PAYLOAD PROBLEMS: HOW MUCH CAN I (REALLY) TOW? RV Truck & Trailer

🚦Towing capacity is frequently misunderstood. The fact is there are so many acronyms and various factors based on the truck, it’s easy to get confused. To make things worst, the truck manufactures promote their highest possible tow rating for an entire class of truck and then put an asterisk that it only applies to a dually truck.
✅ Updated info here www.keepyourdaydream.com/payload
📩 Download the Excel sheet here www.keepyourdaydream.com/payload/
To know how much RV you can really tow, we must first address the limitations you’ll likely reach long before towing capacity. This video will break down GVWR, GCVWR, GAWR, UVW (dry weight), Payload and then Towing Capacity.
This video also discusses the consequences of towing over the GVWR or GCVWR. This is not intended to scare anyone. Rather, after extensive research, these are the situations RVers have shared.
🙏 The KYD Amazon Page
www.amazon.com/shop/keepyourd...
*This is a small way to help keep our channel going that doesn’t cost you anymore money and all purchases are private
***************** START HERE VIDEOS *****************
KYD Playlists: / @keepyourdaydream
Season 4 Intro: • NEW SEASON NEW TRUCK! ...
Our official Q&A video: • Q&A THE TRUTH ABOUT RV...
How to plan your RV trip & our top 5 apps: • HOW TO PLAN YOUR RV TR...
RV Newbie: 10 things you should know • RV NEWBIE? TOP 10 THIN...
Our top 5 questions: • RV LIVING Q&A: OUR TOP...
How to pick the perfect RV: • BUYING YOUR FIRST RV? ...
********** SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS ***************
/ keepyourdaydream
/ keepyourdaydream
/ keepurdaydream
www.KeepYourDaydream.com
********** BECOME A KYD INSIDER *********
We want to get to know you! Meeting great people that are pursueing their dreams is what this is all about. Watch our Patreon video to learn about the KYD Insiders and get your own #TravelingGinger and take her with you on your next adventure!
/ keepyourdaydream
********** KYD PODCAST ********************
If you want to hear more great stories of people who turned “someday” into NOW... tune into Keep Your Daydream podcast. Stories of full-time RV, Sailing, Climbing Everest to riding bikes across the world, each episode is inspiring.
www.KeepYourDaydream.com
********** KYD GEAR & AMAZON *************
Check out our new Amazon page with our favorite gear. We’ll be adding more items each day. This is a great way to support the videos.
www.amazon.com/shop/keepyourd...
*We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
********** CAMERA GEAR ********************
Canon Rebel T5i amzn.to/2z4qyao
Go Pro Session 5 amzn.to/2ykVORx
GoPro Hero 5 Black amzn.to/2hnPllv
GoPro Karma Grip: amzn.to/2hnjCRz
DJI Phantom 3 Pro
My next drone (smaller & easier to travel) amzn.to/2hf96YS
Rode Mic amzn.to/2A0jj2u
We edit in Adobe Premier Pro CC
Keep Your Daydream, All Rights Reserved
*This channel for entertainment purposes only. We are not RV or travel experts. We share our opinions and what works for us, but you should do your own research.
*We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

[@KeepYourDaydream]

If you would like the spreadsheet I used in this video, you can download it on the blog here. By downloading, you agree to take responsibility to check the formulas and data. If you have corrections or suggestions, let me know. www.keepyourdaydream.com/payload/

[@vengeance268]

Keep Your Daydream I’m curious of how your numbers were when Ginger was being towed by your previous truck!

[@TomTerleski]

Bravo! Great for understanding the terms! I do have a question though. Your hitch weight assumes not having a distribution hitch. If you are using one, some of the hitch weight is transferred to the front TV wheels and some to the trailer wheels. Your spreadsheet does not account for that. It could bring the available TV payload up. Is that right? Great video!

[@TheMsolomon4]

Hey guys, I have been watching a few of your videos and they are very well done. On your most recent video there is a very easy fix to your rig. It appears you are calculating for a 15% tongue weight. If you were to continue using your weight distribution hitch, your tongue weight will easily drop closer to 10% (where it should be). This will allow you to pull your rig within the limits. At times when you are going through areas of high wind and or snow you can simply move more weight to the front of the rig in order to allow for more tongue weight which in turn should minimize sway. Thus inabling more control.

