TOWING SAFETY in Only 3 Minutes With Truck & Trailer Examples!

[@HandiLuv]

I’ve watched to many videos to count while trying to learn about how all of this really works. This was by far the best video explanation and demonstration that I’ve ever watched. I learned so much in a short amount of time. Thanks 🙏🏾 sir, you were absolutely great 👍🏾

[@rufio6592]

One of the most straight forward, short and useful videos. I'd like to confirm Curb Weight though: according to KBB, MotorTrend and J.D. Power, curb weight includes total weight of vehicle and fluids required to function, including a full tank of fuel. I just wanted to point this out because some people may account for weight into payload when it has already been accounted for in the curb weight.

[@jadeerae4449]

From someone who’s dad isn’t present…. THANKYOU FOR BEING MY DAD TODAY

[@JTSOUTDOORLIFE]

Great presentation!! We have towed with Trucks and SUVs always know your numbers!! Remember Safety first!

[@Five2Go]

Thank you! 👍👍

[@KarenHoyt-Bonkahoney3]

Awesome presentation!!! Too many people think they can tow trailers, etc with vehicles that just won't work. Breaking it down for us shows it in black and white! Thank you!

[@Five2Go]

Thanks Karen! My biggest concern is all of the half ton trucks out there pulling above their weight. They're just not made to stop big trailers even though they can get them rolling down the road. There's too much at stake to ignore the numbers!

[@Deepblue466]

If I have the max trailer weight do I still need to consider tongue weight and payload ?

[@watazu2009]

Best towing info I've seen so far. Easily understandable. Kudos, Dude!

[@Five2Go]

Thanks Denny! 👍👍

[@Chimp_6]

Well done, one of the best explanations on towing weights I've ever seen! And remember - There's no such thing as Too Much Truck.

[@Five2Go]

Haha! That Dodge is a LOT of truck. Ford actually just announced their latest truck with a new tow record today of 37,000lbs. 😮😮😮

[@Chimp_6]

@@Five2Go WOW ... talk about R-pod ready!

[@wildpaga]

This is definitely the best video that I saw explaining everything in plain language what my truck could pull thank you so much

[@cdavidhenley]

Great explanation. Love that you made this simple instead of trying to make it more complicated than it needs to be. One question about how you ended the video: how do I judge whether I have enough truck to stop my rig? And if I want to make extra sure I can safely stop, are their any upgrades I can do to my truck to help in that area?

[@tracyjohnson5023]

That's the most important thing! It's not can my vehicle pull it, but can it STOP it safely! I've been hauling horses over the USA for 42 years, much longer than jake (engine) brakes were on anything but semis and dump trucks, hill/tow assist buttons, good automatic transmissions and factory built in trailer brakes lol. So there's already ALOT of built in automatic help in trucks these days post 2010. Get the biggest truck you can afford and base your trailer selection on that. A 1/2 ton truck with a brake box can safely handle a smaller tag a long rv and even a smaller 2 horse trailer. Get a good quality brake box if not factory and if you're doing bumper pull trailer get a hitch and ball rated for your weight. Think about the terrain/areas you'll be towing around. Mountains with steep grades and curves are a different animal for sure. I do not and won't have anything but a gooseneck because they're safer, easier to back in and turn, sway isn't a problem. You can get gooseneck or 5th wheel RVs. I'd always go for gooseneck with flip over ball if you use the truck for anything else, just make sure the ball is rated for the weight. A diesel truck is better if you haul in mountains a lot and will get a little better mileage on interstate. Fuel used to be cheaper, but boy has that changed! Truck prices are astronomical these days, but you can definitely get a nice gas truck with more options cheaper. Get 4x4 if you ever think you will be off pavement. Most campgrounds have gravel parking area, but if it's muddy and you get off gravel you're stuck. Hope this helps you out ❤

[@myxsys]

Of all the videos I've watched on this topic, this is the best by far

[@marilynpatrick3365]

Best explanation since looking for the answers to these questions. Thank you.

