Fifth Wheel Shopping Advice

S&B123 wrote:
I called GM and finally spoke with a live human being who could answer my question, I had to give my VIN # so the correct information could be accessed. I remained on hold for quite a while before he returned with the answer. We were on a recorded line and after being told all of my particular truck weight and payload specifications I asked specifically if the calculation included ALL occupants of the truck (5). The answer was YES. Of course this does not include hitch weight or anything else the owner or dealership may have added after delivery.

I have the date and time as well as the name of the person I spoke with. They also generate a service number for every call for reference. So please, if anyone has definitive information regarding occupant calculations to the contrary directly from GM message me with who you spoke with and when so I can call back with that information. I don't mean to start a rock throwing contest here but if you don't have direct information from GM I have to rely on what I was told.

Kudos for taking the time to get this info from GM. Granted, if they took your VIN then the data does carry a bit more credibility than a brochure or an online payload calculator.

However, if you want the truth, and nothing but the truth . . . if you want a number not based on any assumptions or possible misunderstanding . . . if you want a number you can bet you and your family's safety on, then weigh your truck, empty, at the nearest CAT scale. Subtract that number from the GVWR as noted on your truck's door jam sticker . . . this is your remaining realworld payload. Again, this payload number will easily trump what GM or anyone else has told you.

Good luck!

S&B123 wrote:
I called GM and finally spoke with a live human being who could answer my question, I had to give my VIN # so the correct information could be accessed. I remained on hold for quite a while before he returned with the answer. We were on a recorded line and after being told all of my particular truck weight and payload specifications I asked specifically if the calculation included ALL occupants of the truck (5). The answer was YES. Of course this does not include hitch weight or anything else the owner or dealership may have added after delivery.

I have the date and time as well as the name of the person I spoke with. They also generate a service number for every call for reference. So please, if anyone has definitive information regarding occupant calculations to the contrary directly from GM message me with who you spoke with and when so I can call back with that information. I don't mean to start a rock throwing contest here but if you don't have direct information from GM I have to rely on what I was told.

For your reading pleasure, I submit the following. Note reference after reference to ratings being determined using ONLY the weight of the base truck and driver.

https://www.chevrolet.com/content/dam/Chevrolet/northamerica/usa/nscwebsite/en/Home/Vehicles/Trucks%20and%20Vans/2016_Silverado_3500HD/Model_Overview/02_pdf/MY16_US_Trailering_Guide.pdf

Rusty

That is simple to prove since all you have to do is go to the nearest truck stop that has a scale with all people in it and the add in 200 lbs of hitch and get it weighted. Look at your door jam and find the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)and subtract the weight of truck and that will give you amount left over for pin weights. If really good information to know while shopping for 5er.

My yellow door tag had 3744 on it and my trucked weight in at 8220 lbs with a 11,500 (GVWR) which left me with a 3280 left over for the pin weight of the 5er (11,500 minus 8220 = 3280 payload). That is a B&W hitch, driver, full tank full, about 50 lbs of other stuff in the truck.

S&B123 wrote:
I called GM and finally spoke with a live human being who could answer my question, I had to give my VIN # so the correct information could be accessed. I remained on hold for quite a while before he returned with the answer. We were on a recorded line and after being told all of my particular truck weight and payload specifications I asked specifically if the calculation included ALL occupants of the truck (5). The answer was YES. Of course this does not include hitch weight or anything else the owner or dealership may have added after delivery.

I have the date and time as well as the name of the person I spoke with. They also generate a service number for every call for reference. So please, if anyone has definitive information regarding occupant calculations to the contrary directly from GM message me with who you spoke with and when so I can call back with that information. I don't mean to start a rock throwing contest here but if you don't have direct information from GM I have to rely on what I was told.

I called GM and finally spoke with a live human being who could answer my question, I had to give my VIN # so the correct information could be accessed. I remained on hold for quite a while before he returned with the answer. We were on a recorded line and after being told all of my particular truck weight and payload specifications I asked specifically if the calculation included ALL occupants of the truck (5). The answer was YES. Of course this does not include hitch weight or anything else the owner or dealership may have added after delivery.

I have the date and time as well as the name of the person I spoke with. They also generate a service number for every call for reference. So please, if anyone has definitive information regarding occupant calculations to the contrary directly from GM message me with who you spoke with and when so I can call back with that information. I don't mean to start a rock throwing contest here but if you don't have direct information from GM I have to rely on what I was told.

