Forum Discussion
laknox
Jan 08, 2020Nomad
RobWNY wrote:
Currently I have a Forest River Hemisphere GLX that weighs in the neighborhood of 8500LB dry and about 9500LB loaded. I do not travel with water other than a couple of gallons in the black tank to slosh around. It tows fine and my truck handles it with ease but I'm not very happy with it (poorly and cheaply built). I'm beginning to look at new 5th Wheels but I have no idea what my truck can handle and we all know how a dealer will tell you anything to make a sale. I'm not in a position to change trucks for another three years so I have to stick with the truck I have. I understand that a Dually Diesel is a preferable tow vehicle but not in the cards for me right now. As for the math, everything gets so confusing to me that I need some help. Can someone please give me an idea of the dry weight and max weight of a 5th wheel I should be looking at? Also, what else should I be paying attention to on the sticker of a new 5th wheel? I know I need to look at Pin weight but what else? I'll be adding the same amount of stuff I carry in the rig I have now so please keep that in mind too. We're going to the Tampa RV Supershow on January 16th to browse. Below are the specs of my truck. Thank you for any help you can give me.
From the manual
2017 Ram Crew Cab with 6'6" box. 6.4 Hemi with 3.73 rear end GVWR 10,800 Max Payload 4010LB GCWR 19,900 Max Trailer Weight 12,640
From the Stickers on my truck
GAWR Front 5500LB GAWR Rear 7000LB Max Payload 3900LB
My weight additions
Me 225LB Wife 130LB Spray in Bed Liner 50LB Folding Tonneau Cover 60LB 31 Gallon tank = 186LB when full. B&W Patriot 16K hitch with rails weighs about 175LB total. Then figure I'm going to be adding "Stuff", about 1000LB.
If I forgot anything let me know please and Thank you!
Does that 1,000 lbs of "stuff" go in the truck or in the trailer or split between? Seems a lot to carry in the truck alone...
Lyle
About Fifth Wheel Group
19,035 PostsLatest Activity: Mar 21, 2026