[@timbo5433]

I've got to say bravo on your drive to learn and share what you've learned with your subscribers. Very well done on the details and your spreadsheet. It definitely opened my eyes enough to recalculate the size travel trailer I should be looking for. I'm doing what you did to start out which is looking for something that will be towable with my F150 for now. Thanks Marc

[@hyperducky]

Ray Romero I would guess the 150 had a payload of at most~1800 so probably over by ~600 lbs might explain the air bags to level even after the weight distribution hitch. I guess I'd look at a 1 ton truck just for the extra payload when we upgrade

[@thegingersnaps8075]

I had a salesman say “we would never sell you something your vehicle can’t tow” ya, sure buddy! Thanks for the video.

[@tatedottech]

You had me at "i have a spreadsheet". I NEED IT IN MY LIFE

[@jeffkruljac]

I’m that guy that is thinking about getting into rv’ing for vacations etc. I have neither the truck nor the RV, so videos like this are invaluable and exactly what i need. Thanks so much for the information.

[@EricBodenstab]

Just saw this video. May I ask what you ended up going with?

[@mason_salt]

Don't do it. There's enough morons like this guy out there already unable to drive their stupid oversized trailers with their tiny trucks.

[@jeffkruljac]

@@EricBodenstab Nothing yet. I still have a year to go on a lease I am in. But I am enamored with the Rockwood mini lite 2507s for the trailer. As for the truck....... I like the ram 1500 eco diesel since the truck will be my primary commute truck. If that doesn't work then I will be looking at 3/4 ton diesels. I am sticking with the used market because I don't want a car payment anymore. Since I'm still a year out im taking the time to do a lot of research and saving.

[@andrewmoe1192]

I agree. I bought a truck for other purposes and NOW im starting to think about towing.

[@mambisquickRob]

@@jeffkruljac Check out the Silverado RST with the 3.0 Diesel if you are into eco diesels. I have a 2020 and average 28/30 mpg highway (not towing) and 18/19 around town.

[@jameseahughes]

I learned: 1. I know nothing 2. I need to rewatch video

[@manictiger]

He's basically talking about how the tachyonic expression at the median of the normal curve will vary when the gluons cross the mean threshold, where mu crosses sigma. At 4 standard deviations forward of the gravimetric positron relationship curve, there should be a probability of x over y cubed, divided by the sum of all the population means, which is the dark matter constant across the universe, divided by the higgs field mass variance squared times the expansion of polarons divided by matter times change squared.

[@lisay5450]

manictiger you forgot pi...thats key to your equation 🤣🤣🤣

Obviously!

[@Zeppelinlv2007]

@@manictiger forgot to carry the one!

[@georgedoolittle9015]

just buy an F-450 and you're fine. That simple.

[@dankellar8346]

If there were a "Golden Globe" for useful You Tube content, you'd be a sure winner! I almost made the same mistake purchasing a rig that would have been over my tow vehicle's capacity. I was using the truck's sales literature's towing capacity along with the Travel Trailer's GVWR. Everything looked to line up: I have a 12000 tow capacity, and I was buying a 10,000 GVWR trailer. However, a deeper dive into my specific truck and its payload capacity caused me to put the brakes on my trailer purchase. I'm retiring and going full-time within the next month. I cannot afford to travel with a truck/trailer combo that's too close to the limits. Thanks again for this video. I know there are others out there that will tow safer/ live longer as they use the info you provided. AND the spreadsheet was killer!

[@davidkoeppen3121]

@ are you being funny? He said that the truck he was interested in had too low of a payload so he put the brakes on going ahead with buying it not putting actual trailer brakes on it.

[@kathygregory9755]

This was the absolute best and most informative video I have seen so far on the subject of RV's!! Thank you so much!!

[@rockyrdz75]

This has been by far the most informative video of breaking down all aspects for trucks and RV’s combined. Thanks,...

[@azyavapairangers6453]

Absolutely the most comprehensive video primer on "towing capacity" I have seen. Thank you, I learned a considerable amount.

[@mikesheahan6906]

This is the most comprehensive explanation of this topic I have seen on KZbin. Thanks for taking the time to put it together in such an easy to understand format.

[@flippyfeet2]

Holy cow! My hubby and I were just having this very conversation today! The vid could not have come at a better time. Lots of info. Thank you so much.

[@LoreleiBlue75]

I was just pointed to your spreadsheet! That is so awesome! As a future newbie who is just wading into the water, this is super useful information. Thank you for creating and sharing it!!!

[@kiwibean5586]

I'm new to RV life, and this is full of information! I'm grateful that I stumbled upon your channel. I can't wait to get on the road!!

[@bryanlikescats]

Best video I’ve seen on this topic! Thank you! Definitely not a waist of time. You guys are bomb!

[@Phunkdewbiest]

Excellent video. This is such a crazy topic that lots of people don't fully understand. Great job getting this info to everyone.

