Am I pushing payload capacity too much?

[FryerTime]

So after hitting the scales a couple of times I'm trying to decide if I should perhaps trade in for a 3/4 ton (and suffer on mpg) or not. My wife would let me have it as well. Towing capacity is not an issue for me as the 30' TT weighs in at 7500 lbs, but my GVW, drive axle and front axle come in at (7240 lb) 99%, (4280) 98% & (2960) 88% of capacity respectively. I'm still playing around with the WDH and should be able to shift some more weight to the front axle. What's frustrating is it tows great with no sway or power issues. I do worry about premature wear and tear as both front and rear brake pads have already been replaced (under 45k mile) and the cam phasors were also just replaced. It's tough space wise with 3x kids and 2x 50lb dogs on long trips driving late at night, we'd have to go with a Ram mega cab (reclining rear seats) which adds 3' in length as well. Ugh. We do one 2000 mile RT per year so that accounts for 1/4 of the trucks odometer reading. The remaining few trips are more local, and the other trailers I tow are well within specs.

 

[JasonH]

If it tows well and you can keep the loads within spec, I don't see the issue. If you're concerned about wear then shorten the service intervals and maybe get an extended warranty. It doesn't make sense to change vehicles if the current vehicle does everything you need within the manufacturer limitations.

 

[Fasttimes]

That trailer is 30' long? Weird, seems smaller in the picture. What is your tongue weight? Bikes on front of camper isn't helping. I'd move them to the rear. Move things around, avoid heavy items in that front storage. Do you dry camp alot? Can you get buy with just one propane tank?

How often do you camp? Is the Expy a daily driver? Your most likely are at the limits or just above. Do you need a 3/4 ton truck? Hmm, that's a tough one. Most of us with that size camper are at the limit of the Expy, but can get by and do just fine with understanding how to pack, set up the WDH, and have the entire system really dialed in.

I was in the same debate internally about 3/4 truck or Expy and ultimately decided to stick with the Expy. Although an F250 sounds sweet it's not ideal for a daily driver, nor comfortable for family and large pets. The Expy is pulling my 30' trailer just fine after beefing up some things. Sumo spring spacers, front/rear Hellwig sway bars, new tires, new springs/shocks, tune up, and really dialed in WDH with proper packing to keep my tongue weight right where I want it. .

 

[FryerTime]

The camper has a 2' cargo rack in front (note the 3rd bike on it) plus a long 3' tongue, so it's deceiving. TW is at 788 lbs, so I really can't remove much more or I'll go under 10%. Also I have 2 bikes on the rear of the camper. It's a delicate balance as I can't add any more TW either due to the truck GWV and rear axle limitations. The Expy is a 3rd vehicle, used mostly for trips or when we need the space. About half of it's miles it's towing something - 18' boat, landscape type trailer, etc.

 

[FryerTime]

That trailer is 30' long? Weird, seems smaller in the picture. What is your tongue weight? Bikes on front of camper isn't helping. I'd move them to the rear. Move things around, avoid heavy items in that front storage. Do you dry camp alot? Can you get buy with just one propane tank?

How often do you camp? Is the Expy a daily driver? Your most likely are at the limits or just above. Do you need a 3/4 ton truck? Hmm, that's a tough one. Most of us with that size camper are at the limit of the Expy, but can get by and do just fine with understanding how to pack, set up the WDH, and have the entire system really dialed in.

I was in the same debate internally about 3/4 truck or Expy and ultimately decided to stick with the Expy. Although an F250 sounds sweet it's not ideal for a daily driver, nor comfortable for family and large pets. The Expy is pulling my 30' trailer just fine after beefing up some things. Sumo spring spacers, front/rear Hellwig sway bars, new tires, new springs/shocks, tune up, and really dialed in WDH with proper packing to keep my tongue weight right where I want it. .

