What Can You ACTUALLY Tow? Payload -Tow Capacity

What Can You ACTUALLY Tow? Payload -Tow Capacity - Travel Trailer

Рет қаралды 801,952

Күн бұрын

Check out my new in depth honest owner review of the Jeep Gladiator! • One Year with the Jeep...
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NEW easy towing calculator - how much truck do you need? : • Towing Calculator | ...
SOLAR PANELS • Video
DOWNLOAD My FREE (no strings attached) towing safety checklist and calculator here. Simply plug in some basic specs from your tow vehicle and trailer, and it calculates everything for you! (use at own risk): (please do not request access, simply download as an excel file)
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Cut through the dealership lies and internet hype. What can you actually safely tow? Understand why payload will limit you before tow capacity. Understand GVWR, GCWR, weight distribution hitches, sway control, and more. If you own a travel trailer, fifth wheel or towable RV, or are shopping for one and wondering what your vehicle can safely handle, this will be the best 20 minutes you invest in your education. Stop the spread of dangerous misinformation about what you can tow - get educated now.
#towing #traveltrailer #fifthwheel #towcapacity #payload
Index:
00:00 - 01:46 Intro
01:46 - 05:50 GVWR, GCWR, Payload
05:50 - 08:07 Hitch Weight/Ratings
08:07 - 11:29 Myths
11:29 - 14:42 Real Life Example
14:42 - 15:58 Axle & Tire Ratings
15:58 - 18:46 Sway
18:46 - 20:50 Weight Distribution
20:50 - 22:45 Conclusion
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Пікірлер: 1 100

@BigRockMoto 2 жыл бұрын

Check out my new in depth honest owner review of the Jeep Gladiator! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nLN_p8aJltW8qKM.html

@michalp2362 3 жыл бұрын

This is exactly how every instructional video should look. No BS music, tacky jokes or presenter acting like a clown. Everything straight to the point! Always makes me wanna laugh when people brag how much they can tow with their half tons

@BigRockMoto 3 жыл бұрын

thanks

@mchocolate2301 3 жыл бұрын

My comment was going to mirror yours. Well said.

@denisse37921 2 жыл бұрын

@@mchocolate2301 exactly, me as well.

@davemccoy4936 2 жыл бұрын

straight to the point.....AFTER all the damn commercials

@IdleDrummer 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! I am currently shopping for truck and trailer, so this video was made for me! I don’t mind the commercials when the video has content of this quality. Thank you for your time making this!

@rondefilippo8546 2 жыл бұрын

I am not an engineer and don't connect with a lot of calculations but I'm smart enough to know my limits and to engage with folks like him who does the research. I do my due diligence when needed and I absolutely appreciate people like him who will help keep me out of trouble. Great Job Big Rock!

@filup7419 Жыл бұрын

If he did his research, he would know the difference between "jamb" and "jam" (2:10).

@xaviervalentine6195 Жыл бұрын

Awesome Job, I knew there was more to the advertised weights and limits, however you gave all of yhe points to focus on! great video thank you so much for the time you spent on this extremely helpful information!

@rickmlamb1 Жыл бұрын

Absolutely amazing thanks for sharing your story

@glandersonbooper9342 Жыл бұрын

I'm an engineer, and I'm an absolute moron.

@cowboyup545 8 ай бұрын

@@filup7419 Didn't realize we were into a word contest. But he damn sure knows his stuff about weight distribution. And trying to save everyone some heartaches.

@AarenCobb 10 ай бұрын

One of the best explanations I've ever watched. I never realized how complicated this all is.

@GinaHale-je4zq 20 күн бұрын

You have No Idea how much this helped me! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the info! I’m a 60 yr old lady who has been bamboozled by dealers trying to push their vehicles. You have saved my life literally!!! I can’t thank you enough!!! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

@BigRockMoto 18 күн бұрын

You are so welcome!

@dwightbernheimer331 3 жыл бұрын

At almost 80 years old I've done something all my life you might laugh at. Whatever the towing capacity was for my vehicle, I dropped it by 50% LOL if my truck was supposed to max out at 14000 lb I knew it would tow 7000 lbs comfortably. Operative word... comfortably. Always had way more truck than I actually needed. Better safe than sorry. Never had a problem LOL great stuff thanks for posting

@BigRockMoto 3 жыл бұрын

Great rule!

