Forum Discussion

garysol's avatar
garysol
Explorer
Sep 21, 2014

My weights.. (note steer axle)

Below are my scale numbers weighed with and without my trailer on the same CAT scales. Note my front axle weight did not change at all. My Superglide hitch is directly over the rear axle and it cannot be moved forward at all. Is this a normal situation? Truck drives just fine and is very stable at highway speeds. I would think I would want to move some weight forward but I am not sure how to accomplish this. Thoughts?????


..............................Unloaded......................Loaded............difference
Steer axle....................4780...........................4780............+0
drive axle....................3320...........................6160............+2,840
total truck weight........8,100..........................10,940
trailer axles..................N/A..........................10,700...........+10,700


Truck..... 2014 Ram 3500 SRW Cummins Short Bed crew

..............................Advertised max..............Actual Loaded
GVWR............................11,700.......................10,940........-760
payload...........................4,020........................2,840........-1,180
rear GAWR.......................7,000........................6,160........-840
GCWR.............................25,000......................21,640.......-3,360

9 Replies

  • Swamp_Man's avatar
    Swamp_Man
    Explorer
    Sep 22, 2014
    Garysol, looks good to me. You are well within all ratings and should do fine. Allworth missed your point.
  • garysol's avatar
    garysol
    Explorer
    Sep 21, 2014
    Allworth wrote:
    If it is within ratings and drives good, why are you looking for problems where none exist?


    As with most people here on this forum I started out towing bumper pulls. We all use weight distribution hitches to help load the front axle a bit so I incorrectly assumed that the fifth wheel would (or should) also distribute some of the pin weight to the front of the truck chassis.

    What makes you think I am looking for problems?...... I believe I was only asking a question and getting peoples opinions that may have more experience with this than myself.
  • Allworth's avatar
    Allworth
    Explorer II
    Sep 21, 2014
    If it is within ratings and drives good, why are you looking for problems where none exist?
  • P_Kennedy's avatar
    P_Kennedy
    Explorer
    Sep 21, 2014
    As long as the 5th wheel pin center is at 0 above the rear axle there will no change in the steer axle weights. When possible I prefer to be 2-4" ahead of center on the rear axle but with a short box truck it is not likely because of clearance to the cab. Diesel trucks are naturally heavy on the front axle and will steer decent even with the trailer, gas trucks get too light and start to hunt on the road especially if the road has ruts. Your Ram has a 5500 lb front axle.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Sep 21, 2014
    Even if you could move the pin an inch or so, in front of the axle, I doubt you'd see more than 50#s added to the front axle.

    As mentioned, passengers, and gear will be added to the front.

    Jerry
  • garysol's avatar
    garysol
    Explorer
    Sep 21, 2014
    pcm1959 wrote:
    I weighted my rig Labor Day weekend. I have a long bed extended cab, drw 3500 Silverado. My steer axle was exactly the same with AND without the fiver. I thought it was odd but it didn't concern me. I think you are fine. Phillip


    Apparently this is more normal than I thought. Glad to see this is the case.
  • pcm1959's avatar
    pcm1959
    Explorer II
    Sep 21, 2014
    I weighted my rig Labor Day weekend. I have a long bed extended cab, drw 3500 Silverado. My steer axle was exactly the same with AND without the fiver. I thought it was odd but it didn't concern me. I think you are fine. Phillip
  • glazier's avatar
    glazier
    Explorer II
    Sep 21, 2014
    I wouldn't worry about it, not much you can do to transfer weight to the front with an auto slide hitch. I think you are good to go.
  • christopherglen's avatar
    christopherglen
    Explorer
    Sep 21, 2014
    You are fine, leave it alone. Passengers, carry on baggage, and whatever is in the bed in front of the axles will add to the front axle.

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