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Shipper
Explorer
Sep 01, 2019

Water tank location on Minnie plus 25 RKS?

Buying a new Winnebago Minnie Plus 25 RKS and concerned about the low pin weight which is only 11-12% of total dry weight. If the water tank (50 gal) is in front of the axles, I can shift some weight to the pin. No concerns about the truck; only about the 5ver bouncing (chucking) because of light pin load. I know I can put rocks in the front storage, but I'd rather put useful stuff up front. Thanks for any info!
  • thanks for all the help! I got the schematics from Winnebago and the water tank is right above the axles. It has 2 grey tanks with 2 separate sewer dumps which I don't like but can live with. We have a 42' cedar creek (13'7" tall) which we are keeping... just wanted something smaller for the short trips.
  • op wrote:
    If the tank is located behind the axles, then I might not want it. A full tank (350#) would really effect the pin weight.

    Not as much as you may think.
    I've loaded many a GN and 5th wheel flatdeck trailers/stock trailers and was always surprised how little hitch weight changed adding weight just behind the aft axle. 350 lbs placed maybe 2' behind the aft axle changes hitch loads very little. How much it can change depends on several factors...the biggest is distance from the pin to the 1st or 2nd or 3rd axle and distance between each axle/etc.

    I haven't looked but is there a owners forum for that brand trailer ?
  • Thanks! Good advice, but my problem is I've never seen one and none are in my area. Looking for someone that owns one.
  • The fill location will be a good clue as to the tank's location. The drain fitting underneath will be the best clue.
  • I haven't closed on it yet(waiting for the Hurricane) and got concerned before paying for it, but you both gave good advice. It seems that Winnebago would know of possible problems, but just covering my bases upfront. If the tank is located behind the axles, then I might not want it. A full tank (350#) would really effect the pin weight.
  • Agree with Jim, try it first, there may be no reason for concern. A dry pin listing, that may not even include propane tanks, or battery, can be a low number to appeal to the 1/2 ton buyers of this size FW. Yes, the pin percentage should be higher, and likely will be, with just normal loading.

    Jerry
  • When you get the trailer home I would first load the trailer and trailer and go camping. Then make a decision if any weight needs to be added.
    I've found long heavy trailers tow better with higher GN or pin weights than shorter light weight trailers.
    And of course not all GN/5th wheel hitch trailers need the same percentage of hitch weight to handle to the operators satisfaction.