Fifth wheel hitch weight concerns

das wrote:
New to posting on the forum but have been reading for a couple of years and learning from other's experiences. We currently own a 7300 pound TT and are looking to upgrade to a fifth wheel. Looking at the Keystone 324FWBHS that is 10869 pounds and has a 2160 pound hitch weight. I have a 2015 Chevrolet 2500hd 6.0 that has a payload of 3152. Just looking for thoughts of the hitch weight concerns from other fifth wheel owners or am I just being parinoid? I know there is a big difference in the weight and payload but the 2160 weight is a huge difference from the 750 pound trailer tongue weight I am used to towing. Not totally stuck on the 324FWBHS model but do like the rear bunks and outdoor kitchen that come with it so I would also be up for ideas of something similar. Most of our towing will be less than 3 hours from home.

The pin/hitch weight a trailer manufacturer publishes is a number used by them to balance all their numbers on paper. They must do that to establish the figures they put on the vehicle’s certification label. Once the vehicle is sold the pin/hitch weights become the responsibility of the vehicle owner.

The most common rule of thumb for the owner is to figure 15% - 20% of the total load to get a ballpark figure for your pin weight.

It’s probably best to load up the trailer as it would be loaded for a camping trip and then find some scales for a more accurate pin weight until you become familiar with your trailers balance when loaded.

FastEagle