"JustWaitAFrekinMinute" wrote in message
...

So, someone here said something about 80%. Was that "80% of the rated
towing weight is where you should stop loading". Do I assume that the
"rated" towing is bulked up for sales as opposed to buffered for
safety,
is that what you all are saying?

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The "80 percent rule" applies to your tow vehicle capacity, not the
trailer. For example, if your truck has a factory tow rating of
10,000 lbs, you should look for a trailer in the 8,000 lb range. It's
not a hard fast requirement, but simply a well established rule of
thumb. Truck manufacturers are always trying to be "best" in class
and some of their capacities are a little optimistic, based on ideal
conditions.

BTW ... the tow rating of a particular model truck is different for a
regular hitch vs a fifth wheel type. If I recall correctly, the fifth
wheel rating will be a little higher. If you go with a regular
trailer of any length or weight and it's tongue weight is higher than
recommended for the truck, you should look into a weight distribution
hitch. It can be installed on the "A" frame of the trailer hitch
section. It will have torsion bars that transfers some of the tongue
weight back to the trailer.