Do these weights seem ok for towing?

[mbc28]

I posted earlier and got some great responses on the sway control bar and adding the brakes hook up~it does have electric brakes, we just need to get it connected. As far as the weight goes, are we alright with what we have:
07 Mercury Mountaineer AWD~ 3500lb class II hitch
Viking Legend 2465st 2002
Dry weight 2300 or 2400lbs
GCWR 3240lbs
People weight (our family of 5) = 400lbs
We can go up to a class III hitch and with that are able to pull 5000lbs if need be.
Thanks for your help!

[AustinBoston]

The two numbers we arew missing are the Mountaneer's Tow Rating (absolute maximum that can be towed under any circumstances) and it's gross combined weight rating (GCWR or GCVWR).  You should be able to find these numbers in your Mercury owner's manual.

The hitch rating isn't really relevant (except that you can't exceed it either).

Austin

[wavery]

If your GCWR is 3240lbs, you definitely have a problem. You may want to double check that figure. It doesn't look right.

What is the GVWR on your TV?

---------------------edit----------------
I did a little checking. I don't know what size your engine is, so I checked:
 
V6
Curb weight   4,725 lbs.  
GVWR   6,180 lbs.  
Towing capacity   3,500 lbs.

V8
Curb weight   4,890 lbs.  
GVWR   6,248 lbs.  
Towing capacity   3,500 lbs

Check your Owner's Manual or call your dealer for your GCVWR. It could not possibly be 3240#. However, I would say (at face value) that you look pretty close to your limits. A guess, would put your GCVWR at around 9,000#. If it is under that (which it could be) you could have a problem. You should know exactly what it is.

You can carry up to 1358# (including ALL passengers cargo, fuel, trailer tongue weight, etc) to reach your max GVWR. When we are going camping, we tend to carry a lot of gear. I would say that it is reasonable to assume that you may get close to your GVWR.

If you add 2400# (your PU's dry weight) plus and additional 300# of gear in the trailer (a guesstimate) you will have a total of of 8880#. Please remember that your "Dry weight" does not include battery, propane tanks, awning or any other accessories that your PU may have come with.

If these figures are close to what you may be carrying, you will need to have a GCVWR that is higher than that.



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http://www.rverscorner.com/articles/towingregulations.html
GCVWR (gross combined vehicle weight rating) - The manufacturers maximum load weight, in pounds, allowed for the trailer and tow vehicle. This rating includes the weight of the trailer and tow vehicle plus fuel, water, propane, supplies and passengers