[MarkEHansen]

RVEagle - you're coming at this focused in one direction. What some folks are trying to point out (which they've learned though experience and hard-knocks) is that you really need to come at this from a different direction.

Without knowing the actual weight of your trailer - all packed up and ready for camping, the next best way to estimate it is to use the GVR. This is the Dry Weight plus the Max Cargo Capacity of the trailer, as placarded on the trailer body.

Once you have this, then you need to look at the payload sticker on your tow vehicle. That sticker will tell you the payload capacity of your truck (which is an estimate, since this is the payload when the truck left the factory).

You then can start deducting things from that payload capacity, like the tongue weight of the trailer (12-15 % of the trailer's gross weight - from above), the trailer hitch (100 or so pounds) the weight of passengers, cargo, bikes, etc., etc.

The reason you look at payload first, is it is usually exceeded before anything else. Of course, all the numbers need to be checked.

By the way, adjusting the weight distributing hitch does nothing for your payload capacity. Neither does adding air bags, etc. (in fact, added equipment is going to reduce from your available payload).

The bottom line is that until you have your trailer all loaded up for camping and on the scales, you should work with the published GVWR of the trailer and make sure your tow vehicle is capable.

Good luck in your search.