GVWR and Tow vehicle for 5.0

Conuma · 12-04-2010, 09:29 PM

Good day fellow Escapist's,

I am in a bit of a quandry regarding using my 02 Mazda B4000 (2X4) for towing our new 5.0 trailer coming soon. I know the vehicle can tow the trailer but when I was organizing the fellow to install the hitch he brought up the fact that I maybe over the GVWR for the vehicle. My listed GWVR is 4740 lb, and I have just been to the scales and discovered that the vehicle weight with me and a full tank of gas is 4056.5 lb leaving only 683.5 lbs for the; hitch, one passenger and the dry hitch weight of 480 lb. That puts us just over the GWVR which according to all the information I seen is not safe.

My questions are; have I done the calculations correctly; if so, other than getting a different vehicle anything I can do to the truck to make this all work? or do I blindly carry on oblivious to the dangers I maybe approaching.

Note we are upgrading from a 17b so we aren't new to escapism just very loyal!

Conuma in Victoria

escape artist · 12-05-2010, 01:35 AM

Hi: Conuma... " Any thing I can do". DIET
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

strawbarry · 12-05-2010, 08:52 AM

You are thinking correctly. The other rating is GCWR for the combination of vehicle and trailer. If you have used the truck for hauling heavy loads you have already been over and did not know it. Congratulations on the upgrade and I applaud you for being safety minded, most people think if the vehicle can pull the load then it is ok.

escape artist · 12-10-2010, 03:41 AM

Hi: Conuma... You could have helper springs (extra leaves) added. This will probably affect the empty ride of the truck but add to the GVWR and most certainly pick up the slack. Our previous owner had extra springs added while in Chilliwack picking up their 5.0 . Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

escape artist · 12-12-2010, 08:13 AM

Hi: Conuma... I was talking to Reace in Nov. and he said he had a Mazda/Ranger truck and the springs were a bit "Wimpy". Call him and ask what he did, if anything, as he towed a 5.0 several times to rallies. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

Conuma · 12-14-2010, 12:32 AM

Thanks for all the info, looks like we will be with in the limits. Everyone have a Merry Christmas and an Escaping New Year.

Hokie Escape · 12-14-2010, 04:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Conuma

I am in a bit of a quandry regarding using my 02 Mazda B4000 (2X4) for towing our new 5.0 trailer coming soon.
Conuma in Victoria

When is "soon"? You will love the extra space and ease of hooking up/unhooking the 5.0. Welcome to the club : - )

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