[@HUMINT1]

Yes!!! About time someone explained these acronyms in a way for people like myself may have a better understanding of them. My wife and I just purchased a Ram Laramie 3500 6.7 Dually. Since taking the truck home the dealership sent us a DMV form Declaration of Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) & Combined Gross Vehicle Weight (CGW). Down towards the bottom of the form I’m supposed to add in a letter code corresponding to each of these items (GVW & CGW) and add it to the appropriate box. Of course when it’s all said and done the DMV wants me to report these weights so that I can pay the taxes of such weights. Since I’ve never owned such a large truck before and because I’ve never filled out such a form I am lost. I’ve heard that I since I’m a Disabled Veteran and will be assigning my Disabled Vehicle License Plate to this vehicle I might be exempt from weight fees. Also I heard if I added a shell to the bed of my truck it changes the vehicle from commercial to non-commercial use. Anyways do you have any information on this issue or can you maybe direct me to a website or forum that might be able to further assist me on this matter? Again I think your video helped me get a better understanding of what GVWR and CGW meant. Thank you ✌🏽🇺🇸🙏

[@Nathanielnavarro811]

Always wanted to have somebody truly explain it to me so i thank you. You sir just got a subscriber

[@md.fahadhossain8021]

Thank you so much!!! This is so informative and I have learned so much today! You explained everything like I am five years old. Much love and God bless. :) 🙂🙂🙂

[@darrellgordon9748]

Very good presentation and clear explanation of towing abilities. My 2016 Dodge Ram Dually 3500 6.7L diesel with the 3.73 rear axle has GCWR of 33800 so in reality I can only load a 19800 5th wheel, if I had the 4.10 rear axle it’s GCWR is 39100 which is a lot in weight difference.

[@Five2Go]

I've noticed the gear ratios on Dodge trucks make a much bigger difference than with the other truck brands. It's pretty crazy what that 4.10 will pull!

[@gardnetbush9768]

@@Five2Go where do I find my GCWR?

[@ICoulntThinkofAUserNam547]

thank you thank you thank you - this was wayyyyyyy easier than anything else I've watched

[@magnuscircle]

Very will presented. Seeing the 4 examples was especially helpful. Thank you!

[@SteveLui00]

Thank you. Very informative, I like the four examples at the end of the video -- very helpful.

[@ayceod]

I have a "Convential TWR" of 9600 lbs on the tag in my new truck, and I'm assuming that is the same as the Max Trailer Weight. However, if I subtract my GVWR (7000 lbs) from my GCWR (15000 lbs), that is only 8000 lbs... Why don't these numbers match up?

[@joe.bindas1895]

great video it was down to earth very easy to understand thanks fir takeing the time to make this

[@Five2Go]

Thanks Joe!

[@rc2437]

Looks like I have to upgrade. Just pulled the 2015 Chevy Silverado 1500 towing guide as pointed out in this video, and with my 3.23 gears and 4.3 ltr V6 engine, my TOTAL gross combined vehicle weight rating is 11,000. My curb weight is 4,521 lbs-Max payload is 2,088 lbs- or as the towing guide rounds up to 6,500 lbs. I just purchased an Intech Navigation OVR travel trailer (take delivery in July) with a dry weight of 5,900 lbs, and total gross vehicle weight rating of 7,500, and tongue weight of 700 lbs, and a total cargo capacity of 1,450 lbs... So, if I do the math at a bare minimum, that is 4,521 + 2,088 (less 700 lb tongue weight)= 1,388 + 5,900 dry weight of travel trailer = 11,809 lbs. That leaves no room to add any cargo or payload to the travel trailer which means basically I'm screwed. Based on all my research before buying the travel trailer, every single guide, including doing a VIN search for my truck, the data that always came back to me is I had a Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating of 12,000 lbs...and that was from the Chevrolet dealer too. The last thing I want to do is buy what I'm sure is going to be a truck that costs north of $60,000.

[@OGMAURCE]

Good job brother! Very informative

[@Five2Go]

Thank you!

[@dalp6657]

I am a truck driver and it is easy to calculated payload on my semi truck and trailer instead those travel trailers. I do have a headache just to see so many numbers. Very good presentation.

[@glowilk5377]

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

[@sims2bavaroTd]

Best One on youtube thanks man

[@dellparker7686]

How is the pin weight determined once you’ve loaded your fifth wheel and truck and go to the scales. Can lessening the pin weight be addressed by loading more of your cargo on the rear. It’s a toyhauler

[@WireEd1966]

One point to consider, mfg specification for max payload already includes all fluids, including gasoline. You do not have to add in fuel weight for example. It’s already accounted for!!

