Hi, I'm looking at purchasing a 1990 F250 (supposedly with 460) and a 1985 camper. I also have a boat - with trailer it weighs probably 7500 - 8000 lbs.
I've read the truck weight as 5000 lbs and GVWR as 8800 lbs. Can anyone tell me if i can acheive my dream of towing the boat with the camper on? how can I determine what is safe?
Really the only constraints on SAFETY issues is the GVWR and GAWR ratings for the truck. Maximum trailer size and GCVWR are both basically only warranty items. Unless you have a warranty on the truck or exceed those two safety numbers (and are unhappy with the performance) then it's certainly doable.
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skipnchar wrote: Really the only constraints on SAFETY issues is the GVWR and GAWR ratings for the truck. Maximum trailer size and GCVWR are both basically only warranty items. Unless you have a warranty on the truck or exceed those two safety numbers (and are unhappy with the performance) then it's certainly doable.
Gross Combined Trailer Weight Rating is a safety item.
That is how the tow vehicle brakes, etc. are sized.
They are sized so that if there is a failure of the trailer brakes, the tow vehicle brakes are more than adequate to bring the combination to a safe stop under normal circumstances.
skipnchar wrote: Really the only constraints on SAFETY issues is the GVWR and GAWR ratings for the truck. Maximum trailer size and GCVWR are both basically only warranty items. Unless you have a warranty on the truck or exceed those two safety numbers (and are unhappy with the performance) then it's certainly doable.
Gross Combined Trailer Weight Rating is a safety item.
That is how the tow vehicle brakes, etc. are sized.
They are sized so that if there is a failure of the trailer brakes, the tow vehicle brakes are more than adequate to bring the combination to a safe stop under normal circumstances.
My truck Has a 7000lb GVWR and a 14000lb GCVWR , according to my build sheet my brakes are rated for 7000lbs not 14000lbs.
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Gross Combined Trailer Weight Rating is a safety item.
That is how the tow vehicle brakes, etc. are sized.
They are sized so that if there is a failure of the trailer brakes, the tow vehicle brakes are more than adequate to bring the combination to a safe stop under normal circumstances.
My truck Has a 7000lb GVWR and a 14000lb GCVWR , according to my build sheet my brakes are rated for 7000lbs not 14000lbs.
If your brakes are only rated for 7,000lbs, explain to me whether the brakes are overloaded if you are loaded to 7,000lbs GVWR on the TV, towing a 3,000lb GVWR trailer without brakes (not required for that light a trailer in some states, others set the limit much lower).
They are sized for a combination of 14,000lbs in a emergency.
The presumption in setting the GCVR is that if the trailer brakes failed, the tow vehicle brakes are sufficient to bring the combination to a safe stop under normal circumstances.
Just look up the definition of 'rating' and then notice that there are many 'R'
in the acronyms
GCWR has been argued often and never will end till folks understand what rating
means and then in the context of a specification from an OEM for their product
Of which they provide warranty, which has further conditions.
Useless discussion with anyone who does NOT understand what 'rating' means in
reference to a specification and contract
NewsW's brake example is a prime one in reference to GCWR
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1996 GMC SLT Suburban 3/4 ton K3500/7.4L/4:1/+150Kmiles orig owner...
1980 Chevy Silverado C10/long bed/"BUILT" 5.7L/3:73/1 ton helper springs/+329Kmiles, bought it from dad...
1998 Mazda B2500 (1/2 ton) pickup, 2nd owner...
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Previous trucks/offroaders: 40's Jeep restored in mid 60's / 69 DuneBuggy (approx +1K lb: VW pan/200hpCorvair: eng, cam, dual carb'w velocity stacks'n 18" runners, 4spd transaxle) made myself from ground up / 1970 Toyota FJ40 / 1973 K5 Blazer (2dr Tahoe, 1 ton axles front/rear, +255K miles when sold it)...
Sold the boat (looking for another): Trophy with twin 150's...
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I have a 1985 250 diesel that weighs about 5800 with me and fuel, and have loaded 1500# in the bed and towed 7500# without a problem. Just make sure you have the proper equipment because you're not giving yourself a 15% cushion, assuming your camper is around a ton empty. You don't have to guess at weights. Go to a CAT scale and then you'll know your truck's weight loaded, tw, and trailer weight. There are lots of posts on how to weigh if you don't already know how to. Drive sensibly and avoid mountains.
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cekkk wrote: I have a 1985 250 diesel that weighs about 5800 with me and fuel, and have loaded 1500# in the bed and towed 7500# without a problem. Just make sure you have the proper equipment because you're not giving yourself a 15% cushion, assuming your camper is around a ton empty. You don't have to guess at weights. Go to a CAT scale and then you'll know your truck's weight loaded, tw, and trailer weight. There are lots of posts on how to weigh if you don't already know how to. Drive sensibly and avoid mountains.
Thanks all! The boat trailer is a tandem axle, which I understand affects TONGUE weight, but this should not affect the trailer capacity, correct? If I go weigh everything I should use the full trailer weight, right?
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