Did you find the mods (springs, shocks, etc) made a noticeable difference with your TT? I'd like to eliminate some of my squat. It is frustrating not being able to bring things like kayaks though due to weight limitations. I guess there's always pros and cons. Here's a better picture of it sitting behind Jayco manufacturing fresh off the line.....

 

[JasonH]

Did you find the mods (springs, shocks, etc) made a noticeable difference with your TT? I'd like to eliminate some of my squat.

If you're getting 50% of the front axle load back after hooking up the WDH then you're good, otherwise adjust your WDH to send more weight forward. Stiffening the rear is not a substitute for sending weight back to the steering axle. Put it this way...if you put an uncompressible spring in the rear, you wouldn't have any squat. But your rear axle might be overloaded and your steering axle would be light.

There are things you can do to reduce weight slightly. Lighter batteries, less propane, empty tanks, etc. It appears you just need to adjust your WDH. It's towing well because your setup is close to where it should be.

 

[ColoradoJon]

Same weights for me here, I was messing around with them and trying to figure out the ideal scenario as well. I have four kids and they are all 10 and under, when they are all closer to 100 lbs, I will be SOL and moving back to tent camping I think. I can't fit in a truck with them and our dog and cat. Yes, we take our cat. My plan is to stick with it for now, I think you will always see pre-mature wear with towing. Since you only use it for these trips a truck may be a better option, I love my daily MPG when not towing and having space for everybody. I also assume they have some engineered capacity considered in these weights that you can be at them or a little over and be fine. There is the legal side of an accident when you know you are over weight but you are not technically. I am still not sure how to handle the fresh water behind the axles going up and all the waste water in the front coming back, I just try and dump close to where we camp if I can. I think you are good to keep the Expy but Truck may be a little more peace of mind.

 

[Squark]

I would tighten your weight distribution bars a bit more to shift more weight to your front axle and back to the TT. I have a 33' TT weighing in at 7,800lb. The last time I went to the scale the rear axle was 4,040lb and front was 3,080lb (900lb tongue weight + 3 kids in car). I have a Max 4x4 w/max tow, so my axle ratings are 4380lb rear, 3550lb front, and 7720lb GVWR. I'd probably put more tongue weight on it too to prevent sway, but if it's towing fine with 10.5% tongue weight you might be ok.

We're going through the same truck debate right now. I got caught in a strong crosswind towing our TT a couple of months ago and it make me nervous. I'm using a ProPride hitch dialed in, LT load range E tires, and Bilstein 5100 shocks. I'd like an HD truck (F-350 or RAM 3500 mega cab so we can get a fifth wheel one day), but it's hard to give up the third row seating and convenience of the Expy as a daily driver. And my wife really doesn't like the idea of a giant truck in the driveway. As you've probably seen, truck prices are absolutely insane right now.

 

[Fasttimes]

Did you find the mods (springs, shocks, etc) made a noticeable difference with your TT? I'd like to eliminate some of my squat. It is frustrating not being able to bring things like kayaks though due to weight limitations. I guess there's always pros and cons. Here's a better picture of it sitting behind Jayco manufacturing fresh off the line..... View attachment 74225

I noticed a huge difference when all the mods were said and done. I think it's a sum of all plus a really dialed in WDH. Everything got tightened up, less sway and effects of passing rigs. Almost all squat gone, depending on how many are on the trip. I think you are pretty close honestly, but the mods will help. How is your front axle weight when loaded with WDH hooked up and with the truck alone? Are you close back to that number or is that the one you are back to 98% of non-loaded number? If you have more pounds to add, tighten up the WDH set up to send more to the front axle. From the first picture it seems you might be able to, but sometimes pics can be deceiving.

Either way, I would stay with the Expy as your tow vehicle. If it's feeeling good while towing then right there speaks a lot. I think for your needs it can do the job well. I don't think there is anything about your set up either that would contribute to any premature wearing out as well, say for the axles. They have a lot more capacity built in as I've been told than the listed number. I'm towing basically the same numbers with my 2010 Expy all over Florida and up and down the Smokes with no issue. With a newer model I wouldn't hesitate.

