Mark, this is the best explanation of "getting it right" with respect to trailer/tow vehicle weight combination I've seen from anyone in my over 40 years of trailering. Great job!
After weighing my truck and doing some calculations, we're going to have to stuff the Mother in law in the camper, there's no payload left in the truck for her!!!!!! LOL
This video is my answer to Facebook posts that ask about towing a travel trailer. Thanks for providing clear instructions for a very important safety issue.
Great video. I like the way you explained things. Over the years I got tired of doing the math , so I bought a brand new ram 3500 H.O long bed dually with max tow pkg. To tow a new to me #14k( fully loaded) fifth wheel . May be a little overkill, but man does it drive easy.
This is a pretty strong argument against trailers at all. Do you really think the common man who has been taught in the government education camps is capable of following any of this, or do you think they just buy the biggest '1/2 ton towable' 5th wheel with a garage they can afford? Then, they stash the garage with a heavy ATV. This gives me new respect for semi drivers as well.
I always make an effort to stay at least 1k under max weight. Just because my truck can pull a 9.5k trailer, doesn’t mean I want too. I currently have a 2014 Silverado with a max tow package and z71, and can pull 9500lbs. My mallard travel trailer is 8000lbs, weighed at a cat scale. That’s as heavy as I want to go. 10k distribution bars, and keep my speed under 65mph, and I’m ok.
For individual tire weighing go to your state DOT scale and ask if they have the portable scales. Ask them to weigh your truck and trailer on them fully loaded.
I’ve watched several of these videos and y brain scrambled right away. This is the first one that literally felt like it was taught by the best grade school math teacher I ever had. Thank for dumbing it down and yet you are exceptionally thorough!!
Reminds me of my 9th grade math teacher, very detailed orientated, take notes, you'll learn something, that might save your life, otherwise take your SUV, V6, with no Jake brake no tow package, , , down wolf creek pass, see what happens, best of luck !
Perfect world? When is it ever a perfect world towing? In the real world you also have to figure in Head winds, side winds some times 30mph and more winds. Wind drag a tall trailer will have more drag then a flat bed. Mountain grades up hill, down hill, high altitudes thin air. Road conditions wavy roads, rough roads, pot holes etc. Weather conditions extreme heat and cold snow ice rain. Also semis blowing by you and crazy traffic at times. This is why the experienced RVers came up with the 80% rule. Do not exceed 80% of your tow vehicle rating. It is rarely a perfect world when towing. Great video as always keep up the good work.
That's a whole other video; our goal here is to make sure people are safe before they start towing and encounter real world situations. I discuss the 80% rule in my book as an alternative method to calculate towing capacity.
Best video and explanation. I do have a F150 (7200 GWVR) 3.73 ratio and a 28” cougar (6200 dry weight) also a weight distribution. It is not easy to adjust the weight, I decided to sell the F150 and to buy a F250 or F350 to have more relaxing driving when towing my trailer. Thanks for the video, well done.
Excellent information👍🏾👍🏾 for too many times I see 1/2 trucks regardless the make pulling 5th wheel trailers even though the 5th wheel trailers are designed for 1/2 ton trucks, people assume if they can pull it there good to go, I rather have more truck than I need because you never know
Putting the example together with increase truck curb weight by 800lbs decreasing payload by the same then adding 900lbs tongue wieght would be really close to payload before max towing.
Question for RV Education, or anyone here really. This video was super helpful, but I am seeing something different in my recent purchase. I understand that the MTWR was calculated using the GCWR - Curb Weight, and that’s why any additional tow vehicle Payload value needs to be removed from the MTWR value when assessing the trailer you can pull. However, on the Land Rover website I see the following for my 2021 Range Rover Sport 6 cylinder: GVWR: 6945 lbs Payload (calculated): 2024 lbs Curb Weight: 4921 lbs MTWR: 7716 lbs GCWR: 14,660 If I use the math provided for MTWR = GCWR - Curb Weight I don’t get the listed MTWR of 7716 lbs…I actually get 9539 lbs. Instead, if I calculate MTWR using GCWR - MTWR I get 7715 lbs., the number matching the listed MTWR for the car. So, I’d like some opinion on if my conclusions are correct… a) It seems like Land Rover calculates their MTWR assuming the tow car is at full capacity of payload already, or at least calculates the MTWR with a buffer of allowing the tow car to safely carrying anything from zero payload, to full 2024 lbs payload in addition to the max weight trailer. Does that sound right? b) If the tow vehicle is not carrying any payload, the MTWR is actually understated by 2024 lbs, and can likely carry more than listed (physically, not legally). Of course there at least needs to be a payload of the weight of the driver, but basically you could just start chopping payload off of 9539 lbs, vs. 7716 lbs. c) Knowing Land Rover calculates MTWR this way, the adjustment I would actually make to the calculations is that I simply would not remove tow vehicle payload weight from the MTWR value, correct? Not necessarily increase MTWR, but simply refrain from removing tow vehicle payload since the Land Rover MTWR is already accounting for a tow vehicle that could potentially be carrying its max payload. Does that make sense? Would love to hear some input. Thanks!