[@jamesconnor9142]

Easy to understand payload in truck is base fluids that CANT be removed are the Empty Weight. Then adding weight of what you can put in truck is Payload Weight. Fuel, passengers, cargo. etc etc.. Coolant, oil, trans fluid, power steering fluid is NOT calculated in payload. These are permanent with a truck when manufactured with the rest of the weight of truck. THE EMPTY WEIGHT, CURB WEIGHT, UVW, etc . etc ..

[@phildongpilkim5440]

Best lecture I ever had for towing!

[@stevejette2329]

What about if you tow in mountains versus flat ? Also elevation ?

[@Five2Go]

Weight limits are weight limits. Having downhill assist is really handy in mountains and most modern trucks have that now.

[@stanpersful4723]

Great info! That Ram 3500 can actually haul over what you can legally tow without a CDL. hehe

[@HWALK]

You’re a genius, thank you for your service🍻

[@LifeonOURtime]

Good overview. Safety needs to be tops on everyone's mind!

[@Five2Go]

Absolutely!

[@rodstohogs]

I have a Subaru Ascent which can tow 5000lbs, and a 500lb tongue weight. The trailer my dealer sold me and said would work just fine with my car. Has a 4200lb dry weight. Even with the front of the trailer basically empty, I can not get the tongue weight below 560lbs. Maybe if I empty the propane tanks? Driving it seems a bit scary, seems to surge back and forth a bit as if Im tapping the breaks, Also a little wabbly on the freeway. I know its within the 5000lb limit of my car, but Im having doubts. Is there anything I can do?

[@DiecastDynasty]

At the bottom of the F150 guide there is a footnote that reads “do not exceed trailer weight of 5000lbs when towing with bumper only” what does one make of this? Does this mean you need to upgrade the hitch to be able to tow the numbers listed (such as a classV hitch)? It’s throwing me off. Thanks

[@reyzapata9375]

Hi, Awesome Video you have. I Need Help Please.!… My 2016 Hyundai Tucson 2.0 4L. With a GVWR is: 4,586.lbs… My GCWR is: 970.lbs… the front axle is: 2,822.lbs… The rear axle is: 2,535.lbs… what can I tow.???.

[@carloscastro1596]

I have a 2021 sierra 1500 6.2 liter denali how much weight can i tow for a travel trailer??? Thank you

[@ericaterrones16]

Thank you!!!! That was wonderful!!! It made sense!!!! Maybe the pictures helped 😂

[@NickolaiBeats]

Great video with concise, easy to understand information. Thanks for the knowledge.

[@natashac6589]

Hello! I have a food trailer that weighs 4,460 pounds. I was looking for a midsize SUV instead of a pick up truck. I found some that can tow up to 5,000lbs. May I get your opinion? Would it better to get a suv that can tow higher than 5,000LBS since the weight of my trailer is pretty close to that max capacity? Or would it be just fine?

[@duaneclark3073]

Does a weight distribution hitch increase the capacity of the travel trailer you want to buy? 2018 GMC 1500 Denali 6.2 liter crew cab with

[@Five2Go]

No it does not, it only shifts the weight around a bit to make the trailer ride better and be more controllable. Nothing increases your payload capacity on your truck other than huge upgrades like bigger axles, heavier suspension (not airbags), etc.

[@DrDsIT]

@Five2Go I've recently started looking at travel trailers and was told there is an 80% rule in which 20% of your tow vehicle's towing capacity should be subtracted. So if your tow capacity is 5,000 pounds you should only tow trailers with a GVWR of 4,000 pounds. Is that true?

[@Happ1971]

My question is this... My f600 truck has a gooseneck towing rating of 34600 lbs but my trailer has a max load ratio of 40000lbs. It weighs 11000 lbs empty.... Am i legal to pull this trailer as long as i dont go over my trucks combined weight rating?

[@PandaLAG]

So is our trucks towing capacity, the Max# of our trailer with the cargo & fluids in it?

[@limo2ride]

First, I want to say I really enjoy your videos. I think this was a very good one too, but you didn’t mention one item that has caught me out in the past even though I fit all the other criteria. Axle weight ratings... It is very possible to be within all the specs you mention, but still over load either axle. That’s why it is crucial to use a CAT scale to make sure your tow vehicle axels aren’t overloaded. On another note, some SUV’s have very low hitch weight ratings too (i.e. under 500 lbs)...

