Question regarding the 80% towing “rule”

[LDM]

I have a 2017 NissanTitan SV 4x4, and I’m considering purchasing a Keystone Passport 2210RB, dry weight around 4,750 lbs., GVWR 7,000 lbs. My question is this, when calculating the 80%, rule is it best to calculate based on the max towing capacity (9,250 lbs.) or the GCWR (15,300 lbs.). Either way I should be fine, but just curious about the correct way to calculate it.
Thanks!

[MarkEHansen]

Something else to consider is the payload capacity for your truck. It will be listed on a yellow sticker inside the door frame. It will say something like "All passengers and cargo must not exceed this weight". You need to work into that capacity all the people that will be in the car, all the cargo, the full tank of gas and most importantly, the tongue weight of the trailer.

[sourdough]

Max towing capacity is meaningless and a sales tool - nothing more. It has nothing to do with your particular truck.

GCWR is an important number but you are forgetting several others that will come into play before you get to that (probably). Look at the placards on the driver door - payload (carrying capacity), gawr (front/rear), tire capacity. Those are the numbers you need to stay within along with everything else. 80% rule - look at the payload (on the door placard) and go with 80% of that and see where you will be. If you have questions just fire away.

[LDM]

Thanks for the feedback. I have done an estimate on payload. When I calculate the total truck weight (curb weight plus payload est.) and calculate that as a percentage of the GCWR, I’m right st 81% . As a result Im feeling pretty confident about the wt. Just wanted to insure I was calculating the proper way.

[MarkEHansen]

No, I mean calculate your cargo weight (persons, fuel, cargo, trailer tongue, etc.) as a percentage of your placarded max payload (from your door sticker) and make sure you're under the maximum. This is where (I think) most have problems.

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by LDM

Thanks for the feedback. I have done an estimate on payload. When I calculate the total truck weight (curb weight plus payload est.) and calculate that as a percentage of the GCWR, I’m right st 81% . As a result Im feeling pretty confident about the wt. Just wanted to insure I was calculating the proper way.

That's not the way it works. Look at the placards on the door and get THOSE numbers and see where you are. GCWR is not the only number you need to meet (not close).

[LDM]

Thanks Mark. I actually went down to truck scales and weighed the truck. I then estimated passenger weights and other items I would likely carry in the truck. I then compared everything to the stickers inside the truck, to try to calculate the percentages. I think I have a pretty good number I can use.

[MarkEHansen]

We're talking about the max payload weight rating, not the GVWR or GCWR. What is the max payload from your yellow sticker?

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by LDM

Thanks Mark. I actually went down to truck scales and weighed the truck. I then estimated passenger weights and other items I would likely carry in the truck. I then compared everything to the stickers inside the truck, to try to calculate the percentages. I think I have a pretty good number I can use.

You have the truck weight; that's good...including what? If you load the truck with passengers and "stuff" and weigh it you would have an accurate number. You're comparing "everything" to the stickers and calculating "percentages" and now have a pretty good number? I think I'm confused? Did you need help, an equation or?? All the numbers (less any published "towing capacity") "play" together.

[LDM]

I knew how to get the numbers. My original question was whether I should use those numbers and calculate against the max towing capacity or the GCWR, when calculating the 80% rule. I believe what has been suggested is use the latter.

[sourdough]

It seems you have what you wanted. Should we close the thread?

[LDM]

No reason not to.. Thanks for the feedback.

[sourdough]

Thread closed - OP has received info requested.