@donaldindividual-1 2 жыл бұрын

My simple rule is never tow more than your vehicles weight. My Tundra weighs 6,300 lbs my Arctic Fox weighs 4,200 lbs empty.

@dwightbernheimer331 2 жыл бұрын

@@donaldindividual-1 Arctic Fox... You must be a wise man. LOL thanks for responding.

@jonathanlerma5211 2 жыл бұрын

@@donaldindividual-1 that's what he just said tho 🤣

@brucedeleskey8540 2 жыл бұрын

I did the same as you its because whare old school we do it right our not at all

@Steve-yo4ld Ай бұрын

A good rule for towing is "just because you can, doesn't mean you should." And remember, Salesmen are NOT YOUR FRIENDS! A great video, thank you!✌️

@henrymorgan3982 Ай бұрын

The tongue weight is the real mystery if you do not have a GOOD tongue snake. Having good weight distribution in both tow vehicle and trailer is also very important. Great video!

@stevenelson4509 2 жыл бұрын

This is the best educational video I’ve seen on towing! Everyone towing a trailer should watch this. Thank you for your time and research in putting this together. Very well done!

@Domal88 Жыл бұрын

This should be mandatory watching for anyone walking into a trailer dealership. I drove TT all over the US for 27 years. And can't count the Trailer camper disasters I've seen.. Happen and come upon. This guy is a wealth of knowledge and will save You alot of Headache.. Great Stuff!

@marknelson8435 3 жыл бұрын

Was this video helpful? You're damn right it was helpful!

@BigRockMoto 3 жыл бұрын

Great

@billdickerson2228 2 жыл бұрын

@@BigRockMoto I've towed for decades, some pretty heavy stuff (my 1936 F20 tractor, antique engines, cars on flatbeds through the hills of PA, etc.) and I STILL appreciated this video and feel I learned from it. It was more like a classroom, it wasn't preachy, and I loved the fact it wasn't loaded up with self-promotion and shrill distracting music. This was one of the most professional YT videos I've seen. You put the glitzy look at me videos to shame.

@mr.rothstein461 3 жыл бұрын

Buys F350 Heavy Duty, by end of calculations…”I can tow a bicycle!”

@wavemakersdj 4 күн бұрын

This is a real thing. If you listen to all of the tow police across the internet, you need a 350-650 for everything out there. Problem is, people like the government purchase and overload trucks and SUVs with all sorts of extra items on them all day every day. things like police vehicles would often go over payload based on the amount of stuff and weight of people they add. Armored vehicles blow it out of the water and just throw on some stiffer suspension components. It's not that it's the best way to do it, but there is also going overboard in staying under so far that you can't use your platform for anything but towing tires behind it.

@hawkeye31k Жыл бұрын

I don't normally watch instructional videos twice, but when I do, it's this one. Thank you for the knowledge dump, sir.

@fitzventure Күн бұрын

Seriously can't tell you how valuable this info is. My head was spinning trying to figure it all out. This spreadsheet clarified it all for me and I found that my 2500 Suburban can tow a fair amount of weight. Large payload capacity helps.

@johnharris6655 3 жыл бұрын

My dad sold RV's and he was a very honest man. People would come in a try to buy a trailer or 5th wheel that was to much for their tow vehicle and he would not sell it to them. His rule for towing was 75% of what ever the max tow rating was for that vehicle. He knew if he sold someone a trailer or 5th wheel they could not handle, they would be unhappy and never buy another RV from him. Lets just say he had a lot of return customers who once they started to like RVing, they always wanted something a little bigger.

@BigRockMoto 3 жыл бұрын

Great story

@BrewskyAZ 3 жыл бұрын

I used the same percentage, maybe even a bit more modest of figures. However, there were other essential weight ratings that I didn’t consider. Thumbs up to your dad..

@wes326 Жыл бұрын

He was doing them a big favor. Traveling at "Max Weight" is not fun.

