Towing Issue Again !!

[EPT17]

Well, After I thought I had all this stuff figured out, I had some fellow tell me that the tongue weight is determined by 13% to 15% of the total weght of the trailer. Does anyone know this to be true? To settle this matter once and for all, I'm traveling to the RV dealer today with weght scales in hand. I'll let you know my findings, By the way, I've weighed all the stuff I intend on carrying in the trailer and without the General and myself I've got a total of 734lbs putting the total trailer weight at around 5100 lbs, this trailer is the x-210-wbs fun finder travel trailer, the specs are as follows:

TRAILER DRY WEIGHT - 3750

DRY HITCH WEIGHT - 375

GVWR of trailer - 5975

All the specs are at this link for the x-210-WBS.

 

[morrisdl]

Maybe that 13-15% is a guide line, but actual tongue weight is a function weight position over the trailers axle. Weight on top of the trailer axles has little effect on tongue weight, weight closer to vehicle or in the rear of the trailer has more significance. I can significantly change my tongue weight of my boat trailer by sliding the axle fwd or back.

BTW - My boat has exceeds all those weights you listed and I am comfortable towing it. YMMV

Not sure why its slumped in this pic, I dont think the boat is even still attached. I think I confused the air suspension somehow, but you get the idea:

 

[Kenjengrif]

Those specs make sense to me. The trailer's manufacturer most likely designed the trailer so that the tongue weight would be in a range where mid sized vehicles can tow it, that seems to be the trend. Your LR3 will tow those weights without a problem. By your calculations, the loaded trailer will be under 4500 pounds. If the dry tongue weight is 375, loaded you'll be a bit more than that, but still well under maximums. Check out where the fresh water tank is in the trailer, they tend to be near the front. Water is probably the one thing that adds alot of useless weight to a travel trailer. I only have enough in my fresh water tank to keep the pump primed, so about 2-3 gallons max. Unless you are going out in the middle of a desert, you dont need to carry water.

 

[EPT17]

Lr3 Towing Issue

Well, the trailer will weigh around 5200 fully loaded, after speaking with the engineer at Cruiser RV the makers of the Fun Finder I discovered that the water tank is located between the two axels, so that will not really effect the tongue at all. The information that has been provided has been useful, thanks again.

 

[huelsmma]

Maybe that 13-15% is a guide line, but actual tongue weight is a function weight position over the trailers axle. Weight on top of the trailer axles has little effect on tongue weight, weight closer to vehicle or in the rear of the trailer has more significance. I can significantly change my tongue weight of my boat trailer by sliding the axle fwd or back.

BTW - My boat has exceeds all those weights you listed and I am comfortable towing it. YMMV

Not sure why its slumped in this pic, I dont think the boat is even still attached. I think I confused the air suspension somehow, but you get the idea:

I am about to start towing a boat similar in size. Did you buy a solid shank hitch and what rise/drop did you use? Just curious thanks

 

[schafari]

Don't worry, you are a-ok with that trailer. Don't get lost/frusterated in all the drill down factoids that may be coming at you. The LR3 is a great tow vehicle regardless of the bit short wheelbase. The things weight 6,000lbs. The limiting factor on the LR3 is the hitch weight. You are great there, with well under 550lbs. (Keep in mind that the hitch weight is almost always given without any fluids or battery. Regardless, your 375 is pefrect for the LR3.)

I tow a 21 foot travel trailer (24' total length) with almost the exact same weights and the thing tows like a dream. I have a sway control device and NO weight distribution hitch (WDH) Do not put a WDH on the LR3.


In regards to the 13% - 15%. . . I know what he was trying to say. The fact is, you typically WANT 10% - 15% of the weight of the trailer as tongue weight. To light on the tongue, and sway is a problem. To muchn on the tongue and tow vehicle control is the problem. Also, think of anything you put in the back cargo area in the LR3 as adding to your tongue weight. For instance, if you put four nights of firewood in the back of the LR3 and then load your trailer, you are likley overloading it handily. Anything weighing down the LR3 from behind the axle line. . .that is more or less tongue weight.

Bottom-line: From what you describe you have zero worries and should just get out there and enjoy.

 

[drzjoint]

I use a 5 1/2'' rise for the boat

 

[morrisdl]

Mine is a 2 1/4" rise (aka 3.5" drop). I think this is what comes with the LR tow kit, so I figured its best. Seems to work well for my trailer - everything is level. I didnt know about "solid shank hitch", but the ball and receiver are rated for 10k lbs.