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midwest

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I was called out and asked if I had changed wheels/tires, axle, etc in regards to "improving load carrying" ?
Let's just take my puny little class one Frontier as an example. The rear tires/wheels as fitted by the factory have 1000 pounds more load capacity than the stated GAWR. Hmmmm, so that can't be the weak link.
The axle is manufactured by Dana. Dana's weight limit capacity is 400 pounds higher than the door sticker GAWR. Dang.... I guess that can't be the weak link either.
This is my point all along. Do the research on your vehicle. Study and think about what you have. Many would be surprised at what logical conclusion you might come to.
As opposed to just listening to "you don't have enough truck. Go buy a 2500"
I would suggest to folks coming to a forum such as this looking for useful info, do a lot of research and reading. Question what people say. A good place to start is the factory shop manual. I spend the money on both a factory parts list if I can get it, and a factory shop manual. Shop manuals always have more specs, and more info than any owners manual.
Look fellas, I have nothing against the bigger trucks. Obviously, as I have put my money where my mouth is. I have a F350 dually. We tow with it. We carry loads with it. But we also tow and carry loads with a Frontier, and a 2015 Siverado.
I can't tell you how many times I've been over the CAT scales with all these and all four of my trailers. Match the tool to the job. Drive intelligently. Have fun.
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midwest

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SoundGuy wrote: Copperhead wrote: I realize that many already have the tow vehicle and are trying to make what they want in a trailer to work with it. Like most things, not the best approach. That is why determining what one wants in a travel trailer or 5th wheel and THEN getting an appropriate tow vehicle that will COMFORTABLY tow the unit safely WITHIN the limits of the TV.
But it does boggle the mind, when one can get a substantially more capable stock 3/4 ton for almost the same price, and many times even less price, off the lot than the most spec'd up 1/2 ton, why would anyone want to get the 1/2 ton if they are going to be towing frequently, and try to make it into something that it isn't.
Earlier I offered the OP 2 realistic solutions to his dilemma - either upgrade from his current 1/2 ton truck OR downsize his trailer to another he can safely tow with his current 1/2 ton. However, my bet is the OP will take a 3rd alternative which is to ignore all the good advice offered in this thread and simply hitch up his current (too large) trailer to his current 1/2 ton and hope for the best. Unfortunate, but the reality is all too many take this exact approach.
Regarding 1/2 tons, I've always owned a 1/2 ton, never have owned a 3/4, and never will BUT the reason is simple - I'll never own any trailer a properly equipped 1/2 ton can't tow. The largest trailer we've ever owned averaged ~ 5500 lbs loaded & ready to camp, our current trailer ~ 4800 lbs, both within the capabilities of the three 1/2 ton trucks I've been towing with since 2006. For some of us a 1/2 ton is all we'll ever need ... the difference is I understand what it can safely tow. ![biggrin [emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/biggrin.gif)
So predictable SG....had to throw in that rolls eyes icon, eh ? Man you're smart.....gotta prove your comments are smarter than others by rolling your eyes at our stupidity.
I would expect Barney is about to lock this down shortly. Might as well, the OP ain't coming back it appears.
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midwest

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SoundGuy wrote: ....snip....
Earlier I offered the OP 2 realistic solutions to his dilemma - either upgrade from his current 1/2 ton truck OR downsize his trailer to another he can safely tow with his current 1/2 ton. ![biggrin [emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/biggrin.gif)
Here's a possibility SG: let's just imagine there is a THIRD possibility regarding a solution to his towing situation.
What a concept eh ?
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roaming_free

Iowa

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So I've been reading the comments but i have been hesitant to even engage this group any more. There has been alot of good information in this thread, and I found the missing piece where my truck is lacking, mainly payload capacity.
I have had assumptions made on my intent, intelligence, capabilities, and ability to understand what was discussed here. I get notifications of every single post, and have been reading. I haven't had much to add yet, since I haven't been able to get out to the scales. I came here as I have a general understanding, but not a ton of experience with anything this heavy.
No, I am not going to negligently endanger my family or anyone else. Safety is why I am here asking for this help. We don't own the trailer yet, but my wife really wants it. I am just trying to sort out what I need to do to make this happen.
I am considering a purchase of a 3/4 ton available in my area. Do NOT assume that I am a fool that will ignore sound advice.
I don't want to spend a ton of money upgrading this 1500 because in the event of an accident the sticker will determine whether the law and insurance company will find me as overloaded.
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SoundGuy

