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Old 08-28-2020, 06:28 AM   #1
Kathryn
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Default Tow rating

What towing capacity do I need to pull a 2922?

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Old 08-28-2020, 07:34 AM   #2
Bill
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This question always brings a lot of responses and opinions, so let me start off the discussion. I know you would like a one-word answer, but it is not that simple.

The term "dry weight" refers to the weight of the basic trailer, without any factory options (such as the air conditioner or awning, which are both rather heavy), no water/propane, and without any owner's contents of any kind (often called "stuff" - food, clothes, dishes, bedding, tools, etc.) According to the spec sheet, the dry weight of a 2922 KD is 3130 pounds.

The spec sheet also shows that the 2922KD has a load capacity - meaning everything you add to the unloaded trailer - of 1350 pounds.

So the total max weight of the trailer (GVWR) is allowed to be as high as 4480 pounds, but not more. Most owners find that their trailer comes in close to that level. You will almost certainly add an air conditioner and an awning, and you will certainly add "stuff", even if you try to pack light.

So it would seem that you need a minimum towing capacity of about 5000 pounds, and that has been the general consensus of the TM owners on the Forum over the years. A very few owners report that they use vehicles rated at 3500 pounds, and you will hear from them.

However, there are two other things to consider. The first is the definition of "towing capacity", as the term is used by the vehicle manufacturers. If you look at the vehicle's towing spec and follow the usual asterisk, it actually says "with no dealer-installed options, no cargo, and no passengers other than a 150-pound driver". If you add these things, this weight must be subtracted directly from the stated towing capacity. This makes sense - if you put a 200-pound load of camping gear in the back of the tow vehicle, that is no different from putting the same camping gear in the TM. The vehicle still has to handle it. So if you have a vehicle with a tow rating of 5000 pounds, and you put 500 pounds of people and cargo in the vehicle, its tow capacity is now 4500 pounds, and you find yourself perilously close to the loaded weight of the trailer.

There is one good thing to report. Vehicle models newer than about 2014 are subject to a formal definition of towing capacity (look up SAE J-2807), but prior to that time, towing capacity numbers were driven primarily by advertising.

The second thing to consider - and it always surprises me that no one does - is the question "Where do you plan to tow?" It should be apparent that towing in the flat lands of the Gulf Coast is a lot easier than towing in the Appalachians or Rockies. It is hard to believe that a single tow-capacity rating would apply to both locations, but the vehicle manufacturers make no distinction.

So my personal answer to your question is "not less than 5000 pounds if you plan to stay in moderate terrain, but 6000 pounds or more if you plan to get into anything steeper".

Others will differ from my answer.

Bill
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Old 08-29-2020, 06:05 AM   #3
Kathryn
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Thank you Bill!

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Old 03-12-2022, 11:32 AM   #4
senoragosto
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Default What to pull with 2000 Chevy Astro V6 5100 Capacity

is this right, I'm New

-dry weight
-plus propane
-plus clean water -
-plus what ever is loaded in side

This to calculate what I can pull?

Recommendations on Trailmanor I should look for.....Thank you
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Old 03-12-2022, 09:17 PM   #5
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Use the GVWR of the trailer (dry plus cargo in TM’s case), not the dry weight. And then add in a buffer. 2922 would be 4390lbs for KB or 4480lbs for KS & KD. Add in a buffer (rule of thumb is 80% of max towing capacity) and you’re looking for 5500lb minimum tow capacity.

But usually payload capacity is the problem more than tow capacity.
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Old 03-14-2022, 11:05 AM   #6
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Also, keep in mind how used to towing you are.

For instance, I grew up towing horses. Very used to things and how things can go weird. So I'm comfy pushing the (American) limits of my car, and will adjust for it.

But I would *never* suggest someone who hasn't towed before do the same EVEN IF they used the slower speeds and other things I do.
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Old 03-14-2022, 11:47 AM   #7
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Having worked as an RV sales rep, I agree with everything Bill said!
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