Question on dry weight

[Aymmie]

Hi, I'm new and looking into getting an older Trillium however, the guy doesn't seem to know the dry weight. He keeps telling me the dry weight is 2000lbs for a 1980 15ft Trillium Jubilee however, I'm pretty sure that's the gross weight. I've searched the net but not having too much luck. Can any one help me with this please.

[The Minimalist]

You can likely find what you're looking for here:

http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...rld-43010.html

....and welcome to the forum.

[Carol H]

2000lbs for an unloaded 15' fiberglass trailer sounds btw about right. Loaded it probable comes in closer to 2500/2600lbs or more including the tongue weight.

Why is the manufactures dry weight needed? - it really doesnt mean a lot. As it often does not include much of anything - not even the awning, propane tanks, battery, stove, fridge etc. Most folks find the loaded weight to be the more helpful number to know.

[honda03842]

Aymmie,

Dry weight is not very important. The critical numbers are loaded weight and tongue weight, both of which you will have some control over.

We've owned three small trailers and I don't know the dry weight of any of them but I do know the loaded weights.

Most of our trailers were older units, at least 20 years old, and our concern was the trailer's physical condition. As Carol stated the trailer is likely going to weigh about 2500 lbs when loaded. Our 3 trailers, set up for extended travel, weighed within about 100 lbs of this including the tongue weight.

[Aymmie]

Thanks everyone, and to Clif, that was very helpful. The dryweight is important for me bcuz I want to take this trailer (EMPTY) to a reunion as all I need is a place to sleep so won't be using water or propane or anything other than trailer and blankets. I know my max for my vehicle is 1800lbs and I need trailer that sleeps 4. (3 adults and a baby but only baby and myself in the tow vehicle so not concerned about added luggage and weight in TV)

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by Aymmie

The dryweight is important for me bcuz I want to take this trailer (EMPTY) to a reunion as all I need is a place to sleep so won't be using water or propane or anything other than trailer and blankets.

As suggested even without water and only blankets for sleeping the trailer you are considering will be well over your 1800lb limit when empty. Unless you are wanting/able to remove the battery, fridge, stove, awning, portapotty, propane tanks etc and carry no clothing or food etc.

Keep in mind most of the trailers on the Real World Weights thread most probable did not have any water in their tanks either or if they did very little. They were weighed on arrival at a full service campground so most people don't tow with water in there tanks to such places. My trailer appears 2x on the list and it had no water in any of the tanks.

[honda03842]

Aymmie, What do you have for a tow vehicle?

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Fiberglass RV mobile app

[Aymmie]

Originally Posted by honda03842

Aymmie, What do you have for a tow vehicle?

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Fiberglass RV mobile app

I've got a 05 Dodge Caravan with no tow pkg 3.3 V6 but I just had a transmission cooler added. It an 8 hr trip over the Canadian Rockies.

[Aymmie]

Originally Posted by Carol H

As suggested even without water and only blankets for sleeping the trailer you are considering will be well over your 1800lb limit when empty. Unless you are wanting/able to remove the battery, fridge, stove, awning, portapotty, propane tanks etc and carry no clothing or food etc.

Keep in mind most of the trailers on the Real World Weights thread most probable did not have any water in their tanks either or if they did very little. They were weighed on arrival at a full service campground so most people don't tow with water in there tanks to such places. My trailer appears 2x on the list and it had no water in any of the tanks.

Thanks, I'm now understanding more the term of dry weight. I'm learning lots on here....and a total newbie!

[MC1]

Originally Posted by Aymmie

I've got a 05 Dodge Caravan with no tow pkg 3.3 V6 but I just had a transmission cooler added. It an 8 hr trip over the Canadian Rockies.

Properly equipped a 05 Dodge Caravan with a 3.3 can tow 3,500lbs. If you contact a Dodge dealer they should be able to tell you what else is required to make up the 3,500 tow rating. Some times it is very minimal and is just the tranny cooler which you already have.

[Aymmie]

Originally Posted by MC1

Properly equipped a 05 Dodge Caravan with a 3.3 can tow 3,500lbs. If you contact a Dodge dealer they should be able to tell you what else is required to make up the 3,500 tow rating. Some times it is very minimal and is just the tranny cooler which you already have.

I did, my van is max 1800lbs. I called 5 different dealers and for an 05, that's it unless it came with the tow package which it did not. My manual also says the same thing. So.... it looks like a pop-up or a 13ft is my options.

[honda03842]

Aymmie,

I might ask the dealers what the tow package includes.

[Aymmie]

Originally Posted by honda03842

Aymmie,

I might ask the dealers what the tow package includes.

I did, they were the ones that suggested the extra cooler but at this very moment, I cannot remember what the list was. But maybe I will call again.