@SF-fm7ov Жыл бұрын

I would add "do not guess at these weights". Find a CAT scale and weigh each axle with the trailer full of water and all of your gear and passengers in both the trailer and the tow vehicle and WDH if used. Then unhook your trailer and weigh again. With a little addition and subtraction, you can determine exact axle weights, tongue weight, GVW, GCVW, trailer weight, and payload. You can then compare these accurate numbers with those maxes allowed. I added a metal case to hold my generator to the rear of my camper and my tongue weight went from 15% to 12%. This actually made my payload legal and placed my tongue weight near the optimum %. I also am not anywhere near my 10,000 GVW rating of the trailer. I wouldn't have known this had I not weighed everything.

@__Craig__ 2 жыл бұрын

One of the best videos I've seen to gain a clear understanding of towing an rv. Appreciate your content!!

@alaska1girls 6 ай бұрын

Absolutely one of if not the best video ive seen on towing thank you. I belong to several FB groups of the paticular trailer i have and im shocked how many people on there have tow vehicles too small or ask, “ can i get by”, how little respect people have for towing. I share this and other videos over and over.

@hankford2493 3 жыл бұрын

One of the most thorough, comprehensive, informative and straight forward informational video of this type I have ever seen. Thank you!

@BigRockMoto 3 жыл бұрын

Wow thanks I appreciate that

@markparker4032 3 жыл бұрын

Totally agree.

@kellybrady7219 3 жыл бұрын

What Hank said!

@MaryOKC 2 жыл бұрын

So i just used your spreadsheet and I am sitting nicely...without those calculations I would have been scratching my head and worrying Im overloaded...now I have peace of mind - thank you so much!

@tommyNix4098 2 жыл бұрын

This video is the best I've seen on everything you need to know about towing. Well done!

@davidmccombs6868 3 жыл бұрын

I came across your you tube video. And I was impressed on how you went about explaining all the factors on towing capabilities. I'm new to all this terminology. We bought our first tt and still not sure how much weight I can put in the back of the truck and trailer to stay in a safe zone. But will keep watching over and over.

@Nonnachella 3 жыл бұрын

We've been doing this for years. It has served us well!

@rogeeeferrari 3 жыл бұрын

Fantastic video, 17 idiots dislike it ? Very valuable info for staying safe towing a trailer. I towed a 23 foot Airstream with my Tacoma Truck, even though I was 1000 pounds under the factory max limit the trailer was a load. My late wife and I travelled all over the western US and I always had to be careful about the weight from the water, black/grey tanks when travelling. Hopefully people will learn from your video because it could save their lives...

@Mi_Tony 3 жыл бұрын

Probably the best video I’ve seen on this subject. Really breaks it down in ways the common man can understand. Great job!!

@garylriedl 2 жыл бұрын

One of the best informational and detailed videos about towing I've seen in awhile. Thanks!

@tomhansen6450 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for making and posting this comprehensive video and spreadsheet. It's really great to have such a detailed overview related to the issues of safe towing in one place.

@BigRockMoto 3 жыл бұрын

No problem

@herlysarmiento9863 3 жыл бұрын

Took me a little while to get here... but it was well worth the extra clicks and time ...this is exactly what I needed to learn!! Gold info, so, Thank you, sir!!!

@davidmatt904 3 жыл бұрын

There are large number of videos on this subject this is the best of the best . Thanks .

@1mandrywallarmytv144 3 жыл бұрын

I just bought that same Reese WD and sway control hitch. So good to hear this guy say that this was his prefered type of hitch that he likes to use. I have way more than what i need and am glad i have it

@grilledcheeseandsoup1652 3 жыл бұрын

This is exactly the information I need! Thank you so much.

@kingssing 3 жыл бұрын

Cleared up all the questions focused on safety Thank You

@BigRockMoto 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@ferrari251 10 ай бұрын

This was so informative and not boring. We watch it regularly every time we consider buying a trailer.

@timcarley6392 3 жыл бұрын

This is the best video i have seen on this topic. Vehicle dealerships will not tell you the facts. Great job!! I will be using your spreadsheet

@loriar1027 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing all this information. This is exactly what we need to know! I’m trying to convince my husband to buy or at least rent a camper but there’s so much to learn about towing. It’s all so complicated, it makes my head hurt!

