Posted 2007-08-04 9:51 PM (#65136) Subject: Help me with this please
Regular
Posts: 72
Location: vanceboro, nc
I know this has been addressed before but I need for someone to tell me about this. I am getting a 95 sundowner sunlite, all aluminum, 13 ft lq, 4 horse. Its 29 foot on the floor. I have a 200 ford dually with a 7.3 turbo diesel. I looked on the trailer tag under the gooseneck and the gvw or whatever its called, I think it was more letters than that, said 10900. I read the post on the gvw and still don't get it. Is this the weight the trailer weighs empty or loaded up. Anyway, will my truck pull it? I really need some expert opinions, cause "I am sure no expert on much of nothing! Help please
Posted 2007-08-04 11:44 PM (#65145 - in reply to #65136) Subject: RE: Help me with this please
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 500
Location: West TN
I am sure there will be those on here that will run the gauntlet of telling you to weigh the entire load and then compare it to your truck. In reality, you are pulling with the F-350 dually. The next step up is to go with the 450 or 550. You will see several trailers that size being towed with a F-350. Once you load four horses in there, you will know it is back there. Just make sure the brakes are working.
Posted 2007-08-07 7:33 AM (#65305 - in reply to #65136) Subject: RE: Help me with this please
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 534
Location: Zionsville, Indiana
In reference to the original post: this is NOT the weight of the trailer, empty or loaded. It is the axle capacity. The weight of a trailer is NOT on the ID or VIN tag. It is only on the original certificate of origin. When someone buys a new trailer, it would be a great service to future owners if the buyer would take a permanent marker somewhere inside and note the trailer weight.
Posted 2007-08-07 8:35 AM (#65308 - in reply to #65136) Subject: RE: Help me with this please
Regular
Posts: 79
Both the axle weight rating (GAWR) and the GVWR should be on the trailer. The axle weight rating is just that, the weight that your axles are designed to carry.
The GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) is not the weight of the trailer as it sets, but rather the weight of the trailer when its loaded to maximum capacity (with fuel, horses, gear, etc). Keep in mind that you may or may not load it to maximum capacity when you use it. And there is always the possibility that you could overload it.
For the sake of argument we'll say you're not overloading it. You said your trailer has a GVWR of 10,900 (which I think you were looking at KG and not LBS). That means that when you put 4 horses in there, all your tack, water, fuel, etc it will weigh 10,900kg or less. Theoretically, if you go over that number the trailer would not be safe to handle.
In short, the GVWR is the dry weight of the trailer plus the load capacity of the trailer. Confused yet?
Posted 2007-08-07 8:54 AM (#65309 - in reply to #65136) Subject: RE: Help me with this please
Expert
Posts: 1205
Location: Arkansas
That combo will work, you will, as any of us with larger LQ trailers, need naturally to have good braking systems throughout the rig. You might consider an aftermarket program, we use the Edge program, 2nd level of the device, and it made a marvelous impact on the towing ability. Three things, .. stability...you have that in the diesel 1ton dually, ...........power...the Edge program can help maximize what that truck can do.......braking......no weal links in that and you are in pretty good shape! Enjoy your new trailer...!
Posted 2007-08-07 10:54 AM (#65317 - in reply to #65136) Subject: RE: Help me with this please
Regular
Posts: 72
Location: vanceboro, nc
We have the brake box in the truck. My husband wants to get one of those "chips" but doesn't know what kind to get. Can anybody help with that. You folks are sure knowledgeable and ready to help. Thanks
Posted 2007-08-07 7:05 PM (#65359 - in reply to #65317) Subject: RE: Help me with this please
Expert
Posts: 3853
Location: Vermont
Originally written by badweather on 2007-08-07 11:54 AM
We have the brake box in the truck. My husband wants to get one of those "chips" but doesn't know what kind to get. Can anybody help with that. You folks are sure knowledgeable and ready to help. Thanks
Before you put a chip in...go on one of the diesel forums and read about about them...