The type of truck you have will dictate what types of hauling and towing you can do, especially when it comes to campers. It’s exciting to get a truck and imagine all the possibilities for new trips, especially towing or hauling a camper. One of the first steps in towing anything is making sure that you have proper weight distribution and loading of your camper or trailer. Just because your truck can tow 10,000 pounds or more doesn’t mean you can just hook up a 10,000-pound trailer and get moving. The more weight you add behind your truck, the more the potential for weight creep.
What Is Weight Creep?
Weight creep, in simple terms, is the gradual overloading of a truck and trailer setup. Poor weight distribution, the result of weight creep, introduces trailer sway and less overall control. There are a few different ways to mitigate trailer sway and gain more control over your trailer. One way is to pack your camper or trailer properly with weight evenly distributed so that there isn’t too much weight up front or in the rear of the camper or trailer. Do not overload your truck or trailer.
Use a Weight Distribution Hitch
The second way to take control when towing is to get a weight distribution hitch. This hitch allows you to distribute weight evenly across the axles. You need a weight distribution hitch if you try to brake and the vehicle barely slows down or if the front feels very light. Another telltale sign is if your truck or SUV’s rear suspension sags, making the front of the vehicle point upward. These are major signs that your trailer is taking too much control of the truck. A distribution hitch will lessen trailer sway.
Understanding Tongue Weight
One last thing to consider is the amount of tongue weight. While a weight distribution hitch will help to even out the amount of weight over the hitch ball, it is important to know the maximum tongue weight your truck can handle. The general rule of thumb is 10-15 percent of your trailer’s weight. If your gross trailer weight is 5,000 pounds, then your max tongue weight should be around 500 to 750 pounds. You want a fine balance so that you don’t have too much or too little tongue weight. Too much and you are putting too much stress and pressure on the rear axle and suspension. Too little and you are introducing trailer sway.
Understanding GVWR and GCWR
One of the single most important ways to know how much weight your vehicle can handle is to understand its GVWR and GCWR. Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is the maximum amount of weight your vehicle can carry, including cargo, people, and payload. The gross combined weight rating (GCWR) is the total amount of weight that you can carry and tow all at once. This is, of course, very useful if you are towing a trailer.
Why Choose Valley RV Supercenter
At Valley RV Supercenter, we offer the best prices and services to everyone. Whether you are looking for a new or used RV, we have what you are looking for. Our amazing staff will always work hard to provide you with the best experience imaginable, and our finance department can assist you in finding the best rates on all RVs. When it’s time, our service department is second to none and will take care of your vehicle as if it were their own, providing you with peace of mind. For those looking to rent an RV for a weekend or an extended period of time, we offer the perfect options for your traveling needs. If you are looking for a vehicle to pull your RV, we have a truck center where you can find the best vehicle for your needs. We look forward to helping you.