@ralphkolarik4115 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much very.. informative a large boon to my attempt to demystify all the jargon and Marketing/Lies. The Excel Spreadsheet by itself is worth its weight in gold. Thanks So much! Not sure what you do for work but you should consider getting a hold of Consumer Report or a similar type of origination .. mainly because of your exhaustive researching skills and ability to see how all the zillions of variables fit together. This is a public service to be sure all of your the Freeware knowledge you have passed on is keeping us all safe. Thanks again!! Stay safe, Take care, have fun!

@wolfhawg 3 жыл бұрын

This is why everyone goes on a diet 2 weeks before we go camping. Thanks for Great video.

@BigRockMoto 3 жыл бұрын

Haha

@Northwest-yo7qn 3 жыл бұрын

This is without a doubt the best video on this subject matter. I knew most of this, but still learned a few bits. Thanks!

@bobruzicka857 3 жыл бұрын

great info and very detailed. didn't realize there were so many factors. I'll be a smarter RVer now. Thanks for your work!

@paulalders5998 3 жыл бұрын

great video....... a lot to absorb into my pea size brain....... but priceless and EXTREMELY important!!!’ thank you for taking the time to make and share this!!!!

@charlesvardman 8 ай бұрын

I’ve watched several videos trying to learn tow capacity, and this video is hands-down the best explained and most comprehensive. Great video, sir!

@carloshonestopinions 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for demystifying trailer towing for me! With all the numbers thrown at me I had no idea what I could tow. Now, thanks to you, I have the tools to do so.

@BigRockMoto 3 жыл бұрын

You are so welcome!

@murdiesel 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome video! Thank you for sharing your knowledge! Safe travels.

@Shakespearience 3 жыл бұрын

I was going mad searching for a concise and informative video on this subject, until I found this one. Many thanks, well done.

@BigRockMoto 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@jodysilzer6426 2 жыл бұрын

Wow! Can't tell you how much I appreciate this video. It's very comprehendable for those seeking new info!

@ar15gator 2 жыл бұрын

Regular guy sharing more real world realities, regarding safe RVing Spot On, calculate, calculate, calculate, great awareness shared here, totally appreciated 💯

@MrPir84free 3 жыл бұрын

I really appreciate your tutorial on some of the factors involved with towing. I thought I'd add a little bit to the conversation of other things often not considered as well. One thought that comes to mind is to shift the weight, where possible, to inside the trailer if it's safe to do so. Doing so mathematically increases your overall capacity. The other is math-related. If you take your payload capacity of the truck, then subtract the weight of the occupants, and the cargo in the truck, the number given, to see your approximate more realistic trailer capacity is to take that final number, and divide it by 0.15.. Now, from what I've seen advertised, RV dealers use 10% instead of 15% for the tongue weight, but it's just a quick way to see where your real life numbers end up. Me, I don't have a truck yet.. Weighing my options. Class C vs class A vs truck & trailer. Considering my options for a truck heavily. Do appreciate your lessons for the day..

@CharlesinGA 3 жыл бұрын

Without making a two hour long video, you did an EXCELLENT job of explaining the entire tow capability situation. Best video I have seen on the subject. You might consider videos on specific items like tires, and how passenger tires on trucks (common on "half tons") have thinner, weaker sidewalls that prevent the truck from controlling trailer sway, close looks at tire sidewalls to see how to find the actual weight capacity of the tire (not just load range), and how light truck tires do a better job when towing. Anyhow, good video.

@BigRockMoto 3 жыл бұрын

Good point

@ilovetotri23 2 жыл бұрын

Best video for a newbie who is doing his best to be safe in a world he knows little about now!

@rebeccacooke5161 Жыл бұрын

This is so helpful. I came to this video knowing nothing and you have given me the info I need to figure this out and stay safe.

@Billy_Silva 3 жыл бұрын

This is the best video I've seen with this subject. Thank you captain !

@BigRockMoto 3 жыл бұрын

Engage!