S Ontario

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gmw photos wrote: So predictable SG....had to throw in that rolls eyes icon, eh ? Man you're smart.....gotta prove your comments are smarter than others by rolling your eyes at our stupidity.
And how does you wasting bandwidth attacking me personally contribute to the conversation or help the OP in any way? ![scratchead [emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/scratchead.gif)
Quote: I would expect Barney is about to lock this down shortly. Might as well, the OP ain't coming back it appears.
Seems you're incorrect once again as the OP has returned to the conversation, offering new information - that the trailer he referred to in his original post as "my camper" he hasn't actually purchased. That changes everything as it means the OP does have a choice available to him that won't cost a penny - choose a different trailer that his 1/2 ton Silverado can safely tow. NO need after all to upgrade to a 3/4 ton if he'd really prefer to stick with that 1/2 ton he already owns.
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midwest

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ok sound guy, since you think I'm picking on you for your senseless use of emoticons, let's try this: you're not very good at reading comprehension are you ?
The OP did not say he is looking at a smaller trailer to tow with his 1500, he said he is looking at a 2500.
And with that, I'll block mister emoticon. You have nothing of interest for me to read.
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mountainkowboy

Socal/NE Oregon

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gmw photos wrote: SoundGuy wrote: ....snip....
Earlier I offered the OP 2 realistic solutions to his dilemma - either upgrade from his current 1/2 ton truck OR downsize his trailer to another he can safely tow with his current 1/2 ton. ![biggrin [emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/biggrin.gif)
Here's a possibility SG: let's just imagine there is a THIRD possibility regarding a solution to his towing situation.
What a concept eh ?
Not possible, he's a "doom and gloomer", you need twice the TV abilities to tow in his world.
Chuck & Ruth with 4-legged Molly
2007 Tiffin Allegro 30DA
2011 Ford Ranger
1987 HD FLHTP
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roaming_free

Iowa

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I have a truck I am going to try to go look at tomorrow. There is a decent 2015 Silverado 2500HD in my area that has a 6.0L, 3190 payload, and 13,000 towing capacity. Only bad thing is that it has over 100K miles. If it was well maintained, I am not terribly concerned with that. But the price is right. We will see.
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troubledwaters

Potomac

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roaming_free wrote:
I don't want to spend a ton of money upgrading this 1500 because in the event of an accident the sticker will determine whether the law and insurance company will find me as overloaded. The only thing is you have one misconception, the law will never find you overloaded; unless you have more than 20,000 lbs on one axle.
Don't confuse the law with manufacturer's ratings. Two different ball games.
* This post was
edited 01/08/18 06:23am by troubledwaters *
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Terryallan

Foothills NC

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roaming_free wrote: So I've been reading the comments but i have been hesitant to even engage this group any more. There has been alot of good information in this thread, and I found the missing piece where my truck is lacking, mainly payload capacity.
I have had assumptions made on my intent, intelligence, capabilities, and ability to understand what was discussed here. I get notifications of every single post, and have been reading. I haven't had much to add yet, since I haven't been able to get out to the scales. I came here as I have a general understanding, but not a ton of experience with anything this heavy.
No, I am not going to negligently endanger my family or anyone else. Safety is why I am here asking for this help. We don't own the trailer yet, but my wife really wants it. I am just trying to sort out what I need to do to make this happen.
I am considering a purchase of a 3/4 ton available in my area. Do NOT assume that I am a fool that will ignore sound advice.
I don't want to spend a ton of money upgrading this 1500 because in the event of an accident the sticker will determine whether the law and insurance company will find me as overloaded.
I believe you are making a wise decision. Much smarter to match the TV, and TT.
Once you get it all setup, and running. I hope y'all will be able to enjoy years of camping fun. It really is all about the fun.
Terry & Shay
Coachman Apex 288BH.
2013 F150 XLT Off Road
5.0, 3.73
Lazy Campers
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