Advice on thi set up, please.

Walaby wrote:
So, since you've been on the forums since 2004, I will assume, for the sake of argument, that you understand payload calculations.

Since I don't know the specific specs of your truck, I'll assume for sake of argument, that you have one with max payload available, which appears to be 1520 lbs.

The trailer in the web address you provided has dry weight of 7212. We all know dry weight means nothing. But, lets go with your statement you pack light. So, lets assume 800 lbs of 'stuff". Puts you at 8000lbs.

5ers typically have 20% pin weight. So, 8000 lbs x .20 (20%) is 1600 lbs. So, right there, you are over payload by 80 lbs.

Now, the payload figure does NOT include passengers, so you and your girlfriend, lets call her 100lbs, and lets call you 210. Now you are 390 lbs over payload.

Lets add 100lbs for the 5th wheel in the bed, now you are at about 440 lbs over payload. THat's being conservative.

But, lets break it down further. Some of us (myself included) subscribe to the thought that as long as you do not exceed your Rear GAWR, then you will be okay. In order to use that figure, you need to know the Rear Axle weight of your Tundra, basically empty. Subtract that number from your GAWR, which can be found on the door jamb. If you go with the assumption I made which is 8000 lb loaded (which trust me, will be a challenge meeting), which translates to 1600 lb pin weight, plus 100 lbs for hitch, you need a minimum of 1700 lbs of reserve capacity left on your rear axle. And still, even then, you will likely exceed your payload by a min of 450-500 lbs, probably more when your done.

It matters not if you drive 5 miles, or 5000 miles, when you exceed the specs, you are doing so at your risk. You are the only one who can decide how much above the specs you're willing to go.

Make your decision based on facts, starting with trucks payload and rear axle capacities.

Hope it helps.

Mike