what % of your camper weight transfers to your tacoma?

I am wondering if my numbers that assume 15% of my 3500 GVWR camper will transfer to the tacoma payload/tongue weight rating are conservative or accurate?

Do you know how much of your camper transfers to the weight of your tacoma? Also if you dont mind noting if you are guessing or actually measured it. thanks!

 

Very much depends on the wheel base of the trailer the distance from the axle to the hitch.

Then much depends on having your hitch level as well.

Load more weight in the front of the trailer more on the tongue. load in the rear more weight on the trailer.

Each setup will be different .

You can experiment with what you have.

I have weighed my truck and trailer many times.

 

@Eagle200 , I concur with all above. My own tongue weight works out to about 13% of the towed load as measured on a Cat scale.

 

You can not trust tongue weight rating stated on the trailer.
To many factors, from load setup to ball hitch height.

Best way is to weight it.
They make tongue weight scales.

I don’t weigh any of mine.
I just make sure the truck squats a few inches.
It varies with load how much “squat” I look for.

 

Then if I don`t check mine Those friendly fellows just love to weigh things for me.

 

I don’t have a class A CDL
If I need to pull anything that requires more than a 2” ball.
I “borrow” a bigger truck.

 

It depends on how you load the trailer. You should have 10% minimum and 15% maximum. Most people use 13% to estimate what is on the truck.

With a 3500 lb trailer getting it exact isn't necessary, but it is better to have a little more weight on the truck than not enough. When you're working close to max tow rating and payload numbers it becomes more critical.

 

Thank you, could you give me an estimate? I want to double check my numbers work before buying. I have a 6ft tacoma 2021 off road double cab. the camper is jayco slx 154bh. its 3500 gvwr. exterior height 9'1, width 7'1, length 18', singe axle

 

Thanks. i am tight on my payload so just making sure i am being conservative before i buy. i have zero interest in going over payload. my truck weighs 4975 with occupants and minimal cargo (625 remaining payload off gvwr of 5600). hitch is 60, battery 50, propane 37 so that means 147lb directly on tongue (which means 478 remaining payload and 493 left on tongue rating off original 640 max). If camper weighs 3100 not including propane/battery then 15% of that is 465 which takes up most of my remaining payload). Just want to make sure the 15% and my math above is correct before i lock in the buy.

Actual specs:

Truck is 5600 gvwr, 3280 rear gawr, payload after occupants and light cargo is 625
Camper is 18 foot single axle, 2710 dry weight with full propane, 3540 gvwr

 

If your in doubt buy a much smaller camper or a Bigger Truck!! How many trailers have you pulled?

There are far to many variables to even come any where close.

The only way to know is to ask to weigh things before you buy.

Start asking perhaps someone has the same set up and can help you out.

 

thanks. pulled about 0 campers.

 

I got a good weight distribution hitch and it made all the difference for me. My camper weighs around 4000# loaded and my Tacoma pulls it good now. No sway either. Sits level too.

 

Best of luck !!

Learn to back up before you venture to far because you will be in a situation all to soon where it is your only option .

If your buying from a dealer they should have a demo of about the same size to take for a test run.

 

thanks

 

My previous write up may add some clarity if you do not have ready access to a CAT scale
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/my-tow-experience-with-a-nobo-19-6.690623/

 

thank you

 

I tow a similar trailer, same axle number, length, and weight, with a '18 TRD Off Road. You should have no problem towing the Jayco. The only truck modification I have made is blue SumoSprings and a sway bar on the trailer to hitch and of course a trailer brake controller.