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  • #1

    Tow Vehicle Ratings Explained

    The presentations in the Ratings series attempts to cover the tow-related limitations (set by the various component ratings) applicable to a towing a travel trailer, aka a “bumper pull” RV.

    Each presentation (and the slides within each presentation) build on the previously presented information. Subsequent information assumes the reader comprehends and can apply the previous concepts.

    While not "required", it's a good idea to start at the first presentation and work your way through each one to ensure each topic is understood.

    Ratings Article #1: Basic Vehicle and Travel Trailer Weight Ratings

    This is the first of three presentations that will attempt to cover the aspects an owner should (must?) understand to know they are within their tow vehicle and travel trailer (“bumper pull”) OEM rated specifications.

    Not every aspect of a given topic will be explained on a slide—remember this first presentation is basic information and is not meant to be comprehensive, but foundational.    ​

    101 - Basic Vehicle and Travel Trailer Weight Ratings v2-1.pdf
    • Truck GVWR and Payload
    • Camper GVWR and Payload
    • Camper Hitch Weight and Axle Weight
    • Truck and Camper Weight (Combined)
    Ratings Article #2: Tow Vehicle Ratings

    Second presentation in the series. Very basic information, but foundational to being able to answer the question, "Can my Wizbang X-7500 tow a Gee Whiz 888?"​

    102 - Tow Vehicle Ratings v2-1.pdf
    • Payload
    • Tow Ratings vs Payload
    • Axles
    • Hitch
    • Tires
    Ratings Article #3: Trailer Ratings

    This presentation covers some of the ratings applicable to a travel trailer, aka “bumper pull”, RV.

    103 - Camper Ratings v4-1.pdf
    • Payload
    • The Importance of Hitch Weight
    • Axles
    • Tires
    • FAQ​
    Attached Files
    Last edited by howson; 02-25-2023, 05:52 PM.
    Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.

    2017 Ford F-350 DRW, '19 315RLTSPlus
    Tags: reference library
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  • #2
    After finding my 2018 Silverado was just not enough to comfortable tow a 2012 Outback 298RE (7500 lbs dry), I purchased a new 2022 Imagine XLS 23LDE. I made up this spreadsheet to estimate and check key loading parameters. I think I'm good on paper and the real-world towing experience feels much more in control. Your PDF tutorials on loading and limits are very good, and this spreadsheet parallels them pretty well.

    PS Just discovered I can't upload an XLS file. If interested let me know how I can provide it to you to check.
    Neil Stanton
    2022 GD Imagine XLS 23LDE
    2018 Silverado 4x4 LT 5.3L

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    • #3
      neilstanton -- you can email it to GDRVModerators@gmail.com

      Thanks!
      Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.

      2017 Ford F-350 DRW, '19 315RLTSPlus

      Comment

      • #4
        neilstanton -- the spreadsheet was in .xlsx format, so converted to .xls (which is supported here). I'll add to the Reference Library post, too.

        Thanks for sharing!

        Forum members, note the spreadsheet appears to be designed for travel trailers, not 5vrs. 5vr pin weight is a different % than a travel trailer's tongue weight.

        Howard

        Truck and Trailer Loading Estimate.xls

        Sample of what the spreadsheet looks like:

        Click image for larger version Name: Sample.jpg Views: 0 Size: 298.7 KB ID: 109187
        Attached Files
        Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.

        2017 Ford F-350 DRW, '19 315RLTSPlus

        Comment

        • #5
          howson Thank you for the clarification on XLS files and for posting. Yes this is definitely for a travel trailer. Another member noted that the battery weight (50 lbs for one deep cycle) was not added to the trailer, and probably should be as it's likely not included in factory dry weight. I did find a couple XLS 23LDE owners who posted scale weights. The estimate in the spreadsheet is in the ballpark of 50-100lbs. Just got new LT E rated tires on the truck, replacing factory P tires, and tireminder TPMS is on the way for the 23LDE. Looking forward to taking it out soon and being safe on the road!
          Neil Stanton
          2022 GD Imagine XLS 23LDE
          2018 Silverado 4x4 LT 5.3L
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