Every manufacturer's ratings that I've ever seen rate payload capacity and trailer tow rating based on an empty truck with only a 150 pound driver. EVERY pound added over that 150 pound driver allowance for a heavier driver, passengers, cargo, accessories (including the 5th wheel hitch), etc. must be deducted from those ratings.

Rusty

S&B123 wrote:

Me Again wrote:

S&B123 wrote:
Just an update.

After a lot more research trying to get info on the subject of payload and towing capacity, according to GM as of 2014 all payload stickers on the doors of their trucks include ALL occupants, 5 in my case with all full fluids including full tank of fuel. The posted 2910# on my truck is actual payload capacity "after" these items were factored in. Apparently prior to 2014 GM weighed their vehicles without full fluids and added options.

That being said we are looking at 5ers a bit less in the GVWR than the two I mentioned.

Thanks to everyone for your input on the subject.

I do not believe that is true about all occupants. It is a 150 pound driver only. The change they made was to use the actual trim level of the truck vs a stripper. Chris

Chris, I called GM and verified that on my 2016 truck the calculation includes all passengers (5) at 150lbs each.

Whether I'd take that as true or not depends on "who" at GM you spoke to. Unless it was a GM engineer IMO the answer is potentially suspect.

Anywhoser, regardless what GM or anybody here on rv.net says, if you really want to determine the realworld payload for your truck I'd suggest weighing your truck empty, with you on-board along with a full tank of fuel, at a nearby CAT scale. Subtract this weight from your truck's GVWR. The resultant number is your realworld remaining payload---more accurate and applicable than the yellow payload sticker on the door jam.

The yellow door jam payload sticker only reflects the remaining payload the day the truck left the assembly line, prior to being subjected to dirt, mud, rust, hitches, different tires/rims, over/underweight drivers/passengers, and modifications---known and unknown.

Me Again wrote:

S&B123 wrote:
Just an update.

After a lot more research trying to get info on the subject of payload and towing capacity, according to GM as of 2014 all payload stickers on the doors of their trucks include ALL occupants, 5 in my case with all full fluids including full tank of fuel. The posted 2910# on my truck is actual payload capacity "after" these items were factored in. Apparently prior to 2014 GM weighed their vehicles without full fluids and added options.

That being said we are looking at 5ers a bit less in the GVWR than the two I mentioned.

Thanks to everyone for your input on the subject.

I do not believe that is true about all occupants. It is a 150 pound driver only. The change they made was to use the actual trim level of the truck vs a stripper. Chris

Chris, I called GM and verified that on my 2016 truck the calculation includes all passengers (5) at 150lbs each.

We just picked up our Cedar Creek (forgot which one it was) on Saturday and remember seeing a new 2015 Hathaway on the floor. It was at Reines RV in Manassas VA. They have a web site and I remember seeing the RV there but I think it was 38 ft. I am relatively new to this and we haven't taken our first trip yet but I remember liking that floorplan. Ours was also a 2015 new.

S&B123 wrote:
Just an update.

After a lot more research trying to get info on the subject of payload and towing capacity, according to GM as of 2014 all payload stickers on the doors of their trucks include ALL occupants, 5 in my case with all full fluids including full tank of fuel. The posted 2910# on my truck is actual payload capacity "after" these items were factored in. Apparently prior to 2014 GM weighed their vehicles without full fluids and added options.

That being said we are looking at 5ers a bit less in the GVWR than the two I mentioned.

Thanks to everyone for your input on the subject.

FWIW, some RV mfrs are doing something similar. They are showing a net CCC after that actual trailer is weighed, with full propane and one battery. Jayco, at least, also shows the weight of a full tank of fresh water, though it's not =weighed= with it, since that's a variable when towing.

Lyle

S&B123 wrote:
Just an update.

After a lot more research trying to get info on the subject of payload and towing capacity, according to GM as of 2014 all payload stickers on the doors of their trucks include ALL occupants, 5 in my case with all full fluids including full tank of fuel. The posted 2910# on my truck is actual payload capacity "after" these items were factored in. Apparently prior to 2014 GM weighed their vehicles without full fluids and added options.

That being said we are looking at 5ers a bit less in the GVWR than the two I mentioned.

Thanks to everyone for your input on the subject.

I do not believe that is true about all occupants. It is a 150 pound driver only. The change they made was to use the actual trim level of the truck vs a stripper. Chris