@priayief 2 жыл бұрын

That is incredibly useful information for me! My wife and I (both seniors) live in a semi-rural area that is at risk of evacuation each fire season. We have 3 dogs and a cat and wondered what we would do or where we would go in the case of evacuation. A travel trailer looked like a good option to have at the ready. We have no interest in travel or camping with this trailer. The thing is, we know absolutely nothing about these things. We have a 1999 Ford F150 with about 250,000 km as our second vehicle and thought this might be used for towing a suitable trailer. With the information you've provided, I think we will able to focus on the size of trailer that we could tow. I had no idea that there was so much to consider about towing a trailer! But I guess when you start with knowing absolutely nothing about a subject, there will be surprises. Many thanks for posting such useful information. And if you or any of your viewers might have helpful additional things that we should consider, we would welcome the advice. Cheers.

@curtis5985 Жыл бұрын

This is the best explanation of all of the critical ratings in determining your truck's towing capability. Thank you sir.

@chris092283 2 жыл бұрын

I'm new to all this and was thinking of pulling an enclosed trailer for my job so this helped alot. Thank you

@planbeeapiaries 3 жыл бұрын

I am so glad I came across this video literally a couple of hours before going to the RV dealership. I will get my ducks in a row first with all the suggestions then go. Thank you!

@BigRockMoto 3 жыл бұрын

Great

@hantaowang9422 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for explaining to us about the capability things. You are right. We cannot trust RV dealers and even manufactures, such as so called "half ton camper".

@richcyr4027 3 жыл бұрын

Great Video. Thanks for sharing. I've watched several videos on this topic and yours is the most comprehensive. I recently bought a 2018 F150 EcoBoost and I'm now researching travel trailers that I can safely tow. I'll definitely be using your calculator and checklist. I also enjoyed your videos on the F150 and Lance 1685.

@capswing8055 2 жыл бұрын

Well, as a newbie to camper trailering, this was really good! Pretty much cleared up everything I wanted to know. Nice job keeping it on point.

@n.taylor3364 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, thank you, thank you!! This video really helped clarify so many towing weight questions I have - or now had! I am looking at light weight trailers and like you I tend to choose the safety of my family AND being within legal limits. Both my family, and staying out of debt or even jail in the event of an accident will ensure my life is full of love and not full of stress! THANK YOU!

@BigRockMoto 3 жыл бұрын

Great thanks

@ChristopherSchmittgplus 3 жыл бұрын

This is the most comprehensive and educational video about towing I've ever seen. Well done. I shudder to think about the time we almost rolled off a lot with a unit that was within "towing capacity" but far exceeded our payload by about 400lbs. Luckily I took a look at the numbers before hand. More people need to watch this and be realistic with what they can actually tow.

@BigRockMoto 3 жыл бұрын

thanks!

@Nezrak 3 жыл бұрын

Just bought a camper and I'm shopping for the right car to tow it properly. I must say, this is the best video I found in regards to this topic, after watching several ones. Good work! Very clear and precise. Thank you so much!

@deanmay338 2 жыл бұрын

Wow! This is one of the best videos I have ever seen covering towing basics related to GVWR, tow capacity, payload, etc. Great job!

@BigRockMoto 2 жыл бұрын

thanks

@laurabald7624 3 жыл бұрын

I cannot thank you enough for this video. Thank you! Took me 10 hours online last night and I didn't even manage to figure everything out as well as you taught it in 20 minutes!

@BigRockMoto 3 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

@1mandrywallarmytv144 3 жыл бұрын

exactly

@jjj333kkk 3 жыл бұрын

Very informative and helpful video. Thanks!

@WisconsinDIYGuy 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent video. I've also had worn out trailer tires cause sway. Replaced them and all was good.

@nensaarzuaga4906 8 ай бұрын

THANK YOU!!! I've been searching so much; google and YT videos. This is the only video that makes sense and the excel sheet is the bomb. My husband and I are trying to match a truck to a travel trailer. We are buying both (truck and trailer) its kind of hard with a budget since all google says is to get F250 or bigger (which we know they ain't cheap) Now we feel way more confident to make a decision. Thank you again for taking time to make this video.

@startconvo6857 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I am so frustrated with RV dealers telling me I will be fine towing trailers clearly beyond its capabilities

@samuelhiggins5250 2 жыл бұрын

The rv dealers ive met so far have explained buying the tow trailers first then buy a truck capable of pulling it

@CUCHOBX 2 жыл бұрын

I totally agree with everything you said in this video. Unfortunately, many rv owners simply overdo it with the size of rv they purchase and the amount of items they want to bring along. It's always better to remain below all limits or capacities than go overboard. Your safety and the safety of others on the road is what matters here. As informative as this video is, I am really surprised that you made no mention of "VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE WHILE HAULING AN RV / TRAILER".

