What Size RV can I tow? Please Help!
I known someone out there knows the actual method to figure out how much legally a person can tow with; the vehicle they have now and or the truck their looking to purchase to tow with. I am talking a...
Forum Discussion
First, "legal" is somewhat fuzzy in terms of weight ratings. You generally aren't obliged to go thru weigh stations and unless you are grossly over weight, no one isn't going to pull you over. That doesn't mean you should ignore the weight ratings but just a clarification.
The actual calculations are fairly simple. Getting the actual weights before buying is the hard part. Most people estimate on the high side (to account for loading up the truck and trailer) and just run with it.
Some will take the rig to a scale and get axle by axle weights with and without the fully loaded trailer. This is the most accurate method but generally not practical to do before you buy.
GWR of the truck: Max weight of truck, cargo and pin weight.
GWR by axle:
- With a 5th wheel, generally no weight is applied to the front axle so it is typically ignored.
- ************The max weight on the rear axle is typically the controlling factor determining how big of a 5th wheel can be towed. The pin weight is typically around 20-25% of the trailer weight. (don't forget the hitch which can weigh a couple hundred pounds)
CGWR: Then you have the combined max of both truck and trailer. This is mostly related to engine and braking capability.
The actual calculations are fairly simple. Getting the actual weights before buying is the hard part. Most people estimate on the high side (to account for loading up the truck and trailer) and just run with it.
Some will take the rig to a scale and get axle by axle weights with and without the fully loaded trailer. This is the most accurate method but generally not practical to do before you buy.
GWR of the truck: Max weight of truck, cargo and pin weight.
GWR by axle:
- With a 5th wheel, generally no weight is applied to the front axle so it is typically ignored.
- ************The max weight on the rear axle is typically the controlling factor determining how big of a 5th wheel can be towed. The pin weight is typically around 20-25% of the trailer weight. (don't forget the hitch which can weigh a couple hundred pounds)
CGWR: Then you have the combined max of both truck and trailer. This is mostly related to engine and braking capability.
