Please double check my math!

[dillpunk]

I am less than a week from picking up my first TT, a 2021 Transcend 247bh. I am a cautious person and have done the math multiple times but I would like some of the experts on here to double check if it isn't too much trouble. I wont know exact numbers until I pick up the trailer, get it loaded and get it on a scale but I am trying to do all measurements with extremes here rather than using the GD or Ford advertised numbers. I know people pull these things with far less number crunching all the time but I want to make sure we are safe. Thoughts are appreciated.

Here are my stats:

Tow Vehicle:
2020 F-150 5.0 Supercrew 6.5 bed
Curb Weight: 5053
Payload: 1997
GCWR: 14,400
GVWR: 7050
Trailer Weight Rating: 9000
Loaded truck weight: ~720lbs (me, wife, 3 small kids and the E2 hitch with room to grow as the kids get bigger)

Trailer:
Transcend 247bh
UVW: 5676 (from sticker on our unit)
GVWR: 6995
Max Cargo (from sticker): 1279

So if I do the math...

GCWR - Curbweight (loaded) = 14,400 - 5773 = 8627 (max trailer weight is 6995 so should be well within the safety margins?)
Fully loaded trailer x 15% max hitch weight = 6995 x .15 = 1049lbs max tongue weight
720lbs hitch and people + 1049 max tongue weight = 1769 < 1997 max payload (228lbs to spare?)

I doubt I will have a fully loaded trailer when I am towing but I want to use the max number to make sure I can take everything the trailer can throw at it. Is 15% tongue weight a solid number or is being in the middle (13%) safer? Do I need to weigh this thing every time I go anywhere? I need a beer...

 

[eodenc]

Check the yellow door sticker for specific truck payload and not typical specs.

 

[dillpunk]

All numbers posted are actual numbers from my stickers on both the truck and trailer.

 

[suber81083]

Looks to me like your right on the money with it. You will be just fine. No need to weigh it every time. Just make sure when you set your WDH up the trailer and truck are loaded as if you are going somewhere. Y’all should have fun and congratulations on your new trailer!


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[Ynot4me2]

These numbers look good to me.
http://changingears.com/rv-sec-calc-trailer-weight-tt.shtml give this a try. Also check your axle rating. I'm guessing they it will within your numbers also though.

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[NB Canada]

You are good to go

Well within specs. Enjoy and have fun

Just make sure you invest in a quality hitch with 1000-1200 lb bars

On edit I just noticed your comment saying an “E2” hitch. There is better hitches
YMMV

2021 Imagine 2400 BH
2018 GMC Sierra 4x4 crew

 

[dillpunk]

Rear axle rating is 3800lbs. I used that calculator with all of the info I had but still get nervous as this is my first trailer purchase. Thank you for the response.

 

[dillpunk]

You are good to go

Well within specs. Enjoy and have fun

Just make sure you invest in a quality hitch with 1000-1200 lb bars

On edit I just noticed your comment saying an “E2” hitch. There is better hitches
YMMV

2021 Imagine 2400 BH
2018 GMC Sierra 4x4 crew

I am going with the E2 hitch as that is what the dealer sells and will install. Read reviews and it seems to be well regarded. I am letting them do the initial setup when I pick it up and plan to get weights at a local farm with a scale to make adjustments.

 

[suber81083]

Your hitch weight will be between 10 and 15% of your trailer weight just according to how you load it


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[NB Canada]

I am going with the E2 hitch as that is what the dealer sells and will install. Read reviews and it seems to be well regarded. I am letting them do the initial setup when I pick it up and plan to get weights at a local farm with a scale to make adjustments.

Just letting you know it is an entry level hitch and a hitch is the single most important part of trailering. It is the number one thing to consider
I personally would not use it but that is up to you

Unsure why the dealer only has that one


2021 Imagine 2400 BH
2018 GMC Sierra 4x4 crew

 

[suber81083]

Just letting you know it is an entry level hitch and a hitch is the single most important part of trailering. It is the number one thing to consider
I personally would not use it but that is up to you

Unsure why the dealer only has that one


2021 Imagine 2400 BH
2018 GMC Sierra 4x4 crew

Why are you saying it is an entry level hitch? If I’m not mistaken it is a friction style hitch not the chain style. What hitch would you recommend?


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[NB Canada]

Why are you saying it is an entry level hitch? If I’m not mistaken it is a friction style hitch not the chain style. What hitch would you recommend?


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An E4, Husky centreline,blue ox to name a few


2021 Imagine 2400 BH
2018 GMC Sierra 4x4 crew

 

[dillpunk]

Thank you for all of the responses everyone. I feel a lot better and can let my excitement be bigger than my nerves!

 

[ckreef]

I pull a 2600rb and use the E2 hitch with 1,000 lb bars. Nothing wrong with that hitch. Get the anti screech pads. The dealer can only set it up using a best guess since the trailer will be empty when they set it up.

Make sure you get the extra washers from the dealer. To properly set it up you'll need some sockets and a 250 lb torque wrench (Harbor Freight about $120). Fully load the trailer and truck then just follow the E2 setup instructions. It's all about the ball height and your front wheel well measurement. The number of washers used changes that measurement so it might take a couple of tries to get it right. It's not hard to get it setup right it just takes a little time. You'll be fine with that hitch.

 

[BeerBrewer-MGRV]

Did you consider a Hensley or ProPride hitch? They are expensive, but they totally eliminate sway. We use a Hensley Arrow.

 

[rootusrootus]

I've had great luck with the equal-i-zer, which is made by the same company that makes the e2. I've encountered dealers that say they only install e2, but chances are pretty good the service dept actually sells both. And they can for sure install either one.

 

[DenChristen]

You look good on your numbers. I’m assuming you are camping weekends and vacations and it looks like the perfect setup for that type of use. I’ve used a Blue Ox for the last 5 years on two different trailers. I was able to find them for $200-300 on Craigslist and sell the old one for the same as I paid for the newer heavier bar system when we got a bigger trailer. It seems when people either trade or sell trailers they keep the hitch and sell it separately. The dealer won’t help you setup but it’s not an imposing process by any stretch. For your tongue weight either 1000 or 1500 lb bars would work, 1500 probably better since you will be a bit over 1000lb and they say to round up. Good luck, you’ll be fine whatever way you choose to go on the hitch.

 

[Redapple63]

Rear axle rating is 3800lbs. I used that calculator with all of the info I had but still get nervous as this is my first trailer purchase. Thank you for the response.

You have done a great job. Congrats! Enjoy your new purchase when you pick it up!


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[kamakazi98]

Something worth consideration is getting a tongue scale so you can check our tongue weight (10-15%) before you hook up if you’re that concerned about it. We picked one cuz we’re just like you in terms of “newbies”. Best of luck and congrats.

Sherline LM 2000 - Trailer Tongue Weight Scale 2000lb https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007REK28M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_bza4mSWqfs7tz


A-A-Ron

 

[MachWun]

I have used the E2 and for a light trailer like yours, it will be fine. Has a tad more sway when big rigs go by than others but you will figure it out.

Had a Blue Ox and Equalizer. I didn't care for the snap of the chains when loosening the Blue Ox but found it to be a bit superior for adjustment on sway.