch. I also have an F350 where the bumper is rated to 1000/10000 and the receiver 1500/15,000 and 2400/22,000 with WDH

That is a Putnam Class V+ which apparently they don't make anymore.

Aaron

TM Pilot · 05-30-2014, 09:54 PM

This spring, I decided to weigh my tongue with the trailer loaded with gear and supplies both with and without the 20 gallon water tank filled. I used the same bathroom scale method I used last fall. But this time I used a stronger piece of wood (4x4) that wouldn't sag and made sure the wood was level. I came up with significantly different results.

2007 TM 2619 Tongue Weight
450lbs (20 gal water tank not filled)
515lbs (20 gal water tank filled)

I think my original measurement of 375lbs was in error due to the wood sag and not making sure the everything was level. I also have most of my gear & supplies loaded over the axle. The only thing I have in the storage area under the seats up front is a few power cords, sleeping bags, and maybe a couple of small chairs. I also measured the tongue weight several times by rotating the scale 45 and 90 degrees. That also gave me different result (+/- 30lbs). I didn't like that margin of error so.......

TM Pilot · 05-30-2014, 10:03 PM

...so I purchased a Sherline Tongue scale:
http://www.sherline.com/lm.htm
http://www.discountcampus.com/cgi-bi...tml?catid=1102

2007 TM 2619 Tongue Weight
485lbs (20 gal water tank not filled)
530lbs (20 gal water tank filled)

The original brochure for my 2007 TM 2619 published a tongue weight of 351lbs. That questionable figure is BEFORE factory options are installed and the TM is loaded with personal gear & supplies. Add the optional 40 gallon water tank, second battery, and solar panels and the tongue weight of a 2619 could go to 600lbs.

Even though a 2720 is a slightly larger TM, the tongue weight of a 2720 model would be less than a 2619 due to the weight of its extra length and storage area being behind the axle.

TM Pilot · 05-31-2014, 09:10 AM

I used the Sherline scale to measure the weight on the frame by each tire (The scale was place right behind the axle).
My TM 2619 was loaded with gear and supplies, 20 gal water tank full, hot water heater full, fridge empty, toilet empty. The tires, rims, and brake assembly are also included in the results.

2007 TM 2619 Tire Load
1800lbs - Driver's Side; 1600lbs (Driver's Side - No Water)
1600lbs - Passenger Side

Because I measured one side of the TM at a time, I'm not going to say that simply added these two numbers together equals an exact axle weight. But it does approximate what load each tire is carrying (minus the weight of the tire and rim/wheel: 50lbs).

For those with 14" Load C tires rated at 1860lbs, you can clearly see your limitations on the driver's side with full water. Add a full fridge and charged toilet and the tire is at 100%. For those with the optional 40 gallon water tank - carrying the 40 gallons will exceed the 14" tire's limitation of 1860lbs.

rvcycleguy · 05-31-2014, 11:18 AM

The weight differential between sides is due to the refrigerator, bathroom, plumbing, water heater, sofas, etc.

Padgett · 05-31-2014, 02:52 PM

The weight a particular vehicle can accept is dependant on a lot of things:
1) hitch/receive
2) frame (or monocoque)
3) suspension
4) axle
5) powertrain & cooling capacity

For example if you have an 1 1/4" receiver, that is limited to 300/3500 lbs and it does not matter what else the vehicle is capable of. Anything with a higher rating must have a 2" receiver.

That is why when buying a TV it is best to buy one with the factory towing package and one that is at least 500/5000. That way you know the entire vehicle is capable of at least that and there is no "weak link".

Redtail Cruiser · 05-31-2014, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TM Pilot

I used the Sherline scale to measure the weight on the frame by each tire.
My TM 2619 was loaded with gear and supplies, 20 gal water tank full, hot water heater full, fridge empty, toilet empty.

2007 TM 2619 Tire Load
1900lbs - Driver's Side
1600lbs - Passenger Side

Because I measured one side of the TM at a time, I'm not going to say that simply added these two numbers together equals an exact axle weight. But it does approximate what load each tire is carrying.

For those with 14" Load C tires rated at 1860lbs, you can clearly see your limitations on the driver's side.

Pilot, makes a valid point and it's easy to see why the factory changed to the 15 inch wheels and tires, on most of it's models, when they did. Especially since they started offering the 40 gallon fresh water tank too.

I'm sure glad I upgraded my TM when I did. There were just to many blowout horror stories posted on the forum to ignore.

TM Pilot · 05-31-2014, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redtail Cruiser

Pilot, makes a valid point and it's easy to see why the factory changed to the 15 inch wheels and tires, on most of it's models, when they did. Especially since they started offering the 40 gallon fresh water tank too.

I'm sure glad I upgraded my TM when I did. There were just to many blowout horror stories posted on the forum to ignore.

And using a WDH with 14" load C tires rated at 1860lbs further increases the limitations on the driver's side.

Even with upgraded 15" Maxxis tires rated at 2150lbs on my TM, I'm running the driver's side tire at about 85% capacity (1800lbs) if I'm hauling 26 gallons of water. But at least now I can do it if I need to!