[@Five2Go]

Is it possible to exceed a truck's axle rating without exceeding its payload? I know that the way you load your trailer can greatly effect the tongue weight and potentially put too much load on the rear axle, but wouldn't you be over payload at that point anyway? I dropped a note at the bottom of one of the slides about this but I didn't want to get bogged down in even more numbers that don't really matter at the shopping and research phase, which is what I was aiming at with this video. How did you run into axle issues?

[@limo2ride]

@@Five2Go in hind site, you were probably correct in not going into the details of axle ratings because you’ll lose lots of people with all the tech talk. I only mentioned it because you dismissed using CAT scales at the beginning of the video and I believe it’s an important last step to verify your set up. In my case, I owned a particular travel trailer that had all the storage up front under the bed. Because I couldn’t distribute the cargo weight, I was very nose heavy. Even with a weight distributing hitch, my rear axle was overloaded even being below my max payload for the tow vehicle. Ironically, when we sold that set up and got a new trailer and tow vehicle, I was surprised to almost overload my front axle! LOL, until I realized I hadn’t readjusted the WD hitch from the last truck. Now we’re all nice and level... Keep up the great videos...

[@arkansasboy45]

Yes, it amazes me how many people do not take into account stopping the load they want to pull. You don't want to experience brake fade 1/3 way down a mountain or experience a hard stop because of traffic stopping in front of you, and you spec'd out your truck and trailer too closely. Always leave a safety margin.

[@atan0725]

Thanks for the excellent education 👍

[@youfirst4174]

best video so far THnk you

[@claudes1973]

Jesus Christ this is so confusing!! I have a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee overland 4 x 4 with with GVWR of 6500 and gross combined weight ratio is 10400 according to the manual. Trailer payload capacity is 791 pounds. The travel trailer I wanna pull is a 2016 17 ft. ultra light Viking which Dry weight is 2818 pounds and the GVWR of the trailer is 3626 pounds ,hitch weight is 406 pounds, it will only be 2 people, 2 dogs in vehicle and 2 kayaks on roof rack so basically I am totaling 585 pounds inside the vehicle including our kayaks on our roof rack. So I am so confused and can you please tell me if I'm able to tow this travel trailer without any problems? Sorry if I sound dumb I've just read so much and seem to understand but then I hear or read other stuff and it just gets more confusing. From what I have understood I feel I should be okay. But please help me out here...Thanks!

[@santiagopena1251]

Thanks for keeping it simple..

[@TimothyPranger-e1p]

Quick question??? What about the weight of the hitch? Where is the weight of the actual weight distribution hitch put into the calculation? Is it considered part of the trailer weight or cargo in the truck?

[@Five2Go]

That’s part of what the truck is carrying, so subtract it from the truck payload

[@TimothyPranger-e1p]

@@Five2Go Thank you!

[@goetzpelzer7246]

Ram 2500 diesel sticker says 1830 pounds and if I type my vin number in on the Ram page it says 2450 pounds payload what is right?

[@stevenscott4096]

Go by your door sticker.

[@LivingTheGoodLifeRving]

Good information to know thank you for sharing

[@Five2Go]

Happy to help!

[@kennethburge8773]

Great video. Well done.

[@burrowsandco]

Great explanation

[@24isthebestracecar]

I can't find any info on a 1995 f350 7.3 diesel not even in the manual its mentioned once. Some forums say towing capacity is 10,500 if a trailers payload capacity Is 4710 does that mean im 100% in the clear? Basically trying to pull one car and tools and a few spare parts the gvwr is 8800 therefore does that mean 10500-8800 i can only tow 1700?

[@24isthebestracecar]

For a diesel that size id think it would do more than just 1700

[@Five2Go]

Older trucks weren't made to tow the weights that newer ones are capable of. It doesn't surprise me at all that a diesel from the 90s pulls the same as a new half ton. The numbers really start to jump in the late 2000's and early 2010's. The towing numbers now are just crazy, but RVs are getting bigger and bigger too.