 

[Fasttimes]

Same weights for me here, I was messing around with them and trying to figure out the ideal scenario as well. I have four kids and they are all 10 and under, when they are all closer to 100 lbs, I will be SOL and moving back to tent camping I think. I can't fit in a truck with them and our dog and cat. Yes, we take our cat. My plan is to stick with it for now, I think you will always see pre-mature wear with towing. Since you only use it for these trips a truck may be a better option, I love my daily MPG when not towing and having space for everybody. I also assume they have some engineered capacity considered in these weights that you can be at them or a little over and be fine. There is the legal side of an accident when you know you are over weight but you are not technically. I am still not sure how to handle the fresh water behind the axles going up and all the waste water in the front coming back, I just try and dump close to where we camp if I can. I think you are good to keep the Expy but Truck may be a little more peace of mind.

If only Ford would wise up and make a next generation Excursion. There are tons of people out there in the same situation, right at the limit who need just a bit more payload.

 

[LazSlate]

Been down that road and nothing tows like a heavy truck like a F250 especially powerstroke (IMO I would never buy a Ram)
But if you have space and cash then you can have a vehicle for everything but otherwise there is a compromise.
The times you are not camping you have a great riding vehicle with space. When you tow there is some sacrafice.

You can add temp spring spacers (not the cheap ones) when you go camping they install quickly.
A load leveling hitch also does wonders.

 

[Jettix2]

Fwiw, we have a 7500# dry camper, and with 5 people + luggage + propane and hitch weight, we don’t even consider pulling it with our Expedition Max, we tow it with my ‘18 Ram 2500 Cummins. Yep we are more cramped (crew cab only, wish I had the space my ‘15 a megacab had) but we are safely under all limits and even in a panic situation the odds are in our favor.

We’ve towed our Mastercraft ProStar 205 with the Expy and it does great, but with a 7000+ lb camper, you’re rapidly approaching 3/4 ton truck territory.

I’ve had all “big 3” diesel and gas pickups (6.0 3/4 ton Burb and Duramax GM, 6.4 diesel and 6.2 gas Super Duty, and 6.4 gas and now 6.7 Cummins Ram) and for me, the ‘18 Cummins does an awesome job, especially when tuned. It’s been the best of my 4 Ram trucks and I’d buy it again in a heartbeat.

 

[shane_th_ee]

You're within all the specs, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[RABAYL01]

For those of you towing these much loads, what are your average Transmission temps (cold/hot ambient)? I will most like start towing some soon and I am starting to get concerned with my rig's trans. I do have a trans cooler but I have not really towed that much yet.

 

[FryerTime]

Last camping trip I did raise the WDH "L" brackets on the trailer by one hole, but then taking the measurements on the front fender afterward it showed I overcompensated. I'll have to remove a washer on the hitch to lower the angle slightly. It is a pain being at the limit as sometimes I have 5 bikes and full water, sometimes I don't. There are items I'd like to add to the TT (flex armor roof, slideout awning etc) but I'm now counting pounds and don't want to knowingly be over that magic number. We do a lot of State Park dry camping and I have switched to a Lithium battery which shed some serious pounds on the tongue. I guess I need to set the WDH for my heaviest weight and run with it. Transferring about 200 lbs to the front axle (if I can) would drop my rear axle from 98 to 93%. My kids are 7, 11 and 14, so still growing, and of course the older 2 like to sit in the 3rd row, over the axle! If my wife is up to it I might at least look at a 3/4 ton, otherwise an expedited warranty might not be a bad idea. Yes truck prices are crazy, but so is trade in value. You read a lot about the 80% rule when towing, as well as not to exceed 90% as it allows no room for error and I'm at 97% (GVW). Does GM still make a 3/4 ton suburban?