[@jad1795]

I am in the planning stages of getting my first TT or camper of any kind and I want to thank you for explaining so much in all your video's

[@sonchascheller5304]

My husband and I found this video and your Excel spreadsheet super helpful! Thank you for all your wonderful tips. You guys do a wonderful job on this channel!

[@gvc56100]

good job Marc....you hit all the important numbers,,,most folks rely on salespeople for their info and that's their first mistake....

[@ridevirginia862]

You're a good teacher. I learned that I need to weigh my truck and trailer right away.

[@thewolve56]

I have been following KYD for about a month now... this is the best Video I've seen. Thank You!

[@TimHPop776]

Wow! Finally! Someone actually gets the information and details of these details exactly right!! It is refreshing and a fantastic video!! Well done 👍

[@lanceballew2304]

I would say that really out of all of the many videos that I have watched on this channel this is the most interesting and important info for anyone thinking about RVing part or full time also Mark did a great job making sense of what in my view is a really complicated subject easier to understand great job Mark

[@jescjesi8278]

Your spreadsheet saved me the headache of trying to figure out all the things! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge! Y'all's videos have been SO helpful to me. I'm doing all the research to get us started and it looks like we will be RVing soon! Thank you!

[@mikmeh]

Just wanted to say thanks. Best towing guide I have watched and the calc (spreadsheet) is fantastic.

[@thats_mr_b_]

Glad I found this as me and my GF prepare to do travel work and live in a 5th wheel

[@sisterdynastytsf2692]

Just bought our first travel trailer. We pick it up on Saturday. Been watching tons of your videos every night since. We are absolute noobs but ready to learn. My husband had a nervous breakdown when he watched this video and realized his Ram 1500 was not going to get us up the mountains of Colorado and through the deserts of Arizona safely. So, yesterday we went and got him a Ram 2500 Cummins Deisel. We are so excited to start this adventure!! Thanks to you and Tricia for the great information every week. "Get busy living. Or get busy dying" - Andy Dufrasne

[@andrewmoe1192]

Best wife ever

[@aviskolnick7497]

Thank you so much for the excel sheet! I've been so anxious about towing capacity and you broke it down beautifully!

[@cathleenbond3983]

Wow!!!! I think I finally get it. Thank you so much for this video. I have been trying to figure this out for two years, you are the first one to explain it in easy terms. And thanks for the spreadsheet, works like a charm

[@swgerow]

Man this is awesome! Been guessing for years. Really puts it all together...and keeps people safe! Thanks for the vid and spreadsheet!!!

[@profile428]

Where can I find it? Thanks

[@TheKonabear123]

Love this! My buddy was asking us a ton of questions about this literally a few days ago and then you upload this video! Perfect timing! And very well put together! Great job!

[@rosm6621]

Finally, I great video discussing a very important subject that ALL Rvers need to be aware of and respect. Great Job!

[@montesanot]

Hey, I just wanted to say thank you for the spreadsheet! It really helped me to figure out what I have left over for payload.

[@searchingfor6thgear44]

Thanks for this and the spreadsheet on your page. I've been going around in circles trying to figure everything out. It's nice to see that with our "ideal" travel trailer set at its max GVWR and calculating a new hitch weight based on the trailer's GVWR, we have plenty of capability left in our F 250.

[@elricm13]

Spreadsheet is great! Thank you. Awesome summary, even scarier on the road watching what people drive......

[@CheryleTeresi]

Where did you find the spreadsheet to dowload?

[@sethbreen4365]

I just have to say you guys are awesome! I started following your videos a few months ago, and then my wife started watching them with me. We are going to be in the market for our own 5th wheel when I return from deployment. We are taking a ton of notes in preparation for when we finally make the purchase. Thank you all the videos!

[@JB_WhoWork]

This is the greatest know before you tow video on KZbin! Great job KYD!

[@curtarthur5366]

This is RV'ing 401. Great in depth info.

[@edwardmoulaison1359]

Dude, you went all geeky, nerdy, RV techy and I LOVE it!! Good job...

[@KeepYourDaydream]

Lol.

[@DavidDreyer]

I mean this with all the love and respect I have in my being, Marc, but I love that you're as much of an information-geek as I am!! Thank you for sharing ALL the info that you and your lovely wife have dug up over the years. I greatly appreciate it, and have learned a TON from y'all! I can't wait to meet you in person the next time y'all are cruising through Utah or central California!

[@samfullerton8918]

Thank you for the spreadsheet and a walkthrough of this confusing safety measure. We are so excited to tow our trailer with our existing SUV!!! Keep up the good work!