[@michaellemaire7827]

Good video thx, however there is one thing that really isn't discussed much that I would like to finally/hopefully put to bed, and its related to tongue weight vs towing weight. My question is this: Can you subtract tongue weight from total towed weight? For example, say I have a trailer that when loaded down and unlatched from a truck, weighs 550 lbs. However, when I hook up to the truck, 10% or 50 lbs is applied to the conventional hitch as tongue weight. Question is am I now towing 500 lbs or am is still towing the full 550? My thinking was that you can't count the 500 twice (payload being applied to the truck AND also as towed weight, but I have seen some stuff online that states otherwise). PLEASE CLEAR THIS UP FOR ME. THX!!!!

[@Five2Go]

Those are two separate numbers. Payload and towing capacity don't interact with each other at all so look at them individually. The amount of weight the trailer puts on your truck counts against your payload capacity. The total weight of everything you're pulling counts against GCWR, which is a more valid number than "max towing capacity" since RVs don't support 100% of their own weight.

[@michaellemaire7827]

@@Five2Go I’m my case I’d be towing a pull behind flatbed with a standard HD pickup. So just to be clear, based on what you said above, are saying for my example that I’d still be towing the full 550 or just the 500 lbs? Does the truck payload via tongue weight (subtract from the total weight of the trailer in terms of towing capacity) or am I still fully “towing” the full 550 lbs?

[@Five2Go]

Find your GCWR and go by that, not some manufacturer "max tow" number. If your truck is 5000 pounds GVWR and the GCWR is 9000, you can tow a total of 4000 pounds. Payload is a totally separate limit that just has to do with the truck's frame, suspension and braking capabilities. If your trailer weighs 550lbs, you're towing 550lbs regardless of where that weight is sitting.

[@bertadelaudebri7179]

Thank you so much, and l entirely agree with you in this regard!

[@scwwoo]

2016 F350 Crew Cab Long Bed Dual wheel 4X4 3.73 Axle . Published GCVR is 32,100. Publish Max fifth wheel towing Capacity is 23,500. my truck weighs 8786 from door sticker ( GVWR 14000 maximum paylod capacity from sticker 5314). 23500 +8786 = 32,386 which is over the GCVR I would have to take the bumper off and let the truck drive itself not to be violation the published weights if pulling maximum published fifth wheel weight . Can someone explain this to me. the published GCVWR for my truck is much less than the GVWR 14,000 + the Maximum published towing capacity of 23,500 = 37,500 diff of 5400 over the GCVR . Help me understand.

[@Five2Go]

GVWR 14,000 - 5,314 payload = 8,686 (you're off by 100) 8,686 + 23,500 = 32,186 which is close enough to the GCVR to not matter Your truck doesn't necessarily weigh 8,686 though, in fact it's probably quite a bit less than that and you'd have to roll onto a scale to find out for sure. Some googling tells me that it may be closer to 7,400 pounds curb weight. Another thing to keep in mind, GVWR and GCWR are not interchangeable. GVWR is how much weight your truck can carry on it's axles. If you're pulling a 15,000lb fifth wheel it's only putting about 20% of it's weight onto the kingpin, so ~3,000 pounds. If your truck is 7,400 pounds, add on that 3k for 10,400, leaving 3,600 for cargo until you hit the 14,000 GVWR (this is where a dually shines, in payload). GCWR is how much your ENTIRE setup can weigh. Your 7,400lb truck plus a 15,000 fifth wheel is 22,400, which is WAY under the listed GCWR of 32,100. Using the max fifth wheel number of 23,500, that's going to put about 4,700lbs (20%) on your truck. 4,700lbs on the kingpin + 7,400lbs of truck = 12,100, leaving just under 2k for cargo before you break your GVWR. All added together you've got 7,400 of truck + 23,500 fiver = 30,900, which is 1,200 shy of the GCWR. Remember - GVWR and GCWR/GCVWR are not the same thing, they're two separate limits.

[@Mg-wd6id]

very informative.thanks

[@cliftontorrence839]

Thank you. Very nicely done.

[@paulmenard5337]

Truck Trailer Curb Weight 4,712.00 UVW 5,979.00 GVWR 6,850.00 GVWR 7,600.00 GCVWR 12,800.00 Hitch Weight 897.00 Payload 1,535.00 Towing Capacity 7,650.00 Thoughts on these weights? This is a New Jeep Gladiator pulling a Air Stream 27' The number work but are they to close?

