Newbie here
Hello all, I am looking at getting involved in the RV lifestyle. I work for the BNSF railroad and have to travel to different terminals for work. My folks have a fifth wheel and I'm thinking I wo...
Forum Discussion
handye9 wrote:
Very few 5'ers are compatible with 1/2 ton trucks. Most 1/2 ton's have a payload capacity in the area of 13 - 1700 lbs.
If you go looking at trucks based on advertised payloads, you will be surprised at the differences.
Manufacturers set GVWR and payload numbers, based on the frame, engine, and braking system, and it is a 2 wheel drive, stripped down model. Anything added by manufacturer, dealer, or customer, takes away from those numbers.
Example:
Manufacturer says model XX has GVWR of 7200 lbs and curb weight is 5600 lbs. The difference of 1600 lbs would be considered payload.
Then, manufacturer adds (300 lbs) a tow package and four wheel drive. The GVWR is still 7200 lbs, but, curb weight is now 5900 and payload is 1300.
Then, dealer adds (100 lbs) a step bar and bed liner. GVWR is still 7200, curb weight is now 6000 lbs and payload is 1200 lbs.
Then, customer adds (100 lbs) custom floor mats and a few accessories. GVWR is still 7200, curb weight is now 6100, and payload is down to 1100 lbs.
That 1100 lbs available payload is what is left for people, cargo, F/W hitch or WD hitch, and tongue weight or pin weight.
After installing a F/W hitch, availlable payload could be down to 750 lbs. It's not uncommon to see fifth wheels with pin weight between 1500 and 2000 lbs.
Thank you for such a detailed response. I have never thought of it that way. It never occurred to me to add all those weights together and I guess that is because of the lack of experience I have. Thank you again.
