Ok, we purchased this trailer: http://goretrailers.com/trailer3a.htm and are looking for something to tow it with. I would like to use a Ford Expedition which is rated to tow 8,000 lbs. (with slight variations in this number by model year.)
The Expedition has a 500 lb. tongue weight but according to Gore, our trailer has a "hitch weight" of 760 lbs. (I'm assuming that hitch weight = tongue weight). We want to put stuff in the dressing room, plus there is a 5' space between the horses and the bulkhead wall of the DR that we thought we could put hay/water, etc. in. All of this will add to the tongue weight and far exceed the 500 lbs.
We also have portable, metal corral panels we'll be attaching to the trailer and taking with us.
What do we do? Use a weight dist. hitch? Will this be enough?
I haven't purchased a tow vehicle yet, but whatever I get will be my one/only vehicle. I prefer an SUV because I have dogs that go everywhere with me and they won't fit in a pick up, even one with 4 full doors!
Posted 2011-09-09 2:11 AM (#137349 - in reply to #137347) Subject: RE: Tongue Weight Questions.....HELP!
Expert
Posts: 3802
Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
I got the exact same trailer that I pull with a 2500HD GMC. By the time we get it loaded with stuff that tongue probably weighs 1000#. I do not use a WDH with this truck, so I don't know how well it would work with a WDH behind a half ton vehicle.... Call Jackson Gore on Friday morning, tell him what you got and he'll be able to suggest what they've used in the past.
Posted 2011-09-09 8:10 AM (#137350 - in reply to #137347) Subject: RE: Tongue Weight Questions.....HELP!
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
In addition to a weight distribution hitch, you could also consider the usage of air bags or Timbren suspension supplements. There are also available air shocks which will maintain an even ride level when loaded. The Expedition's suspension favours a smooth ride on the open road, as opposed to a high carrying capacity. It will squat a bit when loaded.
Your trailer's axles are well to the rear, which will result in higher tongue weights when it's loaded. You will need aids to keep the rear suspension level when towing. The Expedition has the necessary mechanicals to do the job otherwise. The trick is to install a system that will least affect your non trailering travels, by unaltering the stock ride.
Posted 2011-09-09 5:11 PM (#137362 - in reply to #137347) Subject: RE: Tongue Weight Questions.....HELP!
Member
Posts: 7
I have a question...
I have 2008 2500 GMC diesel with airbags. I am looking at a 4 Star 3 horse GN with 8' shortwall - finished out at 9500 with a pin weight of 3100.....that's without being loaded. I don't know exactly what the pin weight is or does. So my real question is do I have enough truck for this trailer?
Posted 2011-09-09 5:25 PM (#137363 - in reply to #137347) Subject: UPDATE: Tongue Weight Questions.....HELP!
Veteran
Posts: 108
Location: Dallas, TX
Well, we've decided to be patient and get our old (1983) 3/4 ton Suburban fixed up and use it to tow with. We've owned the truck since new so we know what it needs and we know it's been well cared for. It's been sitting a while so we're going to get it back running.
It was ordered specifically for towing and will do the job we need done in a safe (if not very stylish) manner.
Posted 2011-09-09 6:27 PM (#137365 - in reply to #137362) Subject: RE: Tongue Weight Questions.....HELP!
Expert
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Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
Originally written by Daisey on 2011-09-09 5:11 PM
I have a question...
I have 2008 2500 GMC diesel with airbags. I am looking at a 4 Star 3 horse GN with 8' shortwall - finished out at 9500 with a pin weight of 3100.....that's without being loaded. I don't know exactly what the pin weight is or does. So my real question is do I have enough truck for this trailer?
Thanks in advance!!!
Welcome to HTW...!!
Your truck has a payload rating of about 3360# maybe less depending on cab and body configuration, I have pretty much the same truck with a 6.0 gas engine and that 3360# is for my truck, the diesel weighs alot more so your truck may have a considerably less payload rating..... Some people add air bags to carry extra weight as in to "overload" the truck, others add airbags to stabilize the proper payload.... If you have 245/75R16 lrE tires you are limited to 6084# total rear axle weight. 265 tires and you are good for 6830# on the rear axle. By the time you add all your stuff to the LQ along with fresh water in the tank, you'll be beyond your limits.
Posted 2011-09-09 7:57 PM (#137368 - in reply to #137365) Subject: RE: Tongue Weight Questions.....HELP!
Veteran
Posts: 178
Location: Richmond, Ky
I wonder if Daisey might be talking about "towing" capacity, I've got a 3horse GN with 10 ft shortwall and tow with a 2003 2500HD dodge cummins, I did add Timbrens to the rear to level the load and it seems to pull it OK.
Originally written by retento on 2011-09-09 7:27 PM
Originally written by Daisey on 2011-09-09 5:11 PM
I have a question...
I have 2008 2500 GMC diesel with airbags. I am looking at a 4 Star 3 horse GN with 8' shortwall - finished out at 9500 with a pin weight of 3100.....that's without being loaded. I don't know exactly what the pin weight is or does. So my real question is do I have enough truck for this trailer?
Thanks in advance!!!
Welcome to HTW...!!
Your truck has a payload rating of about 3360# maybe less depending on cab and body configuration, I have pretty much the same truck with a 6.0 gas engine and that 3360# is for my truck, the diesel weighs alot more so your truck may have a considerably less payload rating..... Some people add air bags to carry extra weight as in to "overload" the truck, others add airbags to stabilize the proper payload.... If you have 245/75R16 lrE tires you are limited to 6084# total rear axle weight. 265 tires and you are good for 6830# on the rear axle. By the time you add all your stuff to the LQ along with fresh water in the tank, you'll be beyond your limits.
Posted 2011-09-09 11:43 PM (#137371 - in reply to #137347) Subject: RE: Tongue Weight Questions.....HELP!
Member
Posts: 7
My GMC has a roomy back seat and a short bed and auto transmission. I don't know about the tires. I think I should have bought a 3500. What kind of trailer should I shop for with LQ about 8' and a 3 horse?
Posted 2011-09-13 12:33 AM (#137487 - in reply to #137368) Subject: RE: Tongue Weight Questions.....HELP!
Elite Veteran
Posts: 736
Location: Western WA
Originally written by yeehaw on 2011-09-09 7:57 PM
I wonder if Daisey might be talking about "towing" capacity, I've got a 3horse GN with 10 ft shortwall and tow with a 2003 2500HD dodge cummins, I did add Timbrens to the rear to level the load and it seems to pull it OK.
When talking about gooseneck trailers, pin weight equates to payload, which is usually the weak link. Most trucks are rated for a higher towing capacity than payload will allow. Safely/legally anyways.
Posted 2011-09-13 10:51 AM (#137493 - in reply to #137362) Subject: RE: Tongue Weight Questions.....HELP!
Expert
Posts: 3853
Location: Vermont
Originally written by Daisey on 2011-09-09 5:11 PM
I have a question...
I have 2008 2500 GMC diesel with airbags. I am looking at a 4 Star 3 horse GN with 8' shortwall - finished out at 9500 with a pin weight of 3100.....that's without being loaded. I don't know exactly what the pin weight is or does. So my real question is do I have enough truck for this trailer?