[@Sh1nrin_Yoku]

Hey there, coming from someone who has no experience in towing...this was really well made. You were well spoken, and your calculations were very clear. Thanks for making this video. It is appreciated!

[@miketeefey9049]

Love it! We're looking to buy a fifth wheel AND a truck. I'll definitely use this video to determine the correct match.

[@sean808080]

I keep coming back to this video again and again as well as referring people to this video. The RV GURU breaks it all down for us. Excellent tutorial.

[@GymJockey67]

this is the best, most informative video on the topic of towing and payload I've seen on KZbin and I've watched a lot of videos. Love your channel. Thanks

[@deborahbrown2614]

I never found you boring. I learned I need a dully for the RV rig I have in mind. Better to be safe, and better to treat my equipment right, that is why there are all those numbers. They MEAN something. Thank you so much.

[@gy56]

My wife & I are getting back into rv camping. We stopped after my daughter got in college. This video helps me remember important items to review. I got pulled over in Oregon for speeding in my old ford/trailer combination, not only speeding but overload fine. Ugh was expensive day. Great information provided. Going shopping for trailers this weekend. Seattle tundra guy.

[@thomasmcconnell1114]

Hi guys. I've been leaning heavily on your wisdom and experience while researching and now purchasing our next rv, destination planning, and equipment choices. This tutorial and spreadsheet may just be the most useful bit of information I've found since September when we bought a small TT to pull with our 1/4 ton. It helps confirm that the new rig will safely take us to the Tetons in May. You deserve a thank you. So... Thank you very much.

[@tylermillercoach]

This is so helpful! I downloaded the excel spreadsheet and saved it for future use. Thank you so much!

[@cookiepups2]

Great video especially when it comes to safety. I’m currently looking at a 2018 forest river heritage glen 356QB. And I’m not worried about the weight I got a ram 3500 Laramie longhorn mega cab dually but I definitely considered it when I was buying my truck. But I love to see someone very educated explain how to properly and safely go out and have fun with the family.

[@ExploringKY]

Great info Mark. And a cliffhanger!!! What are you going to do? Lol. Can’t wait to see what kind of rig you guys end up with.

[@rad-travelers2344]

So glad you linked the spreadsheet. I was glad you mentioned about pick your rig first. We have a truck and found a rig that it can pull, for now, we will be upgrading once both kids are off to college!

[@KiyaWarrior]

That excel spread sheet was golden, perfect. Thanks for sharing it. Helped me figure out how big of an RV I can get now.

[@karenrobertson890]

The better question is what didn't I learn. You are never boring, this was a very comprehensive explanation of very important information. Dare I say I think you have just made the roads a safer place and saved lives with this video. Fantastic job as always, your a natural. Keep up the great work. and Thank-you Everyone towing an RV or thinking about it needs to watch this video!

[@LeisureTimeLarry]

Finally, somebody got it right! Good job! This is such a misunderstood subject, and it is often ignored. The only addition that I would suggest is checking the hitch rating itself. Example, I was recently going to help a guy haul a Kubota utility tractor on a flatbed trailer. He showed up with a F-350, dually, crew cab, long bed, and a 10,000 GVWR trailer. All of the numbers looked good until I looked at the sticker on the hitch/receiver mounted on the truck... the carrying capacities on the sticker were 6,000 lb towing and 600 lb of tongue weight, making it a Class III hitch. We would've been over on both. So, just because you have a big boy truck doesn't mean that it has a hitch mounted to it that will meet the need. Always check the ratings on the hitch, ball mount, ball, etc.

[@KeepYourDaydream]

Good point. I'm going to get into hitch weight when we upgraded hitches. I just wanted to stay on the payload issue because it seems that is the biggest limitation and most misunderstood.

[@MikeNaples]

Larry you might have been looking at only the "WC" specs on that hitch. On my '16 F-150 (with standard tow package-Class IV receiver) carrying capacity on the hitch-receiver is 500# tongue and 5000# towing. The "WD" (weight distribution) specs are 1100# tongue and 11,000# towing. Even though it might have required a WD hitch I'd bet that F350 could have safely towed that trailer. What I don't understand is how a WD hitch can more than double the towing capacity. I understand (I think) the increase in tongue weight capacity.

[@keithbyerly2979]

Keep Your Daydream we ripped off the original hitch on our Motorhome, on our move to AZ from PA. Had a 10,000 lb installed in Wheeling WV, not sorry I did that. Because we used to pull a 10,000 lb box trailer( well a 9999 lb). Better to have over kill 😎

[@LeisureTimeLarry]

Yeah Mike, it was WC I was looking at because that was the way we were going to pull it. The WD numbers were higher, but we didn't have a WD set up. I'm sure the F-350 would've handled it, I'm just making the point that the hitch system has its own ratings and people need to look at those numbers and factor them into the equation. Thanks for the reply. Safe travels.

