Newbie needs help with a borderline towing situation

[jeffreymhardy]

So, I've got a 2025 with the 4K tow package. I'm considering a couple of trailers which have tongue weights of 281 and 340 respectively. And of course, those are dry weight numbers, so a full propane tank and battery are going to increase them I would assume. I've heard two different proposals from different dealers.

1. One says I should install a new receiver that will increase the tongue weight capacity. This seems like complete bullshit to me.

2. The other says I need a WDH system which will help equalize the load over all the axles, thereby minimizing the impact of slightly exceeding the recommended tongue weight. But I've also heard that the WDH system itself can weigh 75 pounds and actually make the situation worse.

So...assuming option 1 is in fact bullshit, what do you guys think about option #2? And I guess there's an option #3 which is that I don't need to do anything at all. If I get the trailer that has the 281 tongue weight, that makes that even more of an option.

Looking for whatever help anyone can offer, and thanks for reading this.

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[cclark]

Here's a link to a thread that may help. The dealer saying to get a new receiver is just nonsense. You're going to get different opinions on the WDH, so keep an open mind and keep researching. The tongue weight is also just one part of many for a safe and enjoyable towing experience. Good luck!

https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/forum/threads/travel-trailer-experiences.76541/

 

[OleFordGuy]

You'll find all kinds of conflicting advice on this forum and the internet as a whole on WDH and towing. I am one to stick to staying within the manufacturers specs and theirs some that don't mind going over. Like lots of other things, personal opinions/beliefs vary. Search this forum and other sites and decide your preference. I would agree with the previous post the thought of a new receiver is nonsense. Below is one thread that was heavy on WDH opinions, etc. Good Luck!!

https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/forum/threads/weight-distribution-hitch.5644/

 

[OleFordGuy]

also you may want to consider frontal area towing specs and the terrain, hills, mountains, elevations, etc. of your travel. Have a safe and fun/enjoyable experience! There's lots of amazing and beautiful things to see out there!

 

[cthlyte]

Suggestion? Test tow first. Pick a low traffic area and attempt to pull as is taking it slow and easy. Test brake feel, wind resistance, drag and acceleration. Stop after a few miles and check your trailer connection and vehicle stance to see where your weight is.

Nothing replaces first hand experience.

Now remember that if you are sweating bringing it to a stop at regular speeds or if your steering feels light, you are overloaded on the tongue or just plain overloaded. Redistribute or lighten as necessary.

Personal preference and level of risk are pretty individual. I've towed right at the weight limit before on 1/2tons and had a load go on the very back of the trailer causing the drive axle to be light, (do not recommend), but I took a lot of precautions and adjusted things best I could.

It all comes down to you.

 

[DrKAJ]

So, I've got a 2025 with the 4K tow package. I'm considering a couple of trailers which have tongue weights of 281 and 340 respectively. And of course, those are dry weight numbers, so a full propane tank and battery are going to increase them I would assume. I've heard two different proposals from different dealers.

1. One says I should install a new receiver that will increase the tongue weight capacity. This seems like complete bullshit to me.

2. The other says I need a WDH system which will help equalize the load over all the axles, thereby minimizing the impact of slightly exceeding the recommended tongue weight. But I've also heard that the WDH system itself can weigh 75 pounds and actually make the situation worse.

So...assuming option 1 is in fact bullshit, what do you guys think about option #2? And I guess there's an option #3 which is that I don't need to do anything at all. If I get the trailer that has the 281 tongue weight, that makes that even more of an option.

Looking for whatever help anyone can offer, and thanks for reading this.

You don't need to do anything at all. The tongue weights you've mentioned are well within the capacity of the Maverick's 4K tow package. BTW, I also have a 2025 Maverick with the 4K tow package and tow a trailer with a tongue weight of 380 lbs. Truck sits perfectly level.

 

[jeffreymhardy]

That's great to hear! Thanks for the feedback

 

[MiMav]

I think you will be fine if you stay within the specified limits. I tow a trailer with a 380-400 lbs loaded tongue weight with total trailer weight around 2900 lbs and it handles fine. Just remember to keep the tongue weight in the 10%-15% range of total trailer weight.

 

[Cancunbadlands]

Go with Trailer A. Starting at 281 lbs gives you a safety "buffer" for your battery, propane, and a few hundred pounds of gear inside the trailer. Trailer B starts you so close to the limit that you'll be over it the moment you fill the water tank or put a suitcase in the front bedroom.

 

[OleFordGuy]

Go with Trailer A. Starting at 281 lbs gives you a safety "buffer" for your battery, propane, and a few hundred pounds of gear inside the trailer. Trailer B starts you so close to the limit that you'll be over it the moment you fill the water tank or put a suitcase in the front bedroom.

I would agree, accessories, supplies and all the "stuff" adds up quick

 

[Mavster Mechanic]

So, I've got a 2025 with the 4K tow package. I'm considering a couple of trailers which have tongue weights of 281 and 340 respectively. And of course, those are dry weight numbers, so a full propane tank and battery are going to increase them I would assume. I've heard two different proposals from different dealers.

99% of factory produced travel trailers ("campers") the tongue weight on the sticker INCLUDES a full tank of propane.

That tank is a fixed size with a known weight that is the same no matter where you get it.

Battery weight is not included because battery weight varies and you can use Lead, Lithium or other and can add multiples.

Hope that helps. Your hitch will be fine.
WDH is not needed but you may like it. Personal preference.

 

[Backin15]

Changing the hitch is complete nonsense.
I am a big believer in weight distribution hitches and wouldn't tow my camper without one, but my tow vehicle is a softly sprung SUV. The Mav should be fine without it since the payload is so high, you could go with a friction style sway control if you do encounter sway.

 

[jeffreymhardy]

99% of factory produced travel trailers ("campers") the tongue weight on the sticker INCLUDES a full tank of propane.

That tank is a fixed size with a known weight that is the same no matter where you get it.

Battery weight is not included because battery weight varies and you can use Lead, Lithium or other and can add multiples.

Hope that helps. Your hitch will be fine.
WDH is not needed but you may like it. Personal preference.

I appreciate the feedback and making me feel a little better about this!

 

[Maverick2022XL]

A good rule of thumb for weight distributing hitches is the following, if the GTW (gross trailer weight) is 50% or more of your total GCWR (gross combined weight rating) then you might need a weight distribution hitch.

If not when you hook up the trailer if the tongue weight is too much on the heavy side, you'll have some serious sag in the rear and headlights pointing up to the sky. You don't have that you should be fine as long as you don't have any serious sway problems or steering and braking difficulty you'll be fine.

If you do then you'll need a weight distribution hitch.

They way these trucks tow I seriously doubt you'll need one even if you max out the 4k tow limit

 

[jeffreymhardy]

Thanks for taking the time to reply. Good info

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