Towing Capacity Question

[GrayDually]

According to the information I found on my truck (2002 F-350 SD CrewCab DRW, 7.3L Diesel, Auto Trans)
truck total wt = 6,577#
Payload = 4,620#
GVWR = !!,200#
The GCWR = 20,000#
(Gross Combination Weight Rating including truck weight, passengers, cargo and the loaded trailer)

But the Max Loaded Trailer Weight = 12,400#
How do you arrive at a max trailer of 12,400# plus GVWR of 11,200# and remain under the GCWR of 20,000#? Am I missing something, or just not understanding what these numbers are?

We are looking at a new 5th wheel trailer that weights 16,000#. Our old 5th wheel weights just under 9,000#. What can I do to my truck to increase my max towing weight? I will have disc brakes on the trailer to help with down grades.

Thanks for the help.

 

[DaveBen]

Add air bags to the rear end. You can inflate them when you need the extra load carrying capacity and deflate them when you don't. This way you won't have a very stiff rear end.

 

[eZAK61]

First you can Not increase the carrying capacity by adding air bags! Thye are just for leveling.

Payload is the max you can add to the truck including any tung weight,
Add curb weight to get GVWR

CCWR is loaded truck and trailer.

example; With a 20,000# CCWR; If your fully loaded truck weighs 8,000# your loaded trailer should not weigh more than 12,000#

I would double check your ratings. There are various sites out there.
Then take your fully loaded truck, (full tank of fuel, pass., etc.) to a public scale (such as CAT)

 

[Dave in KY]

First you can Not increase the carrying capacity by adding air bags! Thye are just for leveling.

Payload is the max you can add to the truck including any tung weight,
Add curb weight to get GVWR

CCWR is loaded truck and trailer.

example; With a 20,000# CCWR; If your fully loaded truck weighs 8,000# your loaded trailer should not weigh more than 12,000#

I would double check your ratings. There are various sites out there.
Then take your fully loaded truck, (full tank of fuel, pass., etc.) to a public scale (such as CAT)

That is correct. No matter how much you upgrade your suspension, you are limited to the weights listed on the door label

 

[GrayDually]

Still have questions.
The GVWR is the truck, cargo, fuel and any tongue weight from the trailer. The truck is not carrying the total weight of the trailer; only the weight at the mounting point, tongue weight. So it seems to me that the CCWR should really be determined by how much total weight the truck can tow, or pull, not really carry. If that is true then there must be modifications that can be made to increase the power, thus increasing the pulling capacity. Does that make sense?
I see trucks on the road that are towing way more than the allowable weight.

 

[eZAK61]

GrayDually, I looked your truck up, Tow Capacity is listed as 12,500# w/ a 4.10:1 rear end

And Yes, there are a lot of truck / trailer combos out there that are overloaded.
Always a potential for mechanical failure or even an accident.

 

[rlaspinall]

According to the information I found on my truck (2002 F-350 SD CrewCab DRW, 7.3L Diesel, Auto Trans)
truck total wt = 6,577#
Payload = 4,620#
GVWR = !!,200#
The GCWR = 20,000#
(Gross Combination Weight Rating including truck weight, passengers, cargo and the loaded trailer)

But the Max Loaded Trailer Weight = 12,400#
How do you arrive at a max trailer of 12,400# plus GVWR of 11,200# and remain under the GCWR of 20,000#? Am I missing something, or just not understanding what these numbers are?

We are looking at a new 5th wheel trailer that weights 16,000#. Our old 5th wheel weights just under 9,000#. What can I do to my truck to increase my max towing weight? I will have disc brakes on the trailer to help with down grades.

Thanks for the help.

 

[rlaspinall]

The way they publish these numbers is frustrating, however the GCWR is what matters as has already been stated.
Traveling with a load beyond that rating is at your own risk for an accident, incident or if in certain parts of Canada - a fine. I have a friend who has been pulled over with his truck and 5th wheel and weighed on portable scales.

 

[gordbb]

The gross combined Weight rating is not written on the sticker on the door. If you get scaled they look at the sticker and make sure you are not over the weight capacity of either axle and when added together not over the gvw

 

[john mathis]

Those numbers are all about safety. Safely that vehicle can handle the posted weights. Can the truck pull/ haul more, yes! Can it stop easily if overloaded, probably not! That soccer mom with 4 kids in the SUV ahead of you in a panic braking situation is what you have to think about. Safety first!