Hi,

I have a 2004 f150 with a GVWR of 7200 lbs

The truck weighs 5974 lbs with me in it and a full tank of gas
Cargo that will be carried in the truck (Cab and bed of truck) will be about 700 lbs

That is a total of 6674 lbs

When figuring out the total towards the GVWR, do I add in the pin weight of the trailer? On the TT that I am looking at, total weight of that (including batteries, propane, and loaded trailer) would be about 793 lbs

This would give me a total of 7467 lbs. About 267 lbs over my max GVWR.

Is this the correct way of figuring this out?

 

Yes tongue/pin weight get added in. You also have to be concerned about GCWR. The combined weight of truck and trailer.

 

Yes, that is the corect measurement because the GVWR is based on what the tires and axles can handle. Most F-150's will hit the GVWR while towing before GCWR, but it should be calculated/measured as well. Most F-250's hit GVWR before GCWR while towing fifth wheel trailers.

 

thanks for the info.

My next questions is - Can you increase the GVWR and if so, how?

Can you add in springs, shocks, airbag etc.

 

You can add all you want, but I believe legally, what is on the door post is what your GVWR is. Also suspension upgrades are nice, but you also have to think about things like brakes and transmission. The F150 uses the 4R70W (4.6) or the 4R75w (5.4) transmissions. The F250 which is made for the heavier loads uses the 4R100. In my opinion, if you feel you need to haul more, you should get the heavier vehicle.

 

Keep in mind that on a travel trailer the hitch will put part of the tongue weight back on the trailer making less on the truck. Maybe half.