Towing calculator made easy

[Salsaman1a]

So... I was going crazy with all the math and formulas to insure I have the right truck to go with my new Montana 3820FL. Reading the questions and answers on the various forms, searches, talking to backyard experts ect... My biggest fear is being filled over by the staties and finding myself in trouble. Yes, there is a ton of info out there and some of it is quite confusing so I thought it would be a good idea to add this link to help my brethren stay safe and clear of the law!!

http://www.fifthwheelmagazine.com/new-tow-calc.asp

[Gegrad]

the link appears to be broken.

[JRTJH]

Try this:

http://www.fifthwheelmagazine.com/new-tow-calc.aspx

[Canonman]

Excellent! Simple and quick.
Should be a mandatory exercise for all RV travel trailer sales to verify/prove the buyers tow vehicle is really capable of safely towing the proposed RV.

[Laredo Tugger]

Nice tool. Thanks.
Between the hitch and adapter,generator,12 gal gas can(for gen),2 boxes of DEF and myself and DW along with misc. items (personal items,cold drinks,phone chargers ect...) i calculated the total payload (in the truck) at 1000 lbs.(high estimate). Sticker on the truck reads 3822 available payload. I assume the calculator figured in the pin weight as entered and I know that is subject to change. My calculations showed I have close to 800 lbs. of available payload.
I also know I do not have the trailer at max load. The calculator estimated the GCVWR just over 3500 lbs. below the max for my TV. And that is calculating a "full" trailer.
So I am happy with the numbers of this calculator. Now to the scales next trip out and we shall see the real numbers. I'm fully aware that my surpluses can be gobbled up by reality,but it's nice to be ahead of the curve.
RMc

[HitFactor]

Originally Posted by Canonman

Excellent! Simple and quick.

Should be a mandatory exercise for all RV travel trailer sales to verify/prove the buyers tow vehicle is really capable of safely towing the proposed RV.

No thanks, don't need more regulations, laws, or taxes.

[cookinwitdiesel]

Originally Posted by HitFactor

No thanks, don't need more regulations, laws, or taxes.

There is nothing wrong with a law that is well written, reasonable, and enforceable. This would not cause any taxes or extra costs. I guess regulation=law?

Generally I think his sentiment was that this could help make the roads safer for everyone, those towing, and those around them. I am sure you have driven enough on american roads to recognize that although everyone out there allegedly passed a driving test and got their license, they are not all intelligent smart people properly taking safety into account. Perhaps, when towing combined rigs approaching or exceeding 20k# there should be an extra simple step as an idiot check?

[HitFactor]

Originally Posted by cookinwitdiesel

There is nothing wrong with a law that is well written, reasonable, and enforceable. This would not cause any taxes or extra costs. I guess regulation=law?

First challenge is well written and reasonable, possible but all that time making it into law isn't free.

Enforceable without costs? I'm in the U.S., enforcement action often ends up in court. Nothing free there.

Your point that even though we have drivers testing, we still have bad drivers proves testing is not effective.

Good on those who choose to use the calculator.

[Canonman]

Originally Posted by HitFactor

No thanks, don't need more regulations, laws, or taxes.

Not suggesting it should be a law. I would suggest it could be used as a part of the sales process. What better way to develop the trust relationship between the salesman/dealer and the customer? I know when I was looking at buying I asked about the RV I was looking at and what my truck at the time could safely tow. I bought from the dealer that was the most truthful. A salesman properly trained with a tool such as this could provide documentable evidence of what a buyer could safely tow.
"Others could tell you you could tow more/bigger etc. But, we want you and your family to be safe."

[HitFactor]

Originally Posted by Canonman

... A salesman properly trained ...

There is that cost thing again.

You said "documented evidence" are you sure you don't want a law?

Neither you or I need a salesman who has attended mandatory tow calculator training. The whole ideal, while well intentioned, is counter to the real life sales process of coaches.

Warning Will Robinson, forum weight police approaching.

[Canonman]

Pretty sure I don't want a law. What would be nice is a cooperative effort between the manufacturers and dealers to up their level of professionalism to include really helping the buyer make an educated choice. I agree for some dealerships this would be quite a stretch. Further, nothing is going to improve until manufacturers stop advertising 30 ft 5th wheels as 1/2 ton towable. I bought our first TT from a responsible dealer that talked me down from the sky-in -the-pie trailer I thought I wanted to one that realistically fit our towing capability. When we sold that TT to upgrade to the Cougar, I was able to use the same information to convince the buyer that his F150 was OK to safely tow that TT. Didn't have this nifty tool but the math was basically the same.

[HitFactor]

We just bought a new TT for the two if us. We looked at the smaller 5th wheels and came to conclusion.

What a great looking animal, what is it?

[Carrottop]

That animal is a bighorn sheep very common in the western Rockies.

[HitFactor]

Thanks, I know the differences between goats and sheep on the farms here in Michigan. But not the wildlife out west.

Back on topic. I agree that bigger coaches need bigger trucks.

[cookinwitdiesel]

An important point for buyers to also understand (and one I did NOT) is that the 3/4 Ton Diesel truck is in a very weird place in terms of payload and is actually usually not a great option. Best to get the 1 ton for nearly the same money and enjoy a much larger payload rating.

[Canonman]

Originally Posted by cookinwitdiesel

An important point for buyers to also understand (and one I did NOT) is that the 3/4 Ton Diesel truck is in a very weird place in terms of payload and is actually usually not a great option. Best to get the 1 ton for nearly the same money and enjoy a much larger payload rating.

100% AGREE!!
We are right at the limit with our Ram 2500 pulling a "1/2 ton towable Cougar"

Photo of the Big Horn Ram was taken in Rocky Mtn. National Park.
Yes, they are sheep

[66joej]

Originally Posted by HitFactor

We just bought a new TT for the two if us. We looked at the smaller 5th wheels and came to conclusion.

What a great looking animal, what is it?

Yes Bighorn sheep. We have these walking around the town all year long. Probably the largest herd in North America. But on a hot summer day we would like it if they moved to another area.
Can I ship a few your way?

[77cruiser]

Bet they do damage to a vehicle if you hit one.

[Sinton4616]

Nice little find. Just ran rough numbers for the fun of it.

Taking max of FW (15000 GVWR x .25 = 3750lbs pin weight)
Ford Fleet Guide shows Towing Capacity 27300 and GCVWR 360000

Plugged in max numbers, calc returns:
Avail Payload: 846
New GVWR: 13156
New GCVWR: 24406

If using 22% of FW GVWR, leaves 1296 avail payload.

Considering no washer/dryer and no modes to speak of, figure roughly 1K without weighting the combo.

Next time I hook up, will weigh at CAT scales that opened up down the road after bringing FW home.

[5J's]

If the current laws were enforced this wouldn't be a huge issue. I've never seen a FW or TT weighed here in Texas. I'm not saying I'd enjoy the hassle but, the laws are in place. If we can't or aren't going to enforce them then we should pull it from the books. I know I know we have laws to keep us safe but, they do no good without enforcement. I think lack of education and enforcement of the law is the real issue.

With all that being said, this thread was started to share a helpful tool and seems to have gotten off track. I think this tool is helpful and deserves a sticky somewhere. Thanks for sharing.