Is this too much trailer for my truck?

haggis · 04-04-2009, 07:05 PM

Hi Guys (and Gals!)
I have a 08 Titan CC LE with the tow package. I am considering buying a 07 KZ Durango 301RB TT. The manufacturers figures are UVW 7215, Dry Hitch Wt. 955 and GVWR of 10000. Length is 30' 9". I don't plan to load the trailer much, and most of my trips will be here in Florida where it is relatively flat. Of course I will be using sway/load distribution bars. My question is, is this too much for my Titan? Am I biting off too much than I can chew? Of course the salesman says I'd be able to pull it no problem!!! (Haven't heard that before!) Thanks in advance.

**yamatitan** · 04-04-2009, 07:40 PM

I would say that its too much, I know a bunch of people will tell you your fine. Thats just too much to be comfortable with IMO.

**4mula1fan** · 04-04-2009, 07:51 PM

It would be on the high edge, with good brake controls and the WD hitch you could do it, just see if your tires can handle it. May have to go to a higher rated tire...my .02...

SwiftShot · 04-04-2009, 09:27 PM

The problem will be that and the Trany. If you have the tow package your gears will be fine just dont go up on your tire size. I pull mine and its 7200 + GVW and I load it up and dont have much trouble up here in the Mountains and I am running 35 inch tires. Might look at the length effecting you more than you think. Thats the lever that will sway the hell out of you. Get the Equalizer weight distributing hitch it has built in sway control so it will help out a lot. Keep in in Tow Mode and out of D down into 4 th and it should do it.

BuckyBadger · 04-05-2009, 09:09 AM

The figures from the manufacturer are not accurate. There are a lot of addons that are not included in the dry weight.
Batteries, propane, awnings, spare tires and A/C. Thoes are a few but i'm sure there are more. I think you would be pushing it.

HudsonValleyTitan · 04-05-2009, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by haggis

Hi Guys (and Gals!)
I have a 08 Titan CC LE with the tow package. I am considering buying a 07 KZ Durango 301RB TT. The manufacturers figures are UVW 7215, Dry Hitch Wt. 955 and GVWR of 10000. Length is 30' 9". I don't plan to load the trailer much, and most of my trips will be here in Florida where it is relatively flat. Of course I will be using sway/load distribution bars. My question is, is this too much for my Titan? Am I biting off too much than I can chew? Of course the salesman says I'd be able to pull it no problem!!! (Haven't heard that before!) Thanks in advance.

All those numbers are right where I am with my TT and I've been towing it with no problems not only with my new LWB 08 PRO, but with my SWB 04 SE as well. Your truck will pull it just fine. BTW, the dry weights always include (unless otherwise noted) such things as batteries, awnings and AC because those aren't usually options. And I never travel with any of my water tanks full....there's simply no need to.
I don't listen to salesman either. They just want to sell the unit. But in this case, he's right.

**loufish** · 04-05-2009, 02:49 PM

Quote:

BTW, the dry weights always include (unless otherwise noted) such things as batteries, awnings and AC because those aren't usually options.

Incorrect, almost every single trailer manufacturer's advertised empty weights do no include any options.

Now the sticker located usually in the galley lists what the new payloads are as shipped from the factory and that includes of course options installed from the factory...

haggis · 04-05-2009, 05:00 PM

Thanks for the responses. I have decided that seeing as this would be my first trailer it would be safer (for all of us!) if I got something a little smaller.

Shane06fl · 04-05-2009, 05:21 PM

The Titan will pull that weight just fine. IMO 30ft is too long for a short wheel base 1/2 ton truck. The truck alone just doesn't have the weight to help keep the TT stable in a emergency situation. yeah I know a lot of people have no issues and HVT has logged several thousand miles and wish him the best forever and ever. I am sure that HVT long bed truck is doing a fine job.
I also subscribe to the 85% rule, keeping the weight 85% of the max GVWR. This is mostly for saftey first and not wearing ou the truck second.

This guys has some good solid info to read.

Use to be RV Towing tips but he closed it down and started up this blog
David's RV Tips

HudsonValleyTitan · 04-05-2009, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loufish

Incorrect, almost every single trailer manufacturer's advertised empty weights do no include any options.

Now the sticker located usually in the galley lists what the new payloads are as shipped from the factory and that includes of course options installed from the factory...

So how was that incorrect lol? OPTIONS is the key word here. There's not a TT around close enough to a Titans tow capacity that doesn't include such things as an awning or AC unit. From the Jayco site:

**Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW): Sometimes referred to as "Dry Weight." UVW means the typical weight of this trailer as built at the factory. The UVW, as used in product literature and other promotional materials, does not include cargo, fresh water, LP gas, options or dealer-installed accessories.**

So unless it's "optional", it's included in the dry weight.

**loufish** · 04-06-2009, 06:34 AM

Quote:

So how was that incorrect lol? OPTIONS is the key word here. There's not a TT around close enough to a Titans tow capacity that doesn't include such things as an awning or AC unit. From the Jayco site:

Dry weights quoted in literature are what I was referring to. The actual trailers them selfs have the weight sticker usually on a cabinet door in the galley.

I said "almost" all, Jayco is one of the few manufactures that have recognized that advertised dry weights where way off from typical weights of units delivered hence the term "Unloaded Vehicle Weight" as opposed to the much used but not accurate "Dry Weight".

Very typical to see delivered trailer weights off by 500-600 lbs compared to "Dry Weights" advertised.

padave65 · 04-09-2009, 11:30 AM

There is another concern with towing this unit. The max hitch weight for his truck is 890bs (owner's manual). I have the same truck.

padave65 · 04-09-2009, 11:43 AM

Speaking of trailers, What about towing a Cougar Xlite 29bhs , with a dry weight of 6360 (sticker not brochure) GVWR of 7800, hitch weight of 870 lbs, and a length of 32.5 feet. I know that it is a little long according to Dave's RV tips. What are your opinions? My owner's manual says for truck can tow up to 8900 lbs.

gksmith · 04-09-2009, 12:35 PM

My experience says always assume you are 500lbs heavier than you think you are. Added options add weight, lots of small things you decide to take with you add up quickly.

A guy I know on a RV forum always states you should have a tow capacity of 1.5 to 2x more than than the weight of your trailer loaded. Others state you should 20% reserve. I prefer to have 1000+ lbs of spare capacity. You never know when you are going to need it for something.

Pops · 04-09-2009, 12:44 PM

That's the same type of Travel Trailer I'm currently looking to get. I'm hoping to get a 29'-33' TT with slide-out and from everything I've been looking at, it should be an easy pull. You need a Brake Controller (I'll be getting a Prodigy) for anything over 1,000-lbs, a Weight-Distribution Hitch (I'll be getting an Equal-i-zer) for anything over 5,000-lbs, use the Tow Mode button and put the Trans in 4th gear and it should all be good to go.

This is where I'm currently pricing out the equipment at: The Original RV Wholesalers - RV Sales Ohio RV Dealers RV Sales Florida RV Dealers