Thank for your effort in explaining all for our sake. Here in Europe max tow ball weight is said not to exceed 5% of the trailer weight. How can we explain towing car’s max tow ball limit 150 kg and towing a 3000 kg trailer; while 10% 300 kg?
European trailers tend to have the axles farther back, and a longer tongue, they tend to have lower center of gravity, and be more streamlined, also European towing speeds are generally much lower, you aren't likely to be hauling a 5000kg trailer at 110 km/h
Nice video for WD and towing information. Passed it on to the new owner of my TT. Question, have you ever done any video on Mud Flaps or Rock Tamer type products.
Excellent presentation. I finally get it now. My dealer installed a weight distribution hitch and advised me as to which chain link to use for optimum distribution, but will that change if I add more weight to the trailer and/or truck? Is this something that I can verify as correct by looking at whether the hitch ball is riding level?
RV weights are always a picture in time, how much it weighs in that moment. If you add more weight to the front of the trailer, or in the bed of the truck it will add to the amount of weight on the hitch, or rear axle. The truck and trailer being level is good, but the key is to keep the tongue weight between 10 to 15% of the loaded trailer weight.
Mark, great video.... I have a 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 Hemi with a 5.7 short bed. I’m getting an Escape 5.0TA fiberglass 5th wheel trailer with a max wt of 5500lbs. I think I should be ok with this setup, do you think I’ll have an issue? Thanks
I recommend taking the guess work out of adding up aftermarket accessory weight and weigh in at a CAT scale. My 3500 dually weighed in at 6900lb, leaving me with near 4500lb of payload. Very close to the door sticker.
Anything you put in or on the vehicle (payload) reduces the towing capacity by that same amount of weight. The concern with payload is if or when it exceeds the rear axle weight rating or the gross vehicle weight rating. You cannot exceed any weight rating in the towing system.
The 2500 I stood in front of is my truck. I wanted to use a 1/2 ton truck as an example. I could have use a Chevy, a Toyota, or Ford but I picked a 1500 Ram to use as an example. Not sure what I am standing in front of has to do with the content in the video, maybe you can explain.
Mark, this is the best explanation of "getting it right" with respect to trailer/tow vehicle weight combination I've seen from anyone in my over 40 years of trailering. Great job!
After weighing my truck and doing some calculations, we're going to have to stuff the Mother in law in the camper, there's no payload left in the truck for her!!!!!! LOL
Just as important and rarely mentioned... Slow Down, dont drive distracted, and keep your equipment maintained!
This video is my answer to Facebook posts that ask about towing a travel trailer. Thanks for providing clear instructions for a very important safety issue.
Thank you not only for the information but for using numbers charts. I am a visual learner and that makes absolute sense to me now.
Glad you liked it
One of the best teaching videos on these subjects i saw on youtube
People they say to be on a safer side only use 80% of towing n payload totals
Great video. I like the way you explained things.
Over the years I got tired of doing the math , so I bought a brand new ram 3500 H.O long bed dually with max tow pkg. To tow a new to me #14k( fully loaded) fifth wheel .
May be a little overkill, but man does it drive easy.
Wow! Great information! This makes the difference between life and death or a serious accident. Glad this video's up!
Very in-depth look at towing this is why when setting up a new rig and trailer combo I always gi to a scale house and have everything weighed together
This is a pretty strong argument against trailers at all. Do you really think the common man who has been taught in the government education camps is capable of following any of this, or do you think they just buy the biggest '1/2 ton towable' 5th wheel with a garage they can afford? Then, they stash the garage with a heavy ATV. This gives me new respect for semi drivers as well.
