Towing Empty

[Thornmonkey]

I am trying to figure out how to lighten up the pin weight, I know I won't be able to remove a lot of weight, but how can I make the pin weight a little lighter. I have a XLR 41G14, we don't haul any "toys" but we do use the garage for bikes, Kayaks, and the kids bedroom. We might use the garage in the future, but currently have no plans. I am worried that with most the weight in the front and very little in the rear this will cause swaying. Is this something that I need to worry about having most weight in the middle and up front? Currently most of the weight is in the middle (kitchen/ living room), with clothes and etc in the front bedroom and other clothes in the garage.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Boomerweps]

Tow haulers are designed to have items in the garage to balance the weight. Therefore, with nothing the garage area, it will be front heavy. Depending on the location of your fresh water tank, carrying some water might help. Otherwise, use your garage area for carrying added boxed items. Avoid using any front storage areas as much as possible. Think of your RV like a teeter-toter, weight-wise.

 

[Chuck_S]

I'd weigh this trailer (axles and pin) loaded but trailers are more likely to sway with excessive weight behind the axle (not the other way around) which in a toy hauler sans toys seems unlikely.

A quick example of weight vs axle placement is a motor boat trailer with the engine near or at the stern where the axles are at the far back end which limits how much is behind the axle. Semi-trailer axles (kin to 5th wheels) are likewise way back there.

On the other hand keel boats (like my former J/24) with massively heavy lead keels on the other hand position their weight over the axles.

-- Chuck

 

[gwill1010]

Just curious, what are you towing this monster with? I think with a trailer this long you won't have swaying issues, but I'm no expert.

 

[CCrew]

I have to agree, running the exact size trailer and it cares less if our SxS is in the garage or not. That said, hope they’re towing with a DRW because mine’s just under the wire on the numbers per CAT scale.

 

[RV9-11Jeff]

Perhaps give a look under your trailer and make sure nothing is broken causing the sway. It doesn’t seem that the sway would be caused from heavy pin weight.

 

[Oaklevel]

Not enough info here but in my opinion too much weight on the pin is not likely to cause sway.............. what tow vehicle?? Sounds like you have another issue.

 

[Rixthe1]

Just the opposite, not enough tongue weight will swerve left and right, and tip over. Too much tongue weight needs more weight, moved to the rear. RV batteries, ice chests, extra bedding. A weight distribution hitch may help. Too much tongue weight will droop the rear and raise the front. Then the steer tires won't contact the road, very much, and make it difficult to drive.

 

[Oaklevel]

We are all guessing here and do not have enough info. The OP has not posted since Jan 28th. They need to let us know what the tow vehicle is, and go to a scale and get weighed (properly)........ Trailers should be 60% in front 40% to the rear.

Toyhaulers are a different beast. Granted ours was only 14K loaded but it did not pull any differently with the 1000 lb golf cart in the rear or not. (the garage was rated at 2500 lbs)........ but ours was two axles not three'

The OP has a 46ft fifth wheel that weighs up to 21K with three axles.............. so tow vehicle info (specs) is very important.

With 3 axles I doubt a small amout of weight in the back will change much.

Tires, suspensions , etc. can add to the issues.

Good Luck to the OP some great info here but realize we are all guessing without more info.

 

[BlueThunder]

I am trying to figure out how to lighten up the pin weight, I know I won't be able to remove a lot of weight, but how can I make the pin weight a little lighter. I have a XLR 41G14, we don't haul any "toys" but we do use the garage for bikes, Kayaks, and the kids bedroom. We might use the garage in the future, but currently have no plans. I am worried that with most the weight in the front and very little in the rear this will cause swaying. Is this something that I need to worry about having most weight in the middle and up front? Currently most of the weight is in the middle (kitchen/ living room), with clothes and etc in the front bedroom and other clothes in the garage.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

Tongue weight or pin weight is your friend when towing. If you're not having a problem now, you should not be concerned with it.

 

[PenJoe]

The 60/40 rule states that when loading a trailer, 60% of the weight should be in front of the axle and 40% behind. This rule helps prevent trailer sway and ensures proper tongue weight.

 

[jimmoore13]

I am trying to figure out how to lighten up the pin weight, I know I won't be able to remove a lot of weight, but how can I make the pin weight a little lighter. I have a XLR 41G14, we don't haul any "toys" but we do use the garage for bikes, Kayaks, and the kids bedroom. We might use the garage in the future, but currently have no plans. I am worried that with most the weight in the front and very little in the rear this will cause swaying. Is this something that I need to worry about having most weight in the middle and up front? Currently most of the weight is in the middle (kitchen/ living room), with clothes and etc in the front bedroom and other clothes in the garage.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

Add beer in the cargo area. Kegs and cases.

 

[hazmat456]

Taking weight off the truck will only make any sway worse. Most people only have problems when loaded, which reduces pin weight. Take a look at your suspension, make sure nothing is loose.