Too Much?

firepoggy · June 17, 2007

I pick up my new fifth wheel on Monday the 18th. The "empty" pin weight of the trailer is 1365lbs. Is that too heavy and if not, How much room do I have to play?

Shaners · June 17, 2007

You're in graet shape! 1365# over the rear axle will make your truck ride like a Caddy!

Burbman · June 18, 2007

Firepoggy,

You need to do the math on this. Go weigh your truck with a full tank of fuel and you in the driver's seat. Most trucks weigh more than the "curb weight" published my the mfr, due to the addition of options, etc. Subtract that actual weight from your GVWR and that will tell you how much you can carry in the truck. Subtract any additional passengers, tools, etc, not included in your truck scale weight and that will give you the max amount your 5er pin can weigh.

Also bear in mind that "dry" weights don't inlcude propane, freah water, and everything that you pack in the trailer. For example, items you put in the front basement by the landing gear will add more to the pin that items placed further back, and weight that you add behind the 5er axle will actually subtract from the pin weight. When the trailer is loaded and ready to go, you may have added another 300-500 lbs to the pin, depending on what you loaded and where you loaded it. Again, the only way to tell is to weigh.

If you a 2500HD with 9200 GVWR, you are likely going to be fine with that weight, but actual weights will tell you what you;ve got instead of guess-timating.

You can get more specific info from folks that tow 5ers with your truck over at the RV.net Towing Forum.

2017HD · June 19, 2007

You really need to find a scale and weigh the rig. First do the truck and trailer axle by axle, then go unhitch and do the truck. Most truck stop scales will do this, just tell them that you are a non commercial vehicle. When you get your results you should be able to determine the effects of the 5th wheel on your truck. Compare the loaded rear axle with the GAWR to insure that you are within spec, and then make sure that your GVWR and CGWR are all within spec. I would suggest that when you weigh the rig you should have a full tank of gas and water along with camping gear. For more opinions visit such sites as IRV2.com and RV.net

Shaners · June 20, 2007

Guys... He's looking at 1365# empty! His truck could carry dbl that in it's bed alone! If the king pin weight is that light, I would guess the trailer weight to be under 10K lbs GVW (26-28 ft). He has more than enough truck... however depending on the motor, there could be more Q's and A's

firepoggy · June 22, 2007

Got the trailer and so far no problems. The motor howls a bit going up hill but the truck seems to be doing fine. The pin weight dropped the truck an inch or two. I also asked this same question at rv.net but was only receivng answeres from Ford and Dodge owners, that is why I posted here. Thanks for the help.