@ziondaughter12 3 жыл бұрын

We were looking into buying a forest river no boundaries 19.8. You gave a lot of good info to take into consideration before we buy the trailer. Thanks

@matthewzisman7758 Жыл бұрын

New truck owner and new to towing. Watched this before getting started - very helpful. Thanks for taking the time to provide detail and clear explanation in a short amount of time.

@mark98070 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! I also see inadequate tow vehicles pulling trailers all the time. In your calculation you forgot to add the weight of your Equal-izer WD hitch. It probably weighs 50+ lbs.

@BigRockMoto 3 жыл бұрын

Great point thank you

@TopReasons4U 3 жыл бұрын

Every newbie should watch this video before considering their first travel trailer. Great job!

@honjull Жыл бұрын

Just got my first truck, and was confused with all the conflicting information about towing out there. This video was fantastic, and gave me exactly the information I need to make better towin decisions!

@AnthonyJ1167 3 жыл бұрын

I'm new to camping and this is the most informative video I've seen so far. Thanks for this.

@BigRockMoto 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome, thank you!

@targadave 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! My question always revolves around specifically adjusting your trailer tongue weight percentage between that acceptable 10 to 15% range, and the fact that numerous dual axle trailers can have a huge cargo capacity range. IF you have accurate scales to measure with , then you should be able to adjust the total cargo load, and the cargo load distribution in your trailer so that tongue weight comes out say 12% instead of 15%. You should be well within safe towing parameters while helping with the common payload limit issue. For a loaded trailer weight of 6000#, tongue weight goes from 900 to 720# in going from 15 down to 12%. This approach definitely assumes you are making accurate weight measurements instead of just assuming your running at gross trailer weight, loading everything “up front”, and plugging in the 15% tongue weight number

@billdickerson2228 2 жыл бұрын

I have an Aluma car hauler, all aluminum tilt bed. I contacted the company to get some specifics and talked to one of their engineers. They said they recommend 10-12% tongue weight, no more. They also said to not use a WDH with their all aluminum trailer and went into some deep engineering explanation, but it made sense in the end. Adjust the car forward or rearward to control tongue weight, the balance of their trailer, the distance the axles are from the coupler and other factors, it tows just fine. Anyway, I'd contacted them because I kept reading about the 10-15% tongue weight and thought that's a lot on this type of trailer. For a travel trailer, how HIGH your load is inside that trailer matters. The higher it is, the more trouble you'll have in braking because of the load shift being so high above the axles. Keep your trailer load LOW inside that trailer. And over the axles as much as possible.

@markaverett1225 3 жыл бұрын

good stuff. I promise I won't go over my Payload capacity!

@IronMessenger Жыл бұрын

Late to the party, but this is literally the best presentation of towing and all the factors, calculations and a spreadsheet tool to solve the questions. Best tool to date, GREAT job!

@A1N0 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much. Your video explains it perfectly, when so many other "experts" here don't.

@nhlcfl7733 3 жыл бұрын

From personal experience (explained further down), This type of video is a must for anyone thinking about buying a truck or evaluating their current truck when considering what they plan to tow with it. You touched on most every point and were truthful about most dealerships and their lack or care or understanding of your set up or intended set up; many simply want the sale! Before I purchased my 31 ft., 7300 lbs. Toy Hauler (1100 lb. tongue “hitch” weight), I thought my truck 1/2 ton was alright and with its GVWR and GCWR. Well, I towed it from the dealership (350 miles) where I got the great deal and felt uneasy the whole way home. It felt okay overall but the squat was excessive and the main issue. I have “The Equalizer” WDHitch system so that was the thing that greatly helped. I realized that for any real travelling safety, I had to upgrade suspension or upgrade truck. I upgraded suspension (RAM 1500 coils with 1300 lbs. payload capacity), two grades stiffer but that didn’t solve it, it did a little but not enough in my opinion. In the end, I now own a 3/4 ton Chevy with a payload capacity of 3300 lbs. and lots of room regarding GCWR, etc., and all the stability with a more robust frame and axle and brake capacity that one could ask for and peace of mind. I like the newer camera technology and more that helps a lot, even with my LT level truck.

