We will be switching from a TT to a Fifth Wheel sometime in the not too distant future, so meanwhile I am doing my due diligence. My question is a technical one. If the fifth wheel hitch is installed where it is recommended, which I understand is several inches in front of the rear axle -- How many inches is correct, BTW? -- What percent of the Pin Weight will be on the rear axle and what percent on the front axle? I realize the % on the rear axle is very high, 90 or 95% or more perhaps, but I would like to know what that figure generally is. Our TV is a 2004.5 Ram 2500 diesel, Quad Cab, short bed (6'4"), if that info is a factor. Thanks for any input!

On my 2008 Ram the SuperGlide hitch it is mounted center the rear axle and it puts no weight on the front axle. It stays 4440 to 4460 all the time Jerry

Mine is right over axle. My front weight is approx same with and without 5er.

Mine is probably an inch or so in front of the rear axle. I have about 140 lbs. on the front and about 3,000 lbs. on the rear duallies when I hitch up.

crcr wrote:We will be switching from a TT to a Fifth Wheel sometime in the not too distant future, so meanwhile I am doing my due diligence. My question is a technical one. If the fifth wheel hitch is installed where it is recommended, which I understand is several inches in front of the rear axle -- How many inches is correct, BTW? -- What percent of the Pin Weight will be on the rear axle and what percent on the front axle? I realize the % on the rear axle is very high, 90 or 95% or more perhaps, but I would like to know what that figure generally is. Our TV is a 2004.5 Ram 2500 diesel, Quad Cab, short bed (6'4"), if that info is a factor. Thanks for any input!According to B&W, the goose ball on my T.O. Ball is about 3" forward of the axle centerline and the center of the kingpin is about 1.75-2" forward at the most extreme forward position of the sideplates. Frankly, I'd prefer the 3" that the goose has, but this works.Lyle

Mine is 2 inches in front of the rear axle.

Percent of Pin Weight on Each Axle | Good Sam Community

41 Replies

gmugnier
Explorer
May 06, 2015
I have been wanting to weigh my axles for some time now, both loaded and empty. This subject has always been of great concern to me. I think the problem that is overlooked most is the over-steering and other stability issues that can actually get quite involved. There are many published reports on this. I guess it really all boils down to driver skill and the situation the combination is in at the time.
BillB3857
Explorer
May 06, 2015
As near as I can tell, my pin is just slightly ahead of the rear axle. Comparing scale tickets with and without the trailer, my front axle is picking up 420 lbs of the total pin weight.

Steer axle without = 4200 with = 4620
Drive axle without = 3140 with = 5560
gmugnier
Explorer
May 06, 2015
Allworth - I can agree with that statement, however it never hurts to ask questions when towing a bunch of weight.
Allworth
Explorer II
May 06, 2015
Another example of overthinking a non-problem.

Couldn't somebody have just told the OP not to worry about it four pages ago?
Arcamper
Explorer
May 06, 2015
Mine is 2" in front of the rear axle and with 3100 lbs on the pin my front holds steady at 5140 lbs.
gmugnier
Explorer
May 06, 2015
I am not sure I understand that response. You really cant see what? I posted what I actually am doing.
avvidclif1
Explorer
May 06, 2015
gmugnier wrote:
M2 with Trailer Saver TSLB2H - 6500lbs pin weight. Hitch positioned 30" behind rear axle. No problems here.

I really can't see that on a regular dually but whatever.
gmugnier
Explorer
May 06, 2015
M2 with Trailer Saver TSLB2H - 6500lbs pin weight. Hitch positioned 30" behind rear axle. No problems here.
crcr
Explorer
Apr 12, 2015
Thanks, everyone, for all your responses. Very helpful! I think I will install the fifth wheel hitch right over the axle.
avvidclif1
Explorer
Apr 12, 2015
Mine must be behind the axle. Every time I get a heavier RV the front axle weight goes down by 100 lbs. Now down to 4700.