Towing a 5er while understanding weight issues.

Fuel/hitch/passengers--------6840#
20% of 5vr GVWR (10475)------2095#
Total truck weight-----------8935#
Trucks GVWR------------------9200#
Amount under trucks GVWR------265#

Rear axle scaled weight---------------3080#
Pin weight (20% of 5vrs GVWR)---------2095#
Rear axle/tire weight-----------------5175#
Trucks RAWR (actually rear tires)-----6084#
Amount under RAWR/Tire load------------909#

Trucks max tow rating--------9900#
5vrs GVWR-------------------10475#
Amount over max tow rating----575#


Loaded truck (fuel/hitch/pass.)-------6840#
5vr at GVWR--------------------------10475# (this number includes pin weight)
Total combined weight----------------16315#
GCWR---------------------------------16000#
Amount OVER GCWR-----------------------315#

So with truck loaded and trailer packed full at GVWR you will be:
Under trucks GVWR by 265#
Under trucks rear tire max load rating by 909#
Over max tow rating by 575#
OVER GCWR by 315#

As far as ratings.......close to being maxxed on trucks GVWR & rear tire ratings (over GCWR and tow rating). But rear tire/trucks GWVR are the real important ones.
What is really going to be your limiting factor is the gas engine.

Loaded.....yes
OK on flats
SLOW going on ANY grades----tad heavy coming down grades

I'd tow it!

I'm right at rear tire rating, over trucks GVWR but tow with a 'tractor motor' and have exhaust brake so I'm not scared :B

Sorry, we do have the HD 2500 and yes it is the gas 6.0.

You may want to consider how you load, also. Putting as much heavy stuff in/on the back of the 5th will help a bit in reducing the pin weight. If you can put the gen. on a tray behind the bumper, that might reduce pin weight by 30-40 lbs, etc. I know, not huge, but you're in the territory where everything helps....

jffnkrn wrote:
We have visited this before, but now that all is dialed in, here is the run down. your comments are appreciated.
2010 GMC Sierra 4X4 extended cab short bed 3:73 6.0 gas. Manual says max trailer weight 9900 lbs., GCWR 16,000 lbs. Door sticker: 9200 GVWR, 4200 GAWR front 6084 GAWR rear. So with elimination of some tool box junk and adding fifth wheel hitch actual scale weights today with full fuel, hitch and passengers is / are: front axle 3760 lbs., rear axle 3080 lbs. for a total of 6840. tires Michelin load range E max at 80 psi of 3042 per. Now the new fifth wheel: not scaled yet: shows UVWR of 8755 and GVWR of 10475 and hitch of 1675 lbs.. It is considered a light weight, but that probably doesn't matter. with our generator 130 lbs., food clothes etc. about 500 lbs. puts us just over the limits by a couple hundred pounds.according to the provided numbers on the vehicle and trailer. if I fill water and haul some firewood we are over the numbers by about 750 lbs. Now I understand just over borderline or max, but within a year or so in hopes of upgrading tow vehicle. I hope enough info: Your thoughts, comments, etc. Thanks Jeff

You're going to be very close to your limits. You're likely to exceed your tires' capacity. If you have 245/75R-16 tires you can upgrade to 265/75R-16's and pick up several hundred lbs of tire capacity. Also, if at all possible, travel with minimal water and fill up near to your destination.

Lyle

As you know, you're right at the top of the capabilities of a gasoline powered truck. If you're not going to be towing very far and if you're not in too demanding of terrain, your truck will probably do the job.

You might consider switching up to a 3/4 ton diesel if you're going to be traveling farther and in rougher terrain. They're good for kingpin weights up to 2500 lbs. and a trailer in the 12K lb. range.

If you think you'll be going to a larger fifth wheel trailer, there's no replacement for a 1 ton dual rear wheel diesel.

Where do you plan to go? I think mountain places will be difficult. Descents without a diesel exhaust brake or a tranny cooler are a concern.