I preach this information all the time on the Facebook groups. It’s amazing how many uneducated people there are.
I always make an effort to stay at least 1k under max weight. Just because my truck can pull a 9.5k trailer, doesn’t mean I want too. I currently have a 2014 Silverado with a max tow package and z71, and can pull 9500lbs. My mallard travel trailer is 8000lbs, weighed at a cat scale. That’s as heavy as I want to go. 10k distribution bars, and keep my speed under 65mph, and I’m ok.
For individual tire weighing go to your state DOT scale and ask if they have the portable scales. Ask them to weigh your truck and trailer on them fully loaded.
I’ve watched several of these videos and y brain scrambled right away. This is the first one that literally felt like it was taught by the best grade school math teacher I ever had. Thank for dumbing it down and yet you are exceptionally thorough!!
This is the best explanation I have seen
Very informative and educational
I will study this.
Great explanation, but easily confusing. Also need to consider that tire condition should be like new.
Reminds me of my 9th grade math teacher, very detailed orientated, take notes, you'll learn something, that might save your life, otherwise take your SUV, V6, with no Jake brake no tow package, , , down wolf creek pass, see what happens, best of luck !
Perfect world? When is it ever a perfect world towing? In the real world you also have to figure in Head winds, side winds some times 30mph and more winds. Wind drag a tall trailer will have more drag then a flat bed. Mountain grades up hill, down hill, high altitudes thin air. Road conditions wavy roads, rough roads, pot holes etc. Weather conditions extreme heat and cold snow ice rain. Also semis blowing by you and crazy traffic at times. This is why the experienced RVers came up with the 80% rule. Do not exceed 80% of your tow vehicle rating. It is rarely a perfect world when towing. Great video as always keep up the good work.
That's a whole other video; our goal here is to make sure people are safe before they start towing and encounter real world situations. I discuss the 80% rule in my book as an alternative method to calculate towing capacity.
Excellent explanations. Thank you!
Finally a clear explanation, thank you Mark
Good video. Thanks for posting.
Thanks for watching!
Best video and explanation. I do have a F150 (7200 GWVR) 3.73 ratio and a 28” cougar (6200 dry weight) also a weight distribution. It is not easy to adjust the weight, I decided to sell the F150 and to buy a F250 or F350 to have more relaxing driving when towing my trailer. Thanks for the video, well done.
Best explanation I've seen! Thanks.
Thank you so much, this truly the best explanation I have heard on this subject, u rock!
Good on ya mate , very informative and very well presented !!!
Amazing video. A must watch!
Thanks Mark for the video
Thank you for this informative video sir!
Excellent information👍🏾👍🏾 for too many times I see 1/2 trucks regardless the make pulling 5th wheel trailers even though the 5th wheel trailers are designed for 1/2 ton trucks, people assume if they can pull it there good to go, I rather have more truck than I need because you never know
Putting the example together with increase truck curb weight by 800lbs decreasing payload by the same then adding 900lbs tongue wieght would be really close to payload before max towing.
Great video. Thank you so much.
Question for RV Education, or anyone here really. This video was super helpful, but I am seeing something different in my recent purchase.
I understand that the MTWR was calculated using the GCWR - Curb Weight, and that’s why any additional tow vehicle Payload value needs to be removed from the MTWR value when assessing the trailer you can pull.
However, on the Land Rover website I see the following for my 2021 Range Rover Sport 6 cylinder:
GVWR: 6945 lbs
Payload (calculated): 2024 lbs
Curb Weight: 4921 lbs
MTWR: 7716 lbs
GCWR: 14,660
If I use the math provided for MTWR = GCWR - Curb Weight I don’t get the listed MTWR of 7716 lbs…I actually get 9539 lbs. Instead, if I calculate MTWR using GCWR - MTWR I get 7715 lbs., the number matching the listed MTWR for the car.
