[A/S] Weight of '78 Excella 500

["Harvey Barlow" <harveybarlow@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Jan,

I  don't know the dry weight of the trailer you inquired about but I will
offer a guess, approximately 6500 pounds.  Knowing the dry weight figure of
a trailer is of little value to you because you won't be pulling it at dry
weight.  A better figure to know would be the loaded weight with propane,
fresh water, clothing, food, eating utensils, bedding, tools, etc.   If you
are unable to weigh the trailer on a public scale, a good approximation of
actual loaded weight can be obtained by using the gross vehicle weight which
should be stamped on the vehicle identification number plate.  The VIN plate
should be riveted to the trailer body, either across the front or on the
street side under the front compartment windows.  Gross vehicle weight for
that trailer should be 7800 to 8300 pounds.

The van you described should be adequate for towing the trailer provided the
van is not also loaded to capacity.  The van will not have a surplus of
power for towing in mountainous terrain but will be adequate for flatland
towing and gentle hills.  Expect fuel consumption of about 8 mpg when
towing.

I assume you know that you must have your van equipped with a proper weight
distribution hitch receiver, trailer wiring harness, and electric brake
controller to actuate the trailer's electric brakes.  A proper weight
distributing hitch assembly and an integral or add-on sway control device
will be essential.

Welcome to Airstreaming.

Harvey