Does anyone have access to a published specification on the tongue weight of the truck, or the SUV, either one really. I know there is an industry ballpark that says it SHOULD be no less than 9-15% of the payload weight but the manufacturer has to state the designed specification, and oddly, I can't seem to locate it. Maybe you guys have seen it somewhere? Thx!
bump.. I guess Rivian isn't exactly proud of that particular spec, maybe shaving cost in the suspension?
It is more of an industry understanding, tongue weight at between 8 to 12%, all depending on hitch capacity, and actuator loading and design. Electric/Hydraulic actuators, etc. So, for a trailer with GVWR of 11,000 Lbs. will produce a tongue loading between 880 to 1,320 Lbs. This will rob the Tow vehicle/Truck of payload by that amount, or overload the suspension system with truck fully loaded. The Tow vehicle towing limitations are: 1- Tow vehicle traction, such as heavy, battery laden tow vehicle pickup truck, AWD. 2- Gross Trailer Weight Rating (GTWR) will result in weight transfer of 8 to 12% to the Vehicle Hitch. This is your real towing limitation, nothing else. If you want to increase the towing capacity of the Tow vehicle, and still\maintain zero tongue weight. In Towing the plane scenario, it was only possible, with a wagon / Zero tongue setup. There would be no drawbar weight exerted on the rear suspension system, tires or axle components in the Tesla or the MINI. All trailers are equipped with either electric or hydraulic brakes that will energize when the tow vehicle applies brakes or slowdown. There will be no disaster going downhill, exiting or entering highway ramps. To allow electric cars and trucks to take advantage of its true towing capability, a trailer with Zero tongue weight is needed, such as the dolly Pop-trailers, (Wagon hitch set-up). or Self-steer zero tongue weight trailers. Does anyone know of one? checkout http://apdico.net/steerite_self-steer_axle
Totally in agreement. Typical tow matrix are 10-15% of gross weight. That little truck won't stand a chance with 1500lb tongue weight. The developer should take a close look at who their market is. If they are hoping to get proper work trucks that can tow decent 10,000 trailers/boats/campers etc? And/or payloads which are in excess of 3k to 4k. The truck is not just motor. It needs to suspend all that weight and it totally needs to brake all that weight. Is it a proper 1 ton truck or just light weight truck? At this point they are focused on the electric side or mechanics of truck. But launching into a truck sphere, people have major concerns of using it as an actual truck.
I had an after market trailer hitch that had leaf springs on it such that one could adjust the tongue weight. Don't remember who made it but there is more than one manufacturer. These also move the effective pivot point and thus stabilize trailers.