[@dominick253]

@@MikeNaples also it is know that these things are rated at half of their breaking strength if not more.

[@brucegruenbaum]

This was one of the most valuable videos on your channel. The spreadsheet is extremely helpful.

[@gaetansimard1594]

Thank-you so much for this video! I was puzzle with all those numbers and was trying to figure-it out last week with my own RV and truck. Now I will use your excel sheet fill it and keep it. I am going to weight my rig and truck next week. So now I will probably be sure that I am in trouble, but at least, with the right numbers.

[@davesrvchannel4717]

Great video. Lots of useful information

[@as179mike]

I had the same realization as you when I went to a cat scale and saw that I was closer to my GCWR on my f350 DRW and 40’ triple axel 5er than I thought. You mentioned GAWR is going to be included in a later video. I’d argue that depending on load distribution in the trailer that could be the most critical WR. Remember the blown tire in season 1? Thanks for the video. This is an important topic. I see a lot of large trailers going down the road and I hope those drivers run the numbers like you did.

[@420ISTHETIME1]

Spot on. Glad I am not the only one that pays attention to this stuff and wants to be safe and not denied by insurance if I get into a wreck. Thanks for putting the time in to helping people be aware. You have gained a new subscriber 😁

[@tvjordanjayden7086]

Thank you for breaking all the numbers down. Went through six videos before I got to this one. This was all the info indeed. Thanks for being so detailed.

[@ken12269]

This is such important information, thanks for doing this. I've learned a lot of this the hard way as I ratcheted up through various trailers and tow vehicles. So much better to know this stuff up front before making any decisions. Published "tow ratings" mean very little in the real world, and people need to remember they are based on a vehicle and driver only - no other payload or passengers. Nobody travels like that. Salesmen are more focused on sales than safety. The most eye opening moment of my RVing life was the first time I actually went to a cat scale and weighed our setup...not the place to learn. With our truck, trailer, all our stuff, etc, we were within 800 lbs of our gross combined weight rating. Too close for comfort for me, and our tanks were empty and my wife wasn't even in the car. We upgraded the tow vehicle shortly thereafter. Being "undertrucked" as they say is not only no fun but it is potentially unsafe for any RVer and everyone around them. A unique, individual calculation/breakdown like you do here is not only smart, it should actually be REQUIRED before hitting the road.

[@daveswaisgood7995]

We bought a Chevy 4x4 diesel crew cab full bed dually so we could pull most larger fifth wheels and not worry much about it. We have a 37 ft toy hauler.... I did all the numbers once but I need to redo them and write them in my book to keep in the truck. Good video Marc!

[@hoppertunitiescalling4172]

Your videos are the best I've found and I sold trucks for 17 years. You and Tricia are always entertaining and as my wife and I get started in our new adventure of full time rv travel we have learned so much from your informative videos. You guys are fantastic and we hope to one day run into you in our travels! Thanks for the spreadsheet!

[@jxuan0]

This is the first video that I found on your channel. I really appreciate your clean explanation of this topic. My impression is that this channel is about the technical stuff of RV. After browsing travel blogs for a long time, I found another channel, full of passion for RV life and life in general. Today I realized that it is just one channel with all of these together - KYD! Hope that I can get this when I checked this first for the first time.

[@daw764]

Absolutely needed discussion. Thank You! There are way to many rigs out there that are over the limits, or at a minimum, pushing the limits. You are So Right - Do not listen to RV salesman. Do your own calculation based on you Truck and Rig’s stated limits. Safety First !! Remember these are massive projectiles traveling down the interstate.

[@ONWorldTravel]

We can't tell you how helpful this was for when we purchased our first trailer this year. We recreated your spreadsheet and learned we'd be okay. It's been 3 months and it's towed like a champ. Thanks Mark and Tricia! :)

[@Mr.frag-out]

Make sure your GCWR is always under 26001 lbs unless you have a class A CdL license. If not you're rig can be deadlined, and major fines commence. Have fun be safe

[@jessegloe2135]

I've watched a lot of you tube videos and yours is the first one I hit the 'like' button and subscribed to. Your comment about RVs having to get weighed is correct. In South Dakota, I have seen a sign by the port of entry stating all trucks and RVs had to pull in. Great job

[@THETOPGLOCK]

Between this video and BTBRVs channel you can’t go wrong choosing the correct combination. Love the video.

[@travisadams4470]

THIS is the information I've been looking for! THANKS!

