I have a 2019 2500 6.4 liter BH with 4.10 rear. Payload 2970 lbs. Max Tow 16000 lbs. I have two trailer configurations that I am considering. Trailer 1: Fully loaded 6500 lbs. Trailer2: 9100 lbs. fully loaded. If I choose Trailer 1, I need to haul an additional 1000 lbs. of material in the truck bed as there is no additional room on the trailer. Trailer 2 fully loaded can carry up to 2000 lbs. of material on the trailer or 9100 lbs.
Here is the question: Trailer 1 tongue weight at 10% -15% = 650 - 950 lbs. respectively. If I add 1000 lbs. of material in the bed of the truck, have I exceeded the Max Towing Capacity? Simplified question. What effect does payload have on towing capacity?
Thank you!
KJack
I have almost exactly the same truck as you with almost the same payload except mine is a 2022 and my payload is 2975. Here is what i did.
Before our travel trailer came in i weighed the truck alone with my wife and I (no kids qnd we dont bring the dogs camping), a full tank of gas, a couple of add on accessories ( running boards, floor mats, and Tonneau cover) and all the stuff I usually have in the truck. The CAT scale said I was at 7,460 pounds. Subtract that from my 10000 GVWR and you get 2,540 pounds. I think of that as my "real" payload
On the way home from the dealership with the new travel trailer, I stopped at the CAT scale again. There was nothing in thre trailer but two full 30# propane tanks and two batteries. with the trailer hooked up, the truck increased in weight by 1,020#. 106 of that would be my hitch so the tongue weight was 931# (13.2%). Weight on the trailer axles was 6120# so the trailer weighed 7051# (931+6120). Note: manufacturers adverised dry weight is 6837# so believe the scales, not the advertising.
At this point, I noted that I was still 1520# under max payload. I know tomwithin a few pounds that i will he putting 150# more in the truck and 515# in the trailer. I know this because it's all the same stuff I had in my old truck and trailer combo...so I hav3nt weighed it loaded. I know I'm way under.
I ignore towing capacity. I know I'm never going to hit my 16,700 max so I focus on payload and axle weights. I don't think either of your options will exceed any of your capacities. If I loaded my trailer to its GVWR of 8736# but maintained the 13,2% tongue weight, that would be 1153# and I'd still have 1386# - 150# in the bed or about 1237# remaining. But also be aware of how much weight you are lifting off of the front axle. 1000# in the trailer = 132# on my truck (at my 13.2%). But 1000# in the bed is all on the truck and all on the rear axle. I would definitely be using a weight distributing hitch either way and re-adjust the hitch with everything loaded as it 2ill be on the road.
My 2 cents worth. My truck hauls my trailer like a dream (but let's not start the mpg discussion yet again).
Ps: I only have two people to worry about. I would say weigh as I did in my first step wnd the rest will foll9w.