How much should I tow with my 3.21 axle?

[Jrogowski83]

Looking at buying a travel trailer. I have a 2021 BigHorn, 5.7L with 3.21. I have a 8140 max towing cap and a 1702 payload (but with add-ons drops it to about 1520).
The travel trailer we are looking at getting (27' with total length of 30') has a dry weight of 6504, GVWR of 7700, tongue weight of 739(but have heard actual tongue weight can be higher). The family weighs about 600lbs. Mostly worried about the payload as
1520-739-600-75(wdh)=106. This leaves no room for additional supplies, etc. Also, I have a truck GVWR of 7100, and GCWR of 13900 so as I reach the payload cap, I only have a 6800-6900 available for towing.
Would you feel this is acceptable to tow or have any suggestions on making it acceptable? Don't tell me to swap gears, I just bought my truck in March.

 

[GKIII]

I would look at getting a lighter trailer. Perhaps something in the 6500-7000 GVWR range.

 

[5thGenLoco]

I'm researching trailers like crazy right now. I have 1505 for payload, so 200 less than yours, also with 3.21. What I have found is tongue weights and dry weights are always under reported. Even with your example of 739 at 7700 lbs isn't even 10%, let alone the average of ~12%. At a minimum, add in weights for propane and batteries to the tongue weight, it will get you much closer to the true value. Fully loaded a 7700 lb trailer is going to be 924 in TW at 12%. 1520-924-600-75= -79, so you are over.

For myself I have determined a ~6000 gvwr is my comfortable max. Something close to 4500 dry is ideal as it leaves room for gear, and water if boondocking, and still have some leeway. Here is a calculator I found that is helpful. Open it in Google docs.

Towing Calculator.xlsx

drive.google.com

 

[IvoryHemi]

I think you’re okay with 30’ and 7,700 lbs GVWR.

Yes, you’ll be a little over weight but with the right setup (good WDH, tires, etc) the truck will handle it just fine.

My first TT was 31’ and 7,000 lb GVWR now we have 33’ and 8,200 lbs GVWR