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
Reddog1 wrote:
I prefer not to go into any more details than I have, simply because I don't see where it adds to the discussion. I have given the weights, and while they could be plus or minus 20 lbs, I doubt it.
Unfortunately, it is very relevant as the numbers you are claiming don't match logically.
NADA says your trailer should be around 3300lbs empty (twin axle variant). I also looked at similar size trailers (not many 5th wheels that size) and they were all similar empty weights.
If the axles are rated at 2820, that means the max weight of the trailer fully loaded is 5640lbs. If you are scaling out empty at over 5000lbs, that means there is only a cargo capacity of around 600lbs which is crazy low. I would expect something on the order of 1500-2000lb cargo capacity.
Something is clearly wrong with the numbers and if the numbers you are reporting are correct, you are way low on pin weight.
My best guess is the 500lb on the sticker is the pin weight when empty which would correspond to around 18%. A bit light but if they are figuring your average 1/2ton is oversized, they may figure they can get away with being slightly on the light side.
360lb pin weight on a 5000lb fully loaded may result in sway issues because it is extreme. It may not happen in all conditions but I would hate to find out taking a corner.
As far as getting manufacturers to say it's OK to drive with the hitch in the slid back position, good luck. There is no benefit to them approving this regardless. If you can't do a full structural analysis, just don't. It's not just you that could be in danger if something fails at 60mph.