[@vthorseshoe]

extremely interesting. I will be looking for a new truck in the next 2 years. I am in a campground outside Tampa . I have been rving since 1980 and am now full time. The most poignant point you make is, if in an accident and your weight is over proper limit your insurance company could leave you to the wolves. i have a 4 x 4 1/2 ton and ill be going to a 3/4 ton. Thank you for providing this info in a manner even I could understand. Bruce Matthews

[@jamesdixon4601]

I can't just say one thing I learned from your video all I can say is I appreciate every step you took to explain things to people watching this video. Thank you very much you have helped me make some important decisions

[@StressLessCamping]

This is really, really critical and have just shared this to our social places. Thanks for this information!

[@briancray1232]

Hello. I am a professional driver. So when I went to purchase a truck to tow a trailer/fiver, I researched this subject and purchased a 2017 F350 6.2L long bed crew cab Lariat Value. I purchased it with a GVW 11500lbs option. I stayed away from the F250 because of the lower payload capacity. When I received my new truck, I want to the scale and weighed the actual loaded weight. In this number as loaded it must include all persons, and normal items (like bikes and tools and full fuel). My truck was 7568. I took the GCW (think it is on door) 19,500lbs less actual weight 7568 leaves 11,932. The manual says the tow rating is 12000 but it actual is a bit less. Then you need to see the payload issues. 11500 option less actual weight (7568) equals 3932lbs. That is the amount of payload left from the GCVW. A fifth wheel then puts 15-20% of its actual loaded weight onto the bed of the truck. A 10000 lb loaded 5th wheel will be about 2000lbs but have lots of available payload and under the 11932lb towing capacity. Hope this is helpful. Anyone towing should not be buying a 250, and a larger trailer should likely need a diesel engine but for me, the gas was within what I wanted to tow, but it would limit me in getting a larger trailer. Good luck.

[@Fozzy325]

Massive massive thank you for the excel sheet you have made.... After doing my math and not understanding the Trailer GVWR and trailer payload i had a shock that i was 1300lb over loaded. After using your tool and understanding your explanation I now have a Available Payload of 224lbs As my vehicle 2016 Land Rover LR4 HSE they do not use the GCVWR name but Gross Train Weight (GTW) , it's the same.. They also do not use Hitch weight but Tongue Weight Unbraked trailers 1 653 (750) Trailers with overrun brakes 7 716 (3 500) Tongue weight 551 (250) Gross Train Weight (GTW) 14 903 (6 760) Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) 7 187 (3 260) Maximum front axle load 3 197 (1 450) Maximum rear axle load 4 090 (1 855) Maximum roof rack load 165 (75) I have a starcraft 26BHW UVW 4,300.00 GVWR 6,500.00 Hitch Weight 551.00 Many thanks

[@HagerTX]

I never thought I would add a video about RV & truck payload and towing limits to my favorites. Great video! I'm in early process of finding out what kind of RV I want and want to stick with a 1/2 ton truck if possible, so this is very helpful.

[@crinnaj]

Thanks for adding the spreadsheet! Found your video on the FROG virtual rally page. This video is SOOOO helpful!

[@EkalbGnilrad]

Great video. Your commentary regarding the consequences of operating over gross are definitely worth contemplating. Some more food for thought; while it does appear that you are operating over gross, I feel like you’re compounding safety factors by running your calcs at full GVWR for both the truck and trailer. The likelihood of the truck and trailer being at GVWR at the same time seems low...but I acknowledge that your family might actually achieve this. If I were in your situation, I would go to the scales and run your loadout calcs based on actual weights (including tongue weight), and keep these calcs available in the event of an accident or inspection. Love your channel, keep up the fun content!

[@KeepYourDaydream]

We hit the scales about 6 times totals. You'll see a bit more on that in the regular episode. Thanks for the comment.

[@fhuber7507]

Remember... if you have a camper shell, that is part of your CARGO (payload) You can put it somewhere else in that spreadsheet, but it needs to be counted effectively as payload in the bed.

[@themarkandrewpope]

This spreadsheet is amazing! Feeling so much better about the truck and trailer we bought. Well within our limits. Whew!!

[@brandonsyanez]

This is by far the most comprehensive and responsible video out there for any one who has a camper, is considering a camper, or who finds themselves needing to tow really anything. Thank you!

[@ClubMayview]

Never trust the rv salesman on what you can tow.

[@MrErichonda30]

Never trust a rv salesman for anything.

