Forum Discussion
op asks wrote:
One of my biggest struggles now is to find out exactly how much my existing truck can safely tow. It seems that it is very difficult for people on this forum to explain to someone who knows very little about this subject what the following words mean: pin weight, GVWR, GCWR, GAWR, GHWR. I need to know the exact meanings of these weight words, how to find them, what the safe percentages are to use in calculations.
I am anxious to find out the answers to both of my topics -- please help!
Agree with anaro on looking at the redwoodowners.com and thor.com forums for input from other Redwood owners.
Same with the other brands...its best to go to those brands forums also for lots of input.
I see on another post you have a '99 2500 Dodge/Cummins with a 8800 GVWR and a 6084 RAWR. Asking for legal weight advice on a RV website is always a hoot. My advise is see your state size and weights guys for how much load your truck can carry safely/legally.
I also see in another post you ask about what are your legal weights.
GVWR/GCWR isn't part of any legal numbers for how much weight any truck can carry or pull.
GHWR ?? Never heard of it.
Axles/tires carry the load which in the case of 5th wheel trailer its the pin weight on the trucks rear axle/tires.
Run some approx numbers here from another post you say your trucks rear axle weighs 2760 lbs. Subtract that from the trucks 6084 RAWR leaves approx 3300 lbs on the rear axle/tires for a legal payload per your states max weight code which will be legal everywhere.
Don't confuse that 3300 lbs with how much pin weight your truck can carry as the hitch and other gear will be subtracted from that number.
Basically your looking at a 2300-2400 dry pin weight for that year model 2500 truck.
Now how much weight can your 2500 pull ?? Depends on axle ratio/manual vs auto tranny but it runs from 9900 lbs with a 3.54 to 14000 lbs with a 4.10 rear axle ratio.
IMO a older OEM '99 2500 Dodge/Cummins isn't up to towing a 16k GVWR trailer.
Edit; changed wording
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