[@Five2Go]

That is SUPER close. Jeeps have never been built for towing. I remember having to sign a waiver just to rent a small Uhaul trailer with my Wrangler about 15 years ago! If you kept your load minimal and made sure to keep your tanks empty on moving days it would make a difference, and a really good weight distributing hitch system will be key. That wouldn't be ideal for fulltime use but if you're just going out for vacations with a small selection of clothes, cookware, food, etc it might be alright.

[@paulmenard5337]

The new Gladiator with the Max tow package is about same as the F150 tow Cap. Thought it would be fun to have going to the desert! Thanks for the thoughts!

[@Five2Go]

If you want a jeep along just get a small Class C and tow it! 👍😉👍

[@YoMissyRocks]

Thank you!!

[@Five2Go]

Thanks for watching Melissa! 👍😉👍

[@sergeantschlumpf6368]

2:30 tongue weight is usually 10% GVW .. not rating ..

[@darrylm3627]

Good Stuff, Great Help, Good Tips 👍Thanks!

[@arirenae3864]

THANK YOU. SO. MUCH.

[@michaelpazsint2883]

This is the first time I have seen anyone mention that the weight of fuel for the tow vehicle needs to be added along with passengers, tongue weight and cargo in the TV to see if is under the Payload rating. Or, is the weight of a full load of fuel in the TV included in the TV curb weight? Or, is the TV curb weight with an empty fuel tank? Also, does the TV Payload capacity allow 150 lbs for the driver? In other words, when calculations are made for Payload, do we subtract 150 lbs as a "credit" towards the driver weight?

[@Five2Go]

Assume a truck's curb weight is no fluids and no passengers unless the manufacturer says otherwise. Sometimes the curb weight includes fluids (including a full tank of gas), but you'll want to see that in writing because that can add up to quite a bit of weight (~8lbs per gallon).

[@sheltermutts4185]

@@Five2Go In Montana gasoline only weighs 6 pounds a gallon, and water is 8.4. But otherwise great info!

[@EarlBalentine]

The best I come up with in my calculation is my pin weight of my 5th wheel is 1520lbs. My truck's payload is max 2000lbs. That means I only have 480lbs available and I think the 480lbs is eaten up by what else I have in the bed of truck and what's in the back seat of truck. ??????

[@davidmollard9832]

How do you get by full time rving

[@billiamc1969]

I see a lot of over weighted cars pulling gigantic travel trailers around Maryland...these people should be cited heavily and have their car and trailers impounded then made to take safety classes on pulling trailers...course there are no classes for this so that's why they can get away with driving around in an accident waiting to happen

[@gerardtrigo380]

For many SUV's even with a tow package do not list the GCWR Also, I have a question. My tow vehicle weights 4004 lbs empty, with a GVWR of 5500 lbs a maximum tongue weight of 450 lbs and a tow capacity of 4500 lbs. In Europe the same exact vehicle with the same exact setup has a dry weight of 1820 kgs (4004 lbs) a GVWR of 2725 kg (5995 lbs) and a tongue weight of 225 kg (495 lbs) and a tow capacity of 2250 kg (4950 lbs) The vehicles are identical in every aspect, so why the difference. I do not think it has to do with engineering standards, but rather a result of liability and safety laws. Another problem with trailers is that the numbers for trailers on dealer and other websites are average values. Because each trailer is essentially different for every other trailer because of the way they are individually made, each one has a different weight from every other trailer of that make and model.

[@bryanthornton6787]

Riddle me this. I have a 2017 F150 super crew with a Payload of 2031lbs, GVWR of 7000lbs and a GCWR of 14,400lbs. GCWR - GVWR = 7400 max towing capacity, correct? But if I look up my truck on Ford's towing guide, my truck is listed as having a max tow rating 9000lb. So does Ford factor in the payload as towing capacity, or did I miss something?

[@Five2Go]

GCWR is the max number for everything rolling down the road. GVWR is the max for the truck which includes payload. If you keep your truck payload down you can have a heavier RV up to the max tow or the GCWR, whichever comes first. If your empty truck is 5000lbs, the math says you can add 9,400lbs to get to the GCWR as long as you don't exceed the payload rating on the truck with things like cargo, tongue weight, passengers, etc. I recommend staying under 90% of those max numbers though, especially with a half ton. It's very easy to get into a "tail wagging the dog" situation with the lighter trucks and a good size trailer.

