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Old 03-22-2017, 02:03 PM   #1
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Excessive 5th Wheel Pin Weight

Is anyone towing a 5th wheel where the pin weight exceeds the cargo capacity of their TV?

I recently opted out of purchasing a 5th Wheel which had a pin weight of approx 2400 lbs because my 2500 HD truck's cargo capacity is approx 2200 lbs. Yet, on a recent camping trip I saw a lot of TVs like mine (Swd) pulling very large 5th wheels whose pin weights had to be at least 2400 lbs. At a truck stop I saw a Silverado 2500 HD diesel (SWD) pulling a 40 ft. Toy hauler. Am I missing something? Is cargo capacity not that important? I would really like to hear from 5th wheel owners who safely exceed their TV's cargo capacity. What do you do to compensate?
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Old 03-22-2017, 02:04 PM   #2
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It is important but some just do not care.
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Old 03-22-2017, 02:08 PM   #3
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All those individuals will be replacing rear axles or gears being overloaded or it will quicken the demise of their tow vehicle.
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Old 03-22-2017, 02:09 PM   #4
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Just cause you see others doing it, doesnt make it safe or right.
There are lots of people towing 5th wheels and TTs that are over payload.

With 5th wheels, payload is the most important towing spec, because the heavier pin weights.
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Old 03-22-2017, 02:30 PM   #5
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I bought the new truck then bought the new trailer. I had a 2013 Rockwood 8289WS and F 150 Superduty Ecoboost running at near limits, never had a issue but there is the time it might happen. Upgraded to 3/4 ton SD then finally a 1 Ton SD.

If you have a bare bones 2500 with gas power you might be able to squeak out 3,000 CCC and be within limits on a 2400 lb pin weight trailer.

I am moving to SOB and have 2400 lbs dry pin but CCC of 3800 lbs available so fully loaded I am within my limits all around.

All you can do is what you feel is safe and within your comfort factor.
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Old 03-22-2017, 02:43 PM   #6
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One year ago, you are where I was.

I bought a dually based on the math that these guys here showed me, then ordered my trailer.

I know many do it differently. I ain't them, they ain't me, yada yada.
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Old 03-22-2017, 02:46 PM   #7
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And the weight police conversation starts again. Each person needs to make their own decessions based on their use and needs. 90% of my camping trips are within 20 miles of my home.

Whats a few pounds of payload if the camper is 4k under the max tow rating of the truck. (just a what if not my situation)
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Old 03-22-2017, 02:48 PM   #8
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I do try to stay out, but the man asked.

And you bring up a valid point. If you go 20 miles, that's far different. Blanket statements probably don't apply all over. If I'm going all over the USA and through all our Mountains, that's far different and I'd think should matter greatly.

No arguments. Just offering info because a man asked.
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Old 03-22-2017, 02:49 PM   #9
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I would venture to bet there are more out there who are (exceeding) than those who aren't. How many you'd get to admit it, is probably small.
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Old 03-22-2017, 02:58 PM   #10
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I would venture to bet there are more out there who are (exceeding) than those who aren't. How many you'd get to admit it, is probably small.


X a bunch. See them all the time.
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Old 03-22-2017, 03:46 PM   #11
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I see a lot of people pulling trailers that just looking at the truck that's doing the pulling I know without a doubt there are overloaded. I don't care, if they are happy I'm happy for them. I saw a man pulling a forty foot fifth wheel with a F-150 and he was happy , he was leaving the Cracker Barrel and I was going in. A Ford is a real truck, when I look in the rear view mirror and see one coming I just move my Silverado over. Pull what you want with the truck you want. If DOT made campers go over the scales there would be no room for commercial trucks
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Old 03-22-2017, 05:38 PM   #12
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I would venture to bet there are more out there who are (exceeding) than those who aren't. How many you'd get to admit it, is probably small.
I would agree with that. The 250/2500 with diesel is especially vulnerable.
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Old 03-22-2017, 05:43 PM   #13
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Y'all making me want to weigh mine!
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Old 03-22-2017, 06:07 PM   #14
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I do admit I have been in that boat with several trucks over the years. The weak link is usually the transmission.

