Hitch pin location
I have a few questions based on the following setup. I have a '04 Dodge 3500 Quad Cab DRW truck. I have it setup to haul my TC, and my '87 Alpenlite 19. The Alpenlite weight is 5000 lbs, with pin weig...
Forum Discussion
azdryheat wrote:I am almost embarrassed to say this, but every truck/TC combination I have owned before this truck, the TC loaded put weight on the front axle. Simply stated, MY TC loaded on my '96 Dodge 2500 Ext Cab SRW adds weight (abt 180 lbs)to the front axle. The same TC on my '04 Dodge 3500 Quad Cab DRW removes weight (abt 80 lbs) from the front axle. My TC weight is about 4000. My embarrassment is due to my belief the TC would always add weight to the front axle, and I discovered that is not true.
ALL of my pin weight (3,500) is over the rear axle and none of it is on the front axle per the CAT scale. I don't know why it is like this but the bed hitch manufacturers have specific measurements that must be followed for a successful installation.
Through the years I have seen specific measurements stated by manufacturers, but at best only see part of the explanation why. Pin weight is a good example. Typically, you will see 10 to 25 percent suggested. That is a pretty big spread. I do not recall reading which is optimum under what circumstances. Personally, I prefer 15 to 20 percent.
Wayne
