How much 5th Wheel can I tow with my truck

laknox wrote:

Coach-man wrote:
OK, a 5th wheel is not a “trailer” and it is not have anything to do with “how much can my truck tow”! A couple of years ago, they had a ½ ton Toyota towing the space shuttle! A 5th wheel puts approximately 25% of its loaded weight on your rear axel. You understand, it is loaded weight, with water, propane, food, beverages, clothes, even batteries are not included with “published dry weight figures”. Also, note that your weight capacity on the trucks door sticker does not take into account gasoline, gear, 5th wheel hitch, and passengers! Subtract weight of passengers, (use 200 pounds each), fuel, weight of hitch from your weight capacity. Then take 25% of the published dry weight of the 5th wheel, and add propane, dual 30 gallon tanks about 120 pounds, clothes food and gear add about 1,500 pounds. Water would be a little tricky, depends on how much you plan to carry, figure 7.5 pounds per gallon, I used to travel with only 10 gallons fill when I got to the site. Also, where the tank is, if behind the rear axel it could subtract weight, in front it would add! Finally, add that all up, and 25% of that total would be in the bed of the truck, how does that add up to the “adjusted” capacity? If that “fits” you should be ok, front rear axel weights can only be determined using scales, which you should do after everything is set up! Good luck, enjoy your new rig!

Last I knew, a truck's weight placard includs full fuel and a 150lb driver. I know that Jayco's cango placard includes full propane and 1 battery.

Lyle

Lyle, Not sure if they changed that! Always dry weights, for both the truck as well as the trailer! That way everything is equal. What driver weighs 150 lbs? Propane, 20 gallons, 30 gallons? 40 gallons? How many tanks ? One battery, or 2 6 volt golf cart batteries, Trailers do no ship with batteries in them, the dealer installs the batter(s)! Are you a full timer, or just a weekender with a couple of 6 packs and a ham sandwich! Way too many variables! By listing the dry weight, you can easily customize the weight by adding your actual!