Tow Package rating - pretty accurate?

Great comments all. Thx.

 

Regarding tongue weight, you need 10% of the trailer's weight on the tongue. It's not Ok to move the load around to lighten the tongue because you leave yourself open to serious sway problems. With a trailer that is as heavy or more than the truck, a swaying problem could have serious consequences. Also realize that 500 pounds on the ball is like 700 pounds in the bed. All that weight to the rear of the axle has a much greater effect than an evenly loaded bed.

I wouldn't be cutting corners towing a heavy load. Airbags, WD hitch, good controller and brakes at minimum. Sway control has issues, and it can cause problems as well as prevent them. If you add that make sure you educate yourself on how it works. You should do some reading on a good travel trailer forum because these things are very well unstood by people who tow a lot. This is not a good place to ask for advice.

 

Maybe that set up could work for you then? Option C could be rent from Enterprise, they have a $50/day rental program and give you a new or near-new diesel crew fuel size Dodge or Ford - works out well financially. Only hassle is picking up and returning it. You'll never have to wash it though.

I've logged some good miles with open and enclosed (1 car, 2 car, 3 car) with many vehicles F350, F550, F150, Dodge3500, Freightliner, Taco, Tahoe, Jeep, and whatever else. I've had blow outs, emergencies, weather whatever but never broke a leaf, lost a trans or clutch, overheated or wrecked. Had 2 tires go down at the same time on a 3 axle 34' stacker last summer on the way from Houston to CA (but wasn't pushing limits there or in the thunderstorms in NM.)

Only saying from experience: Leaving room for limits / issues (capacity, weather, etc.) can get you there on time, calm, and without an insurance claim.

 

One thing to look out for with rentals though is sometimes they remove the towing packages from the vehicles because they don't want people towing with them (increased risk)