So, I’d like some opinion on if my conclusions are correct…
a) It seems like Land Rover calculates their MTWR assuming the tow car is at full capacity of payload already, or at least calculates the MTWR with a buffer of allowing the tow car to safely carrying anything from zero payload, to full 2024 lbs payload in addition to the max weight trailer. Does that sound right?
b) If the tow vehicle is not carrying any payload, the MTWR is actually understated by 2024 lbs, and can likely carry more than listed (physically, not legally). Of course there at least needs to be a payload of the weight of the driver, but basically you could just start chopping payload off of 9539 lbs, vs. 7716 lbs.
c) Knowing Land Rover calculates MTWR this way, the adjustment I would actually make to the calculations is that I simply would not remove tow vehicle payload weight from the MTWR value, correct? Not necessarily increase MTWR, but simply refrain from removing tow vehicle payload since the Land Rover MTWR is already accounting for a tow vehicle that could potentially be carrying its max payload. Does that make sense?
Would love to hear some input. Thanks!
Very informative.
Thank for your effort in explaining all for our sake. Here in Europe max tow ball weight is said not to exceed 5% of the trailer weight. How can we explain towing car’s max tow ball limit 150 kg and towing a 3000 kg trailer; while 10% 300 kg?
European trailers tend to have the axles farther back, and a longer tongue, they tend to have lower center of gravity, and be more streamlined, also European towing speeds are generally much lower, you aren't likely to be hauling a 5000kg trailer at 110 km/h
Tongue weight and hitch weight are subtracted from the tow vehicle's payload capacity.
Good to know....
Good information
Thank you
Nice video for WD and towing information. Passed it on to the new owner of my TT. Question, have you ever done any video on Mud Flaps or Rock Tamer type products.
Great explanation....I think 🤔
Excellent presentation. I finally get it now. My dealer installed a weight distribution hitch and advised me as to which chain link to use for optimum distribution, but will that change if I add more weight to the trailer and/or truck? Is this something that I can verify as correct by looking at whether the hitch ball is riding level?
RV weights are always a picture in time, how much it weighs in that moment. If you add more weight to the front of the trailer, or in the bed of the truck it will add to the amount of weight on the hitch, or rear axle. The truck and trailer being level is good, but the key is to keep the tongue weight between 10 to 15% of the loaded trailer weight.
Mark, great video.... I have a 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 Hemi with a 5.7 short bed. I’m getting an Escape 5.0TA fiberglass 5th wheel trailer with a max wt of 5500lbs. I think I should be ok with this setup, do you think I’ll have an issue? Thanks
I recommend taking the guess work out of adding up aftermarket accessory weight and weigh in at a CAT scale.
My 3500 dually weighed in at 6900lb, leaving me with near 4500lb of payload. Very close to the door sticker.
I agree, and I mentioned the importance of weighing everything in the video.
Great info! How does it affect payload?
Anything you put in or on the vehicle (payload) reduces the towing capacity by that same amount of weight. The concern with payload is if or when it exceeds the rear axle weight rating or the gross vehicle weight rating. You cannot exceed any weight rating in the towing system.
A little confused, you are showings 2500 Ram but are using a 1500 as the example?
Now I have a migraine. I'm just glad my trailer weighs 3000 lbs and my truck can tow 9000 lbs. I think I'm good.
It's a confusing topic, and we can only attempt to bring awareness to the topic so people are safe while enjoying camping.
the gcvw rating doesn't match because axle ratio is too high. try a mid 3;55 ratio for better match when ordering truck.
Thank you
I love how he used a Ram 1500 as an example but the whole video he stands in front of a Ram 2500.
The 2500 I stood in front of is my truck. I wanted to use a 1/2 ton truck as an example. I could have use a Chevy, a Toyota, or Ford but I picked a 1500 Ram to use as an example. Not sure what I am standing in front of has to do with the content in the video, maybe you can explain.
I was gonna say my 1/2 ton Ford has better numbers than this HAHA. I have seen 3/4 tons with low payload numbers though.
So what. Get a life, Karen.
Cab configuration will change your towing capabilities. Four door cab weighs more than a two door cab.
Yes, I mentioned cab configuration in the video.
Just got a camper all the terminology that you’re using we are already confused
You say a ram 1500 but you are standing next to a 2500.
This is great information but it’s sooooo much🥴🥴🥴
Man if you haul garbage to the dump in a ram you'd have to walk home the truck would be the first thing to toss in the dumpster
What ? I should have stayed in college
That's why our company name is RV Education 101.
Lost all credibility at my trucks a RAM you say do research you obviously did none yourself if you bought a ram
I dont care what party you represent I Will Always Thumb Down your video if you have a political advertisement.
BOOOOO!!
We do not pick the ads, RUclips does