@BigRockMoto 3 жыл бұрын

Great story thank you

@desertforrest 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you sir! Great information and very useful!

@BigRockMoto 3 жыл бұрын

No worries

@carvesnow Жыл бұрын

Great video! Love the straightforward no BS format.

@kennithandirsen7184 Жыл бұрын

One of the best videos on the Tube regarding these subjects....Thank you!

@adinlucena7047 3 жыл бұрын

Trailer sway... Found out the hard way, but I learned through that experience. Never happened to me again 😂😂😂

@wowwow1718 3 жыл бұрын

Always put as much weight as close as possible to the axle of the truck 🛻

@TheLifeandSadEnding 3 жыл бұрын

This is a very good video. Thanks for getting this info out. I have a F250 with 2852 payload. I tow a Lance 2465 with a max weight of 8000 lb. I think I'm good looking at my numbers. Do have Timbrens or sumo springs on the back?

@SurelyYewJest 3 жыл бұрын

I don't know what year your F250 is but assuming everything you listed and your trailer is filled to its max cargo weight, and your trailer is transferring the standard-guideline 15% load to the truck's hitch, you still have 1600lbs of payload capacity left.

@beersandburgers7392 Жыл бұрын

AMAZING VIDEO! I've been diving down a never ending circle of this topic. I was told I could buy a mew F-150 and just tow a 10, 000 lbs trailer. I kept digging info and yours is by far the best. I now know I need at least a 250 and then still confirm the numbers.

@toddshook1765 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video; it has helped me a lot. I drive a semi-truck and know about weight but is a bit different with pick up and trailer. We bought a new travel trailer couple weeks ago and pull it with my Nissan Titan with tow package. It is a Pacific Coachworks Surfside 16RB (dry weight 3360) and do have Husky weight distribution/anti sway hitch. I did a basic calculations and am ok. Your video will help find tune more precise my rig. Thanks again for the time doing your videos. Todd -Phelan, Ca.

@MO-vx3br 3 жыл бұрын

Very informative video. One extra tidbit that I read also helped us was wheelbase concerns. I found this online it may help your readers - “As a general rule of thumb, the first 110 inches of wheelbase allow for a 20-foot trailer. For each additional four inches of wheelbase length, you get one foot more in trailer length.” Safe travels!

@mschrum 5 ай бұрын

Never heard this rule of thumb before but I like it. I am getting a truck with 141 in wheelbase which means 27.5 foot trailer which is what I was shopping for. Good to get some verification. Thanks!

@wonderingBadger 3 жыл бұрын

Well done Ian I wish so many more people could grasp this info and take heed to it. Would like to add that age and condition of equipment are also limiting factors, especially on tires. Just because a tire has sufficient tread doesn’t automatically mean they are good to go. If more than 7 or so years old they should be replaced. Thanks for the well thought out and thorough video!

@BigRockMoto 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Lynn and good point about tires.

@TC-pn1yl 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much for the detailed explanation. You make a lot of sense and give us the information we need to make a good decision as we look for a camper and a tow vehicle!

@miguelpalacio9168 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Big Rock Moto for your Towing Checklist and Calculator. I literally sat down plugging in numbers from my vehicles manual and researching RV capacity and the numbers came out acceptable for my trip. Will definitely be using in the future.

@BigRockMoto 2 жыл бұрын

Glad to help

@obiwan6126 3 жыл бұрын

Great video, tons of great information here. My only critique is that GCWR isn’t always GVWR + max tow rating. For this reason your formula for tow capacity using GCWR-GVWR accounts for hitch weight as represented in the GVWR/Payload as well as any unused cargo capacity. The weight that presents itself at the hitch with downward force, while certainly playing a role in Payload and GVWR for the truck, is really weight that is associated with and derived directly from the trailer being towed and it’s respective GVWR. Your formula counts it twice, once on the GVWR for the truck and then again in the resulting GVWR tow capacity. For those of us that tow small trailers with hitch weight figures ranging from 300-500 lbs., that represents lost cargo capacity in your spreadsheet. When put on a scale to measure GCWR, the hitch weight associated to the truck’s payload and GVWR will always be weighed as part of the trailer just as it would be if the trailer were to be weighed separately. The only reason to account for it on the truck is to measure the downward force the weight places onto the axles and suspension of the truck. GCWR on the other hand accounts for how much weight your tow vehicle is rated to safely pull and stop. That’s a 12.5% loss in GCWR cargo capacity without reason.