 

[FryerTime]

For those of you towing these much loads, what are your average Transmission temps (cold/hot ambient)? I will most like start towing some soon and I am starting to get concerned with my rig's trans. I do have a trans cooler but I have not really towed that much yet.

I think the most I've seem mine at is 220-230. I do check it occasionally on trips, especially going up the hills. I appreciate that feature!

 

[Squark]

For those of you towing these much loads, what are your average Transmission temps (cold/hot ambient)? I will most like start towing some soon and I am starting to get concerned with my rig's trans. I do have a trans cooler but I have not really towed that much yet.

The highest I've seen mine get is the upper 230s. That was up a steep winding mountain road where I was driving very slowly. I haven't paid close attention to the average temps when towing.

Last camping trip I did raise the WDH "L" brackets on the trailer by one hole, but then taking the measurements on the front fender afterward it showed I overcompensated. I'll have to remove a washer on the hitch to lower the angle slightly. It is a pain being at the limit as sometimes I have 5 bikes and full water, sometimes I don't. There are items I'd like to add to the TT (flex armor roof, slideout awning etc) but I'm now counting pounds and don't want to knowingly be over that magic number. We do a lot of State Park dry camping and I have switched to a Lithium battery which shed some serious pounds on the tongue. I guess I need to set the WDH for my heaviest weight and run with it. Transferring about 200 lbs to the front axle (if I can) would drop my rear axle from 98 to 93%. My kids are 7, 11 and 14, so still growing, and of course the older 2 like to sit in the 3rd row, over the axle! If my wife is up to it I might at least look at a 3/4 ton, otherwise an expedited warranty might not be a bad idea. Yes truck prices are crazy, but so is trade in value. You read a lot about the 80% rule when towing, as well as not to exceed 90% as it allows no room for error and I'm at 97% (GVW). Does GM still make a 3/4 ton suburban?

I didn't realize lithium batteries are that much lighter. I might switch my lead acid battery out. 2013 was the last year for the consumer Suburban 2500. Fleet customers could get newer ones. I think the latest generation is only for government customers. I'd jump at the opportunity if GM offered a 2500 again or if Ford came out with a new Excursion.

 

[zebrex]

Add the weight of you passengers, luggage, dog and other cargo in the truck then add your tongue weight to it. Are you over your Payload capacity?
Very easy way to figure it out.

 

[ColoradoJon]

For those of you towing these much loads, what are your average Transmission temps (cold/hot ambient)? I will most like start towing some soon and I am starting to get concerned with my rig's trans. I do have a trans cooler but I have not really towed that much yet.

I really started tracking mine this summer. I changed with forscan to have the actual temp above the temp gauges. I watch my boost and the temps to try and find some magic efficiency while shifting and keeping my temps low. I am seeing low 200's without towing. I see it stay around 225-240. This weekend was when I saw 240, we were close to 90 degrees outside and pulling up I70 out of Denver. I haven't had the limp mode come on for me at all yet. I think people see that at 245? It was only there for a few minutes at the peak of the incline and then cooled quickly after engine braking back down the other side. My speed was around 55-65 and that grade is 2-6% for 8-10 miles. It seems to like to be around 3K Rpms for max efficiency, just my perception really.

 

[Pawpaw]

I'm in the same boat here. My FX4 has the max tow package with 3.73 gearing..larger radiator plus I'm running 10 ply BFG tires. Towing a 25RDS Cougar that's loaded into the 7500 lb range. I'm guessing around 1000 lbs hitch weight as it sits now. Run one propane tank and using only one battery. Payload on the FX4 is 1769 lbs so thats in line with most F150's. Expedition does great except in high sidewind conditions and I keep my speed down to the 60-62 mph range. Getting 9.5 mpg towing at 60 mph on our flat Louisiana hwys. Sold my F350 DRW that I drove daily for 4 1/2 yrs and this Expedition is so much nicer plus I get 22 mpg on long highway trips. Wife and I love the camper so no plans to get rid of either right now.