Spreadsheet for Rpod & Tow Vehicle Loading

To help with loading my Rpod and tow vehicle I have created an Excel spreadsheet to analyze the loads for each. Further down in this posting you can download a compressed copy of the spreadsheet.

In the screenshots below, notice the Vehicle Capacities section, where there are some inputs for vehicle weights and capacities. Any cells that are shaded should not be changed, since they contain formulas for computing a value based on the contents of other cells. For both camp trailer and tow vehicle you’ll see values for cargo capacity, actual cargo load, and remaining cargo capacity.

The Loading Summary section gives total loaded vehicle weights, tongue weight, camper axle weight, % of GVWR and % of cargo capacity. These numbers will change to reflect the loads supplied in the Vehicle Loading section. The sub-section "Tow Vehicle Weight Distribution" is used to verify that axle loads do not exceed GAWR. Enter the front axle % weight, and the rear axel % is calculated. Front and rear axle loads are then calculated and can be compared to GAWR for each axle.

The Vehicle Loading section is where actual weights of load items are supplied. Each of these load weights is shown in the Weights column. Then each load is applied to either the camper or the tow vehicle by copying to the appropriate column. Several items might be needed more than once such as passengers, personal items, kayaks, etc. Other items may be needed in less than the full amount (i.e. fresh water). This is taken care of in the multiplier column. For example if only 7-1/2 gallons fresh water is loaded (25% of 30 gallons), the 25% multiplier is applied to the full weight (251 lbs.) giving 63 lbs. actual load. Totals for trailer and tow vehicle cargo loading are shown at bottom. The same totals show up as Cargo Load in the Vehicle Capacities section.

It is interesting to see how things change in the Load Summary section as load items are moved from tow vehicle to camper or the reverse. Tongue weight is transferred from the camper axle to the tow vehicle. With the loading that I have applied my tow vehicle is close to being maxed out concerning GVWR (94%). About all that could be done is load the camper with fewer items or transfer more load from tow vehicle to camper. Also I’ll need to determine weights on front and rear axles of the tow vehicle to see if they are within the GAWR for these axles. This can be done at a public roadside scale. With that information the percent weight distribution (front/rear) can be adjusted. It might be advisable that I get a more capable tow vehicle, something like an F150 pickup with V8. But I'll see how the present setup works out. I'm glad we got the lightest Rpod.

This spreadsheet has helped me determine best load distribution between camper and tow vehicle. Otherwise I would just be guessing. My tendency would have been to put too much cargo in the tow vehicle. With over 500 lbs. of available load capacity in the TV, the GVWR could easily be exceeded with the addition of tongue weight. Still to be determined is how to arrange load in the trailer to get a 10% tongue weight.

In the spreadsheet any of the cells that are not shaded can be changed to reflect actual load items, weights and other specifics for the camper and tow vehicle. If there are any errors or faulty logic, please let me know so these can be corrected. I have found it useful to have different versions of the spreadsheet reflecting different kinds of outings with different load items. I hope this spreadsheet will be of use for those with Rpods or other trailers.

Later edits:

Here's the latest version of the spreadsheet:

uploads/5337/Camper_&_Tow_Vehicle_Loading_-_GSSP.zip

I've been working on adjusting some of the layout of the spreadsheet, some of the input weights and their distribution. To view the screenshots below I have found it best to reduce the screen's magnification so that the entire screenshot is shown without having to scroll left and right. With a Mac use Command-minus. I believe with a PC it is Control-minus. 

There have been some adjustments to the hitch loading in that some of the hitch weight is being carried by the camper tongue, which lessens the load on the tow vehicle. Also for fun I adjusted the % weight distribution (front/rear) of the tow vehicle to see what distribution would max out the GAWR (rear) for the tow vehicle. Here are a couple of screenshots showing the latest iteration of the loading analysis. 

Below is the latest loading for the camper and tow vehicle.

It appears that my Toyota RAV4 tow vehicle is barely capable of towing my new Rpod camper. I don't like getting this close to the maximum GVWR. But it is what I have to work with right now. It will help having a 269 HP V6. Before embarking on my first trip to the Golden State Star Party near Mount Shasta, California, I'll have all of the tow vehicle's fluids changed - transmission, 4x4 transfer case, rear differential, etc. Even with the transmission cooler installed I'll need to keep an eye on coolant temperature when climbing over the Siskiyou Mountains from Oregon into California.

Best Wishes to All!