pmorosin wrote: Hi, I’m looking for some help in pairing a TT with a TV. I’m looking at a Spree 265ks: UVW:4935, Dry Hitch: 545, Dry Axle: 4399, NCC: 1565, GVWR:6500, 26’9”.
I would really like to pair this with a large SUV. I was hoping for a 2010 Yukon (tow capacity: 8400, 5.4/V8, payload 1774), or Yukon XL(1500 (TC: 8100, 5.4/V8, payload 1520) or 2500(TC: 9600, 6.2/V8, payload 2162).---
Here's one way to estimate whether a tow vehicle has what it takes to tow a given trailer:
Estimate loaded weight of TT --
1) Find the brochure or sticker value of TT's dry weight: 4935#
2) If dry weight is from brochure, add estimated allowance for propane & non-standard items: 300#
3) Add results from 1) and 2) for estimated dry weight = 5235#
4) Estimate how much cargo, liquids, etc to be added to TT: 1000#
5) Add results from 3) and 4) to get estimated loaded weight = 6235# (must be less than TT's GVWR)
6) Estimate total weight of passengers (excluding driver), cargo, optional equipment, and include 80# for weight distribution hitch: 700#
7) Add results from 5) and 6) for minimum TV "TOWING CAPACITY" = 6935#
Estimate tongue weight of loaded TT --
8) Multiply result from 5) by 13% to get TV receiver's minimum "weight distributing" TONGUE WEIGHT rating: 6235x0.13 = 810#
9) Multiply result from 8) by 75% to get estimated trailer-induced load added to TV: 810x0.75 = 608#
10) Add results from 6) and 9) to get TV's minimum "PAYLOAD" rating: 700+608 = 1308#
Replace the above values in blue with your own best estimates.
Recalculate and compare results with the "Towing Capacity", "Payload", and receiver Tongue Weight ratings for your candidate tow vehicles.
It's up to you to decide how close you want to be to manufacturer's ratings.
Go w/ a 3/4 ton SUV. You can also look at the old ford 3/4 ton excursions (can even be found in diesel if you really want). many on here say they make a great tow vehicle.
In terms of figuring out if a particular suv will work for towing what you want... look at the payload sticker in the door of the exact model you want, subtract from that the weight of all occupants and gear and fuel you plan to have in the vehicle. This will give you an available payload. Payload is always the limiting factor as tongue weight comes off the payload. Remember that dry weights and dry tongue weights are a useless #. You can either use the TT's gvwr (most do not tow max weight but some do) or figure an average of 1000-1500 lbs cargo to add to the dry weight to get a guesstimate loaded TT weight. You can usually figure on about 13-15% of loaded TT weight for tongue weight. These numbers should help you to get a good match. Either way, I would stay away from a half ton SUV as you will really run out of payload quickly. A crew cab pick up or 3/4 ton suv are better options. With an SUV, make sure you get a top of the line hitch to help with any sway issues from the shorter wheel base.
anaro wrote: In terms of figuring out if a particular suv will work for towing what you want... look at the payload sticker in the door of the exact model you want, subtract from that the weight of all occupants and gear and fuel you plan to have in the vehicle. This will give you an available payload.---
Weight of a full tank of fuel is included in the UVW.
It is NOT necessary to subtract the weight of fuel from the maximum cargo weight specified on the Tire and Loading Information placard.
But, you should subtract the estimated weight of a weight distribution hitch.
Chuck
Wonderful Wife
Australian Shepherd
2010 Ford Expedition TV
2010 Outback 230RS Toybox, 5390# UVW, 6800# Loaded Not yet camped in Hawaii, 2 Canada Provinces, & 2 Territories I can't be lost because I don't care where this lovely road is going
Go with the 3/4 ton. Shortly down the road you may want a longer trailer and you will be all set. When we go to an RV Show there are always new attractive trailers with great new features. Never know???
Get the Suburban or Yukon XL, longer wheelbase. The 5.3L/6-spd with 3.42 is good enough. Expect payload in the 1400 pound range, not 1774, according to the Tire and Loading sticker. 800 pounds on the hitch takes away quickly from that 1400 pounds of payload. Throw some bikes and toys and camping gear inside with your family and you're easily overloaded.
The 3/4 ton is great. Love mine. Over 2000 pounds of payload, stronger motor and better gearing. Stronger frame, axles, and suspension. Probably overkill for that TT, though.
A & A parents of DD 2005, DS1 2007, DS2 2009 2011 Suburban 2500 6.0L 3.73 pulling 2011 Heartland North Trail 28BRS 2012 VW Passat TDI