Forum Discussion

ESDA's avatar
ESDA
Explorer
Aug 21, 2022

New to fifth wheels - help with trailer weight

I have had a tow behind for many years, but now am looking at fifth wheels. Want to make sure what my truck can handle. I have a 2020 GMC AT4 2500 HD Diesel that has a payload max of 3048 and trailer rating of 19,198. Starting looking a toy haulers, one in particular. It’s weight is 12,650 which should not be a problem, however the hitch weight is 3,175. Am I correct that the hitch weight on a fifth wheel acts the same as the hitch weight as a tow behind, meaning that I will be over payload. I would assume that since this is a toy hauler, when hauling a golf cart or other type of vehicle this would help balance out the hitch weight, but would it be too much if I am not hauling a vehicle?

12 Replies

Show More
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    Aug 22, 2022
    Yes, the hitch weight is considered payload and goes against your payload rating. And be aware, posted hitch weights, or dry weights or shipping wrights, are the weights of an empty trailer. Loaded, the hitch weight will be higher. And if you load heavy it will be much higher.
  • JIMNLIN's avatar
    JIMNLIN
    Explorer III
    Aug 22, 2022
    2020 GM 2500 trucks can have a 6390 or 6600 rawr that will be carrying all the trailer hitch weigh....everything in the bed.

    The 6390 rawr version is probably with the smaller 17" tire sizes and good for approx 3200-3300 lbs in the bed.

    The 6600 RAWR comes with the larger 18"-20" tires and good for around 3500-3600 lbs in the bed.
    You have the truck so like all truckers you need to stop at a CAT scale and get the trucks separate front and rear axle weights. Generally 2500 gm trucks rear axle can weigh in the 3000 lb range however its best to know exact axle weights for safety reasons.

    Is your 12600 lb weight numbers the trailers gvwr gvwr or a brochure dry weight ?? Depending on how much CCC the trailer has it can be best to use the full gvwr.

About Fifth Wheel Group

19,027 PostsLatest Activity: Jun 19, 2019