[@software_joe]

Great video. I wish you would have advised people to know the actual weight of the “truck”. Things like custom bumpers, winches, tires all add significant weight to a vehicle. My 2010 f150 was only legal with just me and half a tank of fuel but I was still well within my tow rating.

[@jonesjl99]

It would probably be better to calculate it like Ram (and probably Ford ) does, Max Towing = GCW - base weight - 170 (driver weight 150 + 20 lbs optional equip weight). Since the truck is empty you can tow more. You just need to keep in mind the more weight (payload and or people) you add in the truck, the less you can tow.

[@phabloagr]

How about the 550s?

[@PandaLAG]

Thank you so much for this...we're looking at small travel trailers and based on our vehicle - we're limited. Max towing is 7100 lbs and it was getting confusing... I'm thinking we were making it harder than it had to be... but it's still scary that we may get the wrong trailer. 😕 Do you agree with the 80/20 rule we keep hearing about. In your examples it seemed they could be kind of close, but not too close and definitely not over...do you think we need to stay within 80% of our max tow - so 5680 lb range - or is it OK to go up to 6100 lbs (we really like a small overlander)...btw, we live here in Colorado as well. ;) Thank you too for your wonderfully informative and entertaining videos. Fun travels and stay safe!

[@397coney7]

You know whats funny? Back in the day(1950’s and 60’s), people use to pull trailers with cars and station wagons. I wonder if they stressed about numbers too? BTW, Im kinda in the same boat as you. My limiting factor is payload....mine is only 1650lbs.

[@amygoodrich3735]

I recommend CAT scale when buying used camper. Everything the previous owners have added will affect your weights.

[@mowens1972]

I watched your video and I have a question that I can't get answered. In the Ford towing guide it shows that the gcvw for my 2021 f250 4x4 is 21,800 pounds. It shows max gvwr for a travel trailer is 14,100 pounds. My truck has a gvwr of 10,000 pounds. If you minus my trucks gvwr of 10,000 from the gcvwr of 21,800 this shows that the trailer could only have a gvwr of 11,800. How is it possible that the Ford towing guide shows I can tow 14,100?

[@Five2Go]

Your missing number is payload. If you subtract your curb (empty) weight from GVWR you'd get your payload capacity. There's a good chance that the 14,100 quoted by Ford includes some of the payload capacity because about 10-15% of a trailer's weight will sit on the hitch which comes out of your payload number.

[@mowens1972]

@@Five2Go The payload sticker on my truck shows 2753 and if I subtract that from the trucks GVWR rating of 10,000 that would make the trucks empty uvw of 7247. If I subtract that value from the GCVWR of 21800 that leaves 14,553 gvwr for a trailer. So they must be allowing me 400 pounds for luggage. Guess I need to have the truck weighed with me in it and full of gas to get a good base number. One thing you did not mention and I would like to get your opinion is regarding only towing at 80% of you tow capacity. Is that a good number or is 90% more realistic?

[@Five2Go]

90% is a good target with 3/4 ton trucks - that ~1,400lbs leaves you plenty of wiggle room for extra passengers, a full black tank, stuff like that.

[@mowens1972]

@@Five2Go thanks for you help, I really appreciate that.

[@jamesconnor9142]

I got my towing weight specification and the got my truck emty weight(curb weight) on spec sheets. The weight I can tow is calculated by subtracting Tow Weight from the truck specification. from Empty Weight. This is the weight of a trailer I'm allowed to tow. My 1995 Ranger 3.0auto,2wd has 6000# tow weight on spec sheet. I subtract truck empty weight at roughly 3000#. Max I can tow is 3000# if subtract empty weight from tow capacity. From an AI generated question.

[@chakagillis]

I'm an African American, am I allowed to use this gvw system?

[@darrylm3627]

😀👍🏿Good Stuff,GreatTips

[@snorkfire]

Last I read, Curb wt includes gas and oil.

[@williambradley2562]

Great Video .. Thanks for info .. Debating Truck & TT vs Class C With TOAD #FIVE2GORocks

[@robbevington1754]

Nice shirt

[@Juan-dc6yf]

Starts 1:07

[@BeddieBsBedside]

Just had this conversation with my dad. He said "Get that Ram baby". I told him I aint got Ram money. After this video now I gotta go behind his back to my step mom. Why her? Cause daddy aint giving up that Ram money just cause Im his daughter.

