weight question

SUMRX4 wrote:
In looking at the door stickers on my truck I am a little confused.
The sticker that has the tire info states never exceed 3,720lbs payload. Trailering info sticker states same thing for max payload.
But then the J2807 ratings part states max tongue weight of a goose neck is 3,100lbs. Would this be the same for a 5th wheel? I assume it would but the sticker only states conventional trailer and gooseneck.
Is it unsafe to tow a gooseneck or 5th wheel with a tongue weight over 3,100lbs even if your total payload is under 3,720?
Just want to understand my limits here before I buy something too big.

Thanks

This is a GM only sticker and as far as I know not mandatory.
That said,
Now one more thing the lawyers can point to if you are over it.
I don’t know how GM can specify a max pin weight less than the maximum payload. The max payload should account for a 150# driver and full fluids. So if a driver is 150# or less, they should be able to use the total listed payload.
That is a 620# difference, if 7,000# rear axle less 3,100# leaves 3,900# for empty rear axle.
It would be great to have an explanation of this 3rd sticker on GM’s!

By your ratings, you presumably have a 1 ton srw truck. And said truck will have between 3000-3500lbs on the rear axle with fuel, some passengers, etc, but otherwise basically empty truck. Your "rated" rear axle capacity is probably 7000lbs givertake, which is based on the weakest links being the ratings of the OE tires and rims. Leaving 3500-4000lbs for remaining payload. (May require or desire a little suspension help)
If you're asking the question, err on the side of caution a little, both due to your inexperience towing/handling this size/weight of trailer and also to account for other "stuff" that may be detract from remaining payload.

Splitting hairs between the sticker "ratings" is a futile exercise and really just a good ballpark for a "safe" capacity.

Payload includes looking at both axles and the GVWR.

5th wheel/gooseneck weight sits directly over the rear axle, so all the weight goes onto the rear axle. It can't take advantage of any payload boost the front axle provides.

Reality is a little more complicated but that's the main jist of it.

Be careful if you have replaced the tires or rims to make sure they don't have a lower rating than the stock items.

Also, keep in mind, since all the passenger and storage space is behind the front axle, any people or gear you put in the truck will at least partly wind up on the rear axle, so if you have a 3100lb hitch weight and 2 - 200lb people get in the truck, you will be over the weight rating on the rear axle.

If you are slightly over the ratings, the truck isn't going to go up in a ball of flames the second you put it in drive but you are pushing it hard and will have less margin for error.