[@bizzle4819]

Never trust any salesman

[@scott8908]

Matthew Burgess Never trust the wrong salesman

[@scott8908]

grandpa5x Pulliam That’s the case for most, sure. But that’s a pretty broad statement. I’ve encountered salesmen who actually dissuaded me from a sale because they didn’t think it fit my needs. Just gotta find the right salesman

[@ellarry5519]

A salesman wouldn't sell me an rv because he tought it would be too heavy for my truck that he hadn't seen (because we went in a f450 that my friend has) even though I promise him I would be buying an f450 myself in the near future, he still wouldn't sell it to me, today I Thank him for that. I went with the lighter,less expensive, shorter rv, and and today is a year later and have not bought the f450...

[@mikebrown3603]

Bought my F-350 6.7L PS SRW first then a GD Reflection. Went to CAT scale, weighed it and thankfully all checked well within Ford limits. Totally agree that Salesmen, both truck and 5er, paint a rosey picture, and don’t come close to working the numbers as you’ve done. Excellent video! Kudos to you! I keep a copy of my CAT scale certificate inside the truck, in case I get pulled over.

[@leighsheppard8614]

Sorry, I need some clarification. What is a CAT scale? Are we talking about the commercial vehicle weigh stations?

[@officer103]

yes he is.

[@mikebrown3603]

I apologize for not saying. We found CAT scales along the major interstate highways truck fueling stops. Not always, but frequently. Big yellow sign CAT Scales. Drive on the scale and speakerphone to the scale person inside a booth far away! I said I wanted a weight ticket for the RV and truck. $11 pay inside. You stay in the vehicle when being weighed. Then drive off scale, go to the scale office, pay the fee and get your certificate. For first timers, a little complicated, but really easy. Good luck!

[@steve6631]

The CAT scales now have an app for your smart phone. I love it - just drive on the scale and open your app, the app uses gps to know what CAT scale you are on. Tap accept and tap pay on the app ($11) and you get an email with your weights. Don't have to push the button, don't have to talk to anyone, don't have to go inside to pay -- just pull up, open app, activate weighing, get email. Love it!

[@raking1505]

Thank you for adding that excel sheet in the description. It helps alot!

[@boot2thhead]

Love it. Always so clear and added value with the excel sheet. Thank you!!

[@Thomas-qk7wf]

Just reread this, "sweet spot for the towing vehicle is 15-20% of GCWR loaded", that should be 15-20% remaining GCWR loaded is the sweet spot. Sorry about that. Great video Mark. Was going to respond on the Patreon page but didn't see this video there this morning. Fantastic information you've provided here. I went through this same exercise before purchasing my trailer last year and, based the information I gathered from seasoned towers, the sweet spot for the towing vehicle is 15-20% of GCWR loaded. Also, most RV manufacturers recommend tongue weight in the neighborhood of 15% of loaded trailer weight. shifting weight inside the trailer can have a big influence on on tongue weight, so if you're light or heavy on the tongue, perhaps you can try moving some of the weight inside the trailer fore or aft to dial in tongue weight. Proper tongue weight goes a long way towards keeping sway in check. Also, too little tongue weight can lighten the rear of the tow vehicle and reduce traction, too much tongue weight can lighten the front end of the tow vehicle causing steering and headlight aim issues. Lastly, you might wanna reach out to fellow content creators Mr. Truck and TFLTruck as they do a lot of great truck/towing related reviews. Good luck.

[@KeepYourDaydream]

Thanks Thomas. Good info!

[@harleydavidson521]

WOW!!!! Wish i seen this video earlier, i have now learned that my NEW 2018 Ram 1500 5,7 Hemi quad cab truck wont tow anything except an under 30 ultra ultra light, almost zero of what i want in a 5th wheel, So now im going to trade to a diesel 1 ton and get a 5th wheel so i can tow in safety with all the goodies on the rig want, Cheers and happy trails,😀

[@RiverWoods111]

Look at the numbers that that truck can tow, cause a diesel engine weighs more than a gas engine, so you might not be able to tow a 5th wheel with that 1 ton dually even, if the extras on it weigh too much.

[@deborahpetersen6061]

Finally a sheet I can use to figure out the vehicle I need for hauling the RV we want! We were wondering about the double wheels sounds like an added safety factor and peace of mind! Looking forward to getting our next camper!

[@saskrvcamper]

Awesome straightforward video. I am definitely going to share this video to an RV group I am in every spring for new RVers.

[@jeanninekoski1699]

My husband just researched the fire out of trucks once again. Came to the same conclusion: dullies, one ton long box for pulling our fifth wheel. Great video guys, thank you for this. If folks don’t understand it, I hope they watch it over and over til they do.

[@curtegerer7151]

In addition to easily handling the payload, a dually is so much more stable going down the road. It's the proper tool for the job when it comes to 5th wheels.