@tylerbrown4483 Жыл бұрын

Yup. You crushed that. The reason GCWR-GVWR is not equal to max towing is that the three ratings have different basis. GCWR and GCWR are actually both determined by what your braking and suspension systems can handle under dynamic load in extremis. Max towing is based on what your frame and powers train can handle.

@spankroy 3 жыл бұрын

It's always the cargo capacity that limits towing. I was reading about people who had purchased the new Sierra with the 6.2L V8 and large tow ratings, but yet, they too also had around 1500 lbs of weight capacity.

@BigRockMoto 3 жыл бұрын

100% right

@bonitarogozinsky3472 2 жыл бұрын

Clearly you must be an engineer! Your video was so incredibly helpful! Thanks for putting all the effort into the calculations and providing this video without including a bunch of obnoxious music, etc.! Using your real life examples, e.g., your truck with the trailer attached, also put things into perspective. I am trying to make a decision on purchasing a travel trailer to pull with my mid-size SUV and your info was just what I needed to not make an informed, safe decision!! Thank you, nicely done!!! PS, I downloaded and plan to use, your spreadsheet before I make a purchase, so, thanks for that too!

@hatch4010 Жыл бұрын

Bro! The info I've been looking for! Thanks for breaking it down and delivering the good.

@GanderFlight 3 жыл бұрын

Payload is the EXACT reason why we moved from a max tow F150 with the 3.5 ecoboost to a Ram 2500 with a 6.4L Hemi. The towing difference is NIGHT AND DAY!

@herb7877 3 жыл бұрын

I'm in the same process only to a F350. Way overkill, but I was on the border on carrying capacity / load and want the extra margin. The F150 had plenty of power and way under towing weight capacity though... better to be save than sorry.

@wildbill23c 3 жыл бұрын

Most people don't realize when they buy that decked out fully loaded fancy SUV or pickup that their towing capacity is significantly reduced....everything you add to a vehicle reduces its payload/towing capacity. If a truck is rated to tow 10,000lbs, its the bare bones basic 2 wheel drive model with a certain engine/transmission and axle combination....its not the same model truck in 4 wheel drive configuration with every option under the sun installed in it or on it...your towing/payload capacity is also significantly reduced after you add a lift kit, larger size tires, etc.

@BigRockMoto 3 жыл бұрын

100% right

@gilianrampart8514 3 жыл бұрын

Mine is not barebones.

@terryivanov9009 3 жыл бұрын

One of the best and most detailed explanation on weights, towing and how to properly handle your safe towing, I am new to this, about to buy my first RV, thank you very much for for such detailed video, great stuff.

@BigRockMoto 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@theresad6990 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video! The info you presented was outstanding. You answered so many things that I was unsure about as I consider a new tow vehicle. I'll definitely be sharing this with others.

@philip600rr 3 жыл бұрын

I'm buying a small toy hauler to avoid the problems you are having. Throw all your camping stuff/Toys in the toy hauler and have plenty of capacity for the truck left over.

@eventhisidistaken 3 жыл бұрын

In both of the crashes, it looks like neither of them slowed down as the trailer started to sway.

@BigRockMoto 3 жыл бұрын

I think the advice is to apply trailer brakes only in these situations

@1mandrywallarmytv144 3 жыл бұрын

@@BigRockMoto i thought trailer brakes were mandatory apparently not to them

@davidj1436 3 жыл бұрын

I don’t know about RV travel trailer, but a lot of at least older work trailers have hydraulic brakes. They only brake as the tire vehicle slows down. It is possible they had a vehicle with a tow package. If they did not understand about brake controllers it may not have been installed.

@1mandrywallarmytv144 3 жыл бұрын

@@davidj1436 looked like they were rear heavy causing an imbalance in weight distribution