The worst case I ever had was a E150 conversion van that I pulled a 22 foot Terry with. It pull fine it stopped fine. But the Gross weight capacity of the van was 6300 lbs on the scales with no one in it weighed 6200lb a 100 lb difference then add two adults, two kids, two dogs, the trailers tongue weight and some gear. Just a little over..........


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Old 03-23-2017, 12:30 AM   #15
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I go by the RAWR. That's the one that's more important on a 3/4 ton. A 3/4 ton is only weight challenged by it's lower GVWR of 10,000 lbs or less so that it can comply with some states registration. Most of the time there' really no different between a 1 ton and a 3/4 ton except for the rear springs. Heck you can even order an F350 with a 10,000 GVWR.
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Old 03-23-2017, 12:39 AM   #16
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Most of them towing the 5th wheels with a 2500, 250 etc 3/4 ton are over weight. I was towing mine with a 2500HD with a pin weight 0f 1950 empty, loaded I was 2300. My truck was only rated for 2175, I was way overwieght. Of corse my truck would pull it but I was overweight. I then bought a 3500HD there I am allowed 3845, now I have excess.
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Old 03-23-2017, 12:48 AM   #17
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Heh, oh man - this thread goes down hill quick.

Here's how it goes:

- 1 camp will tell you that ratings matter and exceeding them put yourself and others in danger. Oh and your insurance will drop you before they pay the claim.

- 1 camp tells you that a 3/4-ton is basically the same as a 1-ton, so load it up and go. Oh and those that worry about rating are ninnies and weight Nazis.

- there's a small camp of the "make an educated decision" and decide what, if any, ratings you're willing to exceed.

After a while these threads degenerate into heated discussions where lots of bad blood is sowed.

To answer your questions- folks who exceed generally focus on the rear GAWR (though there are some who are even willing to exceed that).. Often times they'll add extra springs or air bags to help level the load.
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Old 03-23-2017, 01:36 AM   #18
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Heh, oh man - this thread goes down hill quick.

Here's how it goes:

- 1 camp will tell you that ratings matter and exceeding them put yourself and others in danger. Oh and your insurance will drop you before they pay the claim.

- 1 camp tells you that a 3/4-ton is basically the same as a 1-ton, so load it up and go. Oh and those that worry about rating are ninnies and weight Nazis.

- there's a small camp of the "make an educated decision" and decide what, if any, ratings you're willing to exceed.

After a while these threads degenerate into heated discussions where lots of bad blood is sowed.

To answer your questions- folks who exceed generally focus on the rear GAWR (though there are some who are even willing to exceed that).. Often times they'll add extra springs or air bags to help level the load.
Yep about sums it up.. That is why I stuck to the safe, maybe, one sentence response!
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Old 03-23-2017, 01:25 PM   #19
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If DOT made campers go over the scales there would be no room for commercial trucks
While in FL I heard there was talk in the state house of considering just that. One lane for trucks to pass thru at 20 MH and the other for RVs. If one state does this all the others will follow as the revenue it generates swill be great for a few years. If it happens, 30% of posts on forums would go away except for those complaining about fines.
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Old 03-23-2017, 02:25 PM   #20
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How sure are you of your TV's cargo carry capacity? I'm very close with my 2500HD after a few visits to the CAT. I found the only accurate TV Cargo Carry was to weigh the truck by itself but loaded with a full tank diesel, wife and all our luggage etc. in the truck, then use 10,000# minus the truck-alone CAT number.

My sticker payload was 2512 but using the CAT method above, it dropped considerably. The things that made it drop were all after-mfg items: Sidebar steps, gooseball hitch, 5th wheel hitch, airbags, folding bed cover, wife and luggage.

I tow an Ultralight 5th and of course its CAT numbers didn't match the brochure either. At the end of the day, I'm only 10# over TV payload with everything accounted for and I'm comfortable with that. Now every time we go to an RV show and wife wants to trade for a bigger trailer, I have to remind he we would need a bigger TV. My biggest fear is she'll give up on fivers and press for a MH ;-)
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