The first thing to look at is the payload sticker in the driver's side door jamb of the truck. You'll never hit the max tow capacity first, you'll always hit payload first. Take that number less your trailer tongue weight (figure 10-15% off the trailer GVWR to start), and that'll give you an idea of what you have left for cargo in the bed, your hitch, and passengers. Another option would be to load the truck up for a trip, with your passengers and go to a scale and see what the total weight is (without the trailer), and subtract that from your trucks GVWR (should be another sticker on your driver's door piller), and that'll tell you what you have left for tongue weight of the trailer.

travismarc -- if it's any consultation, the topic of payload was a mystery to me back a few years ago when I was considering buying an RV.

As Neil stated, the payload sticker is the place to start. Post a picture of the sticker here and then we can walk you through some numbers.

Howard

Thank you for thr insight! I have posted my specs in a pic below.

travismarc -- the key figure is the Max Payload of 1353 lbs. Usually this is the limiting figure.

The GVWR of the 23BHE is 6,995 lbs per the GD website.

A few links with (hopefully) helpful information here on this forum: https://gdrvowners.com/towing-and-hi...n-i-really-tow and https://gdrvowners.com/towing-and-hi...ings-explained

According to http://towingplanner.com/Estimators/...?tw=15&ew=6995 , the maximum tongue weight your vehicle could experience (assuming the trailer doesn't weigh more than 6,995 lbs and the weight is distributed correctly inside) at 15% the tongue weight is 1,049 lbs. Let me hasten to add this is the worst case scenario--it definitely could be lighter (I use 15% for planning purposes).

That leaves you 304 lbs for everything else put in or on the truck.

Bottom line: hook up the trailer to the truck "ready to camp". Get the family onboard and head to a CAT scale. Fill up the fuel tank. Weigh the truck/trailer combination on the scale. Then weigh just the truck (with everyone still inside). From the numbers the calculation will provide the facts, not guesses, on whether you're within the trucks specified capability. (We can help if you post the data.)

Hint: Get the Weigh My Truck app -- makes the process very easy. Lots of links online, and the links provided above also go into detail.

Howard

howson Any idea why his max tongue weight would only be 880 pounds? I agree payload is usually the limit, but in this case if thats a limit on the factory receiver, its going to be an issue as well...

Good catch, Neil. I didn't see that. Most likely has a Class 3 hitch.

travismarc -- does your truck have a chart that shows the maximum tongue weight with a Weight Distribution Hitch? Sometimes that allows for higher tongue weights.


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