[@MagicalAdventures1]

Great video. I do have a question, as I am in the market for a new trailer :-) i am hoping you can help. In your examples you had the Max Trailer weight for each. I think I have that if it is the same as the Maximum Trailering Capacity which is 5000 for my truck. .is the Max trailer weight the weight my truck can tow = to the GVWR (with weight and cargo) of the new trailer or is it GVWR+Cargo+Tongue weight or just UVW. if we don't have the max trailer weight - should we be trying to find the GCWR and that would be the UVW of the trailer, the cargo we think we will load + truck GVWR? My Truck: GVWR is 6150 LB Gross Combined Wt Rating is 9900 lbs. Dead Wight Hitch max 500 lbs Distributing hitch - max is 5000 lbs Some of the trailers do not have the GVWR listed, so I would take the UVW + CCC correct. In addition, when we are going to buy a new trailer, if we use the GVWR of the trailer,as you would never know what you are loading it with. Am I thinking right that for example if I got a toy hauler but don't plan on having any ATV's or anything in it, that I could use the UVW, plus what I think I will load it with. Looking at toy hauler for the room for desk to work full time, NOT to bring ATV's.

[@humanityfightthegoodfight8862]

surprised you didn't talk about CDL and 26k weight

[@VideoJocky1]

True the manufacturer can get their posted hitch weight using the 10% rule but unless you use something like the CAT scale you have no clue what your hitch weight is. The actual hitch weight depends on how and what you load your trailer with. Putting a small motorbike on the back bumper can reduce your hitch weight. Adding a solar battery bank under your front bed can increase your hitch weight. You won't know unless you do the CAT scale. I couldn't Poo Poo using it.

[@MysticalDragon73]

It would have been nice to use an F150 with the 3.5L ecoboost as that is a very common pickup. I know that its impossible to list every pickup but this imo would have been a better choice to use as an example. Also most dont realize the power of these pickups. My 2015 supercrew 4x4 can pull 10,700 pounds. If I had a standard cab 2wd it would go up to 12,200lbs. When looking at trailers many said oh you wont be able to pull anything with that until I showed them the specs. They were blown away by it. Also it would have been nice to have why you recommend a weight distributing hitch and why besides just mentioning it.

[@gerlandkent6377]

IVE GOT A 1973, FORD F-700 DUMP TRK. 5-SPD. 2-SPD REAR AXLE. 361 10FT BODY AIR BRAKES EMPTY WEIGHT 10 THOUSAND KEEPING LOADS UNDER 26001

[@rojanecunningham7962]

I have 2016 Kia Sorento

[@agnisamansfield4038]

Hernandez Ruth Brown Maria Martinez William

[@AhmadWoehl-c7h]

Gonzalez John Rodriguez Christopher Gonzalez Gary

[@tjones2221]

Better to have way too much trouble than I don't know. Go get a dually or semi.

[@iviaverick52]

Why is it that every time I ask for a second opinion on safely towing a travel trailer with my F150 which is fully within the weight specs, the instant response is "Don't trust the numbers, refinance your house and buy a dually F350 Diesel!". Seriously truck guys are the worst, I've never gotten a straight answer on why they say I shouldn't tow something that my truck is legally capable of doing.

[@Five2Go]

We see plenty of people safely and successfully towing with half tons. If you're not careful you'll get into a "tail wagging the dog" scenario, but if you stay under about 90% of your capacity, use a good sway control + weight-distributing hitch system (this is KEY), and keep your speed down to ~60mph you'll do just fine. The 250/2500's and above are purpose-built for hauling cargo and trailers but they're not necessary for a load under 8,000lbs and are quite an expensive option if you don't need that much power all the time.

[@TomSlemar]

Thomas Scott Martinez Michelle Thompson Barbara

[@CookSidney-n2c]

Thompson Deborah Lee George Hernandez Melissa

[@gerrymatheson4020]

Damn this stuff is complex and confusing. You gotta be a freaken math professor to figure it all out... and that's after being a dang sleuth finding all the data and numbers you need to do all the calculations... 😮

[@simonnoellington4523]

Williams Richard Jackson Maria Walker Patricia

[@gerlandkent6377]

F700= 2 1/2 TONS

[@sergeantschlumpf6368]

mmmmm 🤗

[@hhazelhoff1363]

Don’t you need a CDL when you exceed 26000 pounds combined