wfr1 wrote:
Where I am having difficulty is the actual pin weight before we buy the rig. ....
Except for running down to the local truck stop and putting the trailer on the CAT scales,
this is the only way I know how to answer that question.
RoyHowdy wrote:
You know the hardest thing to get is real honest down to earth weight ratings from almost anyone. And when you are new and trying to figure all this out, it is a real pain in the neck. So I know what you are going through. I too I'm trying to figure all this out. Just what is an average wight or size 5th whell will the average everyday out of the show room Ford 350 duelly tow? Got to be somekind of average one can expect to go and and look at. But it seems as if the figures are all over the place. And Fords sight does not help that much either. And looking at all the rigs here it seems as if they can tow just about anything. hahahhaha
I did went through the same thing when I upgraded to a 5th wheel. And no, there is no "average" number you can use. It varies depending on options you get on the truck and what stuff you carry with you in the truck (1 person, 2 people, dogs, cats, toys, etc etc). 4wd, diesel, long bed, short bed, crew cab, regular cab, etc etc etc.
Add the pin weight, plus the weight of your "stuff"in the truck plus the weight of the people plus the weight of the truck and compare that to the GVWR that you will find on the door post and see if you got to much weight. Add onto the above weight the weight of the trailer (including all your "stuff" in your trailer) on it's axles and make sure you are not exceeding the GCVW stamped on the same sticker on the door post.
I dont know of any way to get the weight of a truck except to weigh it. I would make it part of the deal . You find a truck you like and you tell the dealer I will buy this if I can have it weighed and it weighs less than X (where X will keep you below the limits outlined above)
