Really having a tough time understanding tow info

gattorgetter wrote:
Ok I have neither as of yet. Want a 5TH wheel TH.
Was looking at 2016 GMC 2500 HD gas.here are some specs that I pulled up online for just about the truck I am looking at.
Curb 6459
Payload 3274
GVWR MAX 9500
Max 5th wheel 14100
GCWR 20500

So loaded truck and loaded 5th wheel should not exceed 20500#?

But max gvwr and max 5th wheel = 23600#

So I take curb weight plus all things I would put in truck.... me passenger and 5th wheel hitch.. so let's say 800# (not traveling more than 2 hrs from home)
6460+800= 7260 so that would leave me with 2240# for pin weight of 5th wheel?

Hi Gattorgetter,
It seems like everyone wants to throw out a vehicle recommendation versus explaining all the stuff you posted. So I'll work on the latter.

So your GCWR is truly the weight of your truck and all the gear and fluids in it + the weight of the trailer fully loaded. So combined, you truck and trailer setup must be 20,500 lbs or less. Just as you stated, truck and 5'er should not exceed the weight. Now here's the kicker. Your GCWR is 20,500 pounds. From your statement, your truck will weigh 7,260. The maximum weight your 5'er can be with you remaining within its rating is 13,240 lbs (This is including up to 2240 lbs of pin weight your truck would possibly be carrying).

Typically when a truck manufacturer rates for the maximum trailer towing mass, they're assuming a truck empty with a 175 pound driver and full tank of fuel and all operating fluids. So basically with no cargo in the truck and just the driver, then you can tow a 14,100 pound 5th wheel (I hope I'm reading your information right, assuming the 14,100 is the maximum 5th wheel tow rating of the tow vehicle).

As for your pin-weight calculation, you hit that on the nose, you are correct, 9500-7260 = 2240.

So to summarize, GCWR for your tow vehicle is the maximum weight of your truck and trailer COMBINED.
Payload is just the full weight your tow vehicle can be burdened with (full payload including fuel and oil and the family unit)
Then you also have your rear axle weight that you have to be at or under, but that typically determines payload.

Hopefully this clears up the mud a little bit.