How much Can My Truck Tow..Safely! (Payload & Tow Capacity Explained)

[@ralphmossman974]

Hey Chris,that is the best video by far, that I have seen, on how to work out your towing weights ,!!!!Bloody awesome mate.!!!,

[@WhyWait]

Really appreciate that! Not the funnest video to watch but it definitely breaks it all down. Thanks for watching and safe travels out there. 👍🏼

[@RAM-on8xb]

I'm glad to see someone else that is aware of their tow numbers. I have heard so many times, you have a RAM 3500 with a high output Cummins. You can tow anything. I live in PA and that means if my GCVWR is over 26000 pounds I will need a Class A non CDL driver's license to drive the setup. Enjoy the video.

[@WhyWait]

Yeah there’s definitely more to look into than people realize sometimes. Thanks for watching 👍🏼

[@davidedwards4964]

Great video! You did a great job. I have never pulled a fifth wheel or goose neck trailer and was curious if those trailers also should have a pin weight of 10-15% of your trailer GWV? Thanks and safe travels.

[@WhyWait]

Tounge weight on a bumper pull is around 10-15% but on most fifth wheels the pin weight is closer to 20-25% of the gross trailer weight. This is where many RVers don’t realize they might have maxed out their trucks capacity.

[@secondchancesrvadventures]

Chris, do you have a link to the spreadsheet you used? I have one but it doesn’t factor the axles into it. We just bought a new Reflection and want to double check that I’m good. Thanks for doing this episode!

[@WhyWait]

No unfortunately I don’t. In fact mine wasn’t even the kind of spreadsheet with formulas built in where you punch in numbers and it does math for you and stuff like that. I just filled out all the boxes by hand.

[@secondchancesrvadventures]

Ok. Thanks for responding. I used the formula version and I’m in the green on all, was just hoping to verify. I’ll get it on the scale on our first trip and see actual numbers. Can’t wait to get the new rig! It’s being prepped at the dealership now.

[@ayranmcintosh]

Love your videos. Love how you explain things that makes it easy to understand. If you're gonna be at the national rally this year, we would like me up and talk.

[@WhyWait]

Thanks 😊 We won’t be the unfortunately I always seem to be working at those dates. We will be at the TN Rally next month though.

[@ayranmcintosh]

@Why Wait Sadly, we won't be at the TN rally. I'm sure we'll meet up at another rally. Safe travels.

[@carolineseto9197]

Hi there! I'm in the market for a truck and I'm having trouble finding ones that come with a manufactured tow package. Most dealers are telling me the receiver means it "most likely" has a tow package.. and thats not good enough for me.

[@carolineseto9197]

Oops, my question for you (or anyone reading this) is how can i find out if a truck has a tow package by looking online? or do I just need to go get in these trucks to see if they have a tow/haul mode? Thank you!!!

[@WhyWait]

Every truck will be different. You may be looking at the same exact year, make and model truck but some might come from the factory with a tow package or not. You basically just have to check out the truck your interested in and know what your looking for or want. Here’s a good video to help you know what’s usually in a tow package. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHWmmqShhtl4jNksi=DqWywuocco-3lVIS

[@WilliamWright23]

Hey Chris what website did you use to pull your exact Truck Specs?

[@WhyWait]

This is the link I found for my truck year. rvsafety.com/images/pdf/FordTG2008.pdf

[@markharvey8706]

Recommend putting the last 4 digits of your trailer VIN as the vehicle number on CAT scales. That way if a State trooper asks your weight you can relate the weight slips to your vehicle (recommended by a trucker).

[@WhyWait]

Nice tip for sure! Thanks 👍🏼

[@RVUntethered]

Great video! I’ve been meaning to weigh our rig for awhile and this helps a lot. Do you run any kind of air ride on your truck and if so, did that make any difference in the axle weights?

[@WhyWait]

No I don’t. My F-450 has extra aftermarket leaf springs, virtually no squat when dropping my camper on there. From what I understand airbags will level out the tow vehicle, but the weight remains where ever it is. Air bags can not improve the weight carrying capacity of a truck because they do not bolster springs, axles, frames, wheels or tires. All they do is raise or lower the rear of the truck in relation to the ground.

[@RVUntethered]

@@WhyWait cool! We have a 350 and the bag’s definitely improved our ride in those states with horrific roads lol

[@rsimpson258]

Good video about the numbers and what everything means. Not everyone understands these and those of us that do get called the “tow police”. One correction I see in your explanation of finding the pin weight. You said all of the pin weight goes on the rear axle weight of the truck however some of the pin weight also transfers to the steer axle as well. To find your actual pin weight you add the steer and drive axle together when loaded then subtract the empty weight of the truck. I believe your pin weight is 3780lbs if I’m reading the correct numbers on your spreadsheet. Hitched up drive axle 8560 + steer axle 5560 = 14,140. Then subtract the unhitched weight. 14,140 - 10,360 = 3780. It’s not a lot of difference here but in some cases could make a big difference.

[@WhyWait]

Good tip and yes that makes sense. 👍🏼 Appreciate you checking out the channel watching

[@jonathanwhalen1041]

Thank you

[@WhyWait]

Sure thing. Hope it helped 👍🏼

[@GimpyCamper]

Good tips

[@WhyWait]

Thanks bud, appreciate it. 👍🏼

[@TraconWizard]

I'm gonna have to watch this at least 2 more times. I think I'm good. But I don't know. Good point about measuring height when hooked instead of trusting dealer. After u leave lot it's on you. If u don't want to unhook at Cat scale, pick one not far from campground. You'll probably only burn a few gallons of gas. Just make sure nobody is left at trailer, that's a bigger deal.

[@WhyWait]

Yeah it can be a little confusing at first. Hardest part really is finding your exact truck to the T and its actual capacities. Thanks for watching! 👍🏼