[@jeanninekoski1699]

Curt Egerer: we just moved from Florida to Texas. I was following my husband as he was pulling our Hitchhiker fifth wheel down the highway. A guy went by us pulling a comparable fifth wheel on probably a three-quarter ton without dual lies and that thing swayed really badly. It was interesting to actually be able to compare them side by side and see the stability our truck brought. When my husband bought the truck he actually bought it for me because he knew I would be out on the highway pulling this rig and he wanted me safe.

[@curtegerer7151]

No doubt. I'm at a park now and there's a couple with a new Mobile Suites (very heavy trailers) and pulling it with a SRW 1-ton. They also have the added weight of a 80-gallon auxiliary fuel tank in the bed! They've got to be at least 1000-1500 lbs over payload.

[@djmj12714]

@2:06 Curb weight @2:23 GVW (gross vehicle weight) @3:08 GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) @3:25 GCVWR (gross combined vehicle weight rating) @4:21 GAWR (gross axle weight rating) @4:46 Payload/cargo @5:06 Unloaded vehicle weight

[@HomeARoam]

This is so relevant to us right now because we are looking for our first truck and travel trailer. Thank you for this video and spreadsheet. Loving the spreadsheet, it's totally something we would have made and now we don't have to ☺️

[@robbaxter6146]

New to RVing and I wish I had found this earlier. Made sense out of all the specs. Thank you. We found a trailer we love, but now I’m shopping for a bigger tow vehicle.Forewarned is forearmed.

[@chemtrail_brew_Que]

A good thing to remember is that the hitch weight that is advertised is not the hitch weight when loaded. Usually runs between 10-15% of the trailer's loaded weight.

[@KeepYourDaydream]

I wish I would have mentioned that too. I have draw the line somewhere. I wish I would have included more GAWR in my examples and went into tires, but payload is the key message here and the most misunderstood.

[@chemtrail_brew_Que]

I agree completely!

[@bluelghtning]

I was going to say that generally speaking on 5th wheels, the pin weight is about 20% and going from the GVWR of the 5th wheel, that's going to be quite a bit more on the pin weight than the one the manufacture gives. Overall though great job and I'll be sure to share this for people that don't understand these basic concepts.

[@Bubbles99718]

Tires and the air pressure make a huge difference as well.

[@gr7485]

In what way? One still has to stay within what the truck and trailer are rated for. There is nothing you can add or do to the truck to increase those numbers without having it re-certified and good luck with that. As mentioned the only numbers that count are the numbers on the labels. If you mean something else please explain.

[@bmechanic4621]

it's herts my head, but i need to know!

[@bayerdv82]

Excellent video!! Really appreciate the time you took to do this and being willing to share your knowledge and especially the spreadsheet.

[@donmurphy2902]

Marc, great video but easily the best and most informative video on your site for anyone who plan to go RVing! Thanks Don Murphy

[@philo2808]

Great vid as usual, but I wish u talked more about tongue weight. And I like the V8 over diesel, dont like those 400.00 oil changes.

[@KeepYourDaydream]

What spec. about tongue weight? There will be another opportunity for me to cover this topic. Btw, based on your profile pic...I think you'll like tonights video. Check back at 6pm.

[@philo2808]

Keep Your Daydream ok thanx

[@dwoodygura]

Thanks. This is exactly what we needed as we are looking for a truck to tow a 22ft lightweoght camper. The sales people tell you all kinds of things and only look at towing capacity. Your work sheet is very useful. I feel like many folks I see towing are likely doing so in an unsafe manner.

[@tedgraham3119]

Super informative video!! Thanks so much. I didn’t realize I knew so little, and have been towing race cars, boats, RV’s and motorcycles for over 40 years! No problems so far, but I will pay a LOT more attention to these numbers in the future.

[@mikejohnson7862]

Another related topic that should be mentioned when showing the Dually numbers or even the heavy payload packages of 1 ton trucks is that once you go over 26,000 lbs CGVWR many states require a Class A drivers license essentially equivalent of CDL for non-commercial drivers. I would venture to guess most dually RVers don’t have this.

[@reptzo]

Just a heads up, this is very state dependent. In Arizona, as long as it is personal for recreational non-commercial use, there are effectively no licensing restrictions/requirements. That is per AZ DOT. You still have to comply with vehicle capabilities and length restrictions, but weight and size don't change licensing in AZ. So make sure you look up your specific state laws.

[@mikejohnson7862]

Yep, lots of rules by state. I guess I should say many states have rules about this and one should validate to be sure. This looks like a pretty good 1st stop for info. changingears.com/rv-sec-state-rv-license.shtml