Tow rating comparison; 5th wheel vs bumper
We currently have a 1500 series gas pickup and bumper pull TT. We are planning to move up to a diesel pickup and 5th wheel. I have been looking at a variety of trucks and trailers. I have found resour...
Forum Discussion
peaches&cream wrote:When you go to the scales, get not only the scale weight for the whole truck, but also get the rear axle scale weight, separately.
I have arrived here from the "Class A" side. I owned 2 HR for the past 6 yrs. 1 was a 36 ft. gasser and the other a 37 ft. DP. I have accquired a 1997 GMC 3500 ext. cab dulley w/454 engine. I will be looking for a 5th wheel to pull and need help in determining what I can safely pull. The truck is lacking Owners Manual so I do not have that info. On the door jam is GVWR 10,000 lbs., GAWR frt 3800 lbs., GAWR RR 7500 lbs. From what I read, I need to have the truck weighed with full fuel and loaded with people and baggage. After I accquire this number, what do I do next?
Subtract the rear axle scale weight from the RGAWR. That will tell you how much available load capacity you have on the rear axle. The front axle is of little concern, since it is the rear axle that carries 95% of the hitch weight of a 5th wheel trailer.
Don't forget to account for the weight of the hitch itself, as well as anything else you will carry in the bed of the truck.
