Percent of Pin Weight on Each Axle

[crcr]

We will be switching from a TT to a Fifth Wheel sometime in the not too distant future, so meanwhile I am doing my due diligence. My question is a technical one.

If the fifth wheel hitch is installed where it is recommended, which I understand is several inches in front of the rear axle -- How many inches is correct, BTW? -- What percent of the Pin Weight will be on the rear axle and what percent on the front axle? I realize the % on the rear axle is very high, 90 or 95% or more perhaps, but I would like to know what that figure generally is.

Our TV is a 2004.5 Ram 2500 diesel, Quad Cab, short bed (6'4"), if that info is a factor. Thanks for any input!

[gmugnier]

I have been wanting to weigh my axles for some time now, both loaded and empty. This subject has always been of great concern to me. I think the problem that is overlooked most is the over-steering and other stability issues that can actually get quite involved. There are many published reports on this. I guess it really all boils down to driver skill and the situation the combination is in at the time.

[BillB3857]

As near as I can tell, my pin is just slightly ahead of the rear axle. Comparing scale tickets with and without the trailer, my front axle is picking up 420 lbs of the total pin weight.

Steer axle without = 4200 with = 4620
Drive axle without = 3140 with = 5560

[gmugnier]

Allworth - I can agree with that statement, however it never hurts to ask questions when towing a bunch of weight.

[Allworth]

Another example of overthinking a non-problem.

Couldn't somebody have just told the OP not to worry about it four pages ago?

[Arcamper]

Mine is 2" in front of the rear axle and with 3100 lbs on the pin my front holds steady at 5140 lbs.

[gmugnier]

I am not sure I understand that response. You really cant see what? I posted what I actually am doing.

[avvidclif1]

gmugnier wrote:
M2 with Trailer Saver TSLB2H - 6500lbs pin weight. Hitch positioned 30" behind rear axle. No problems here.

I really can't see that on a regular dually but whatever.

[gmugnier]

M2 with Trailer Saver TSLB2H - 6500lbs pin weight. Hitch positioned 30" behind rear axle. No problems here.

[crcr]

Thanks, everyone, for all your responses. Very helpful! I think I will install the fifth wheel hitch right over the axle.

[avvidclif1]

Mine must be behind the axle. Every time I get a heavier RV the front axle weight goes down by 100 lbs. Now down to 4700.

[goducks10]

WeBeFulltimers wrote:
Mine is 1/64" ahead of the rear axle. No difference in front axle. :R

Now that's funny.

[WeBeFulltimers]

Mine is 1/64" ahead of the rear axle. No difference in front axle. :R

[crcr]

goducks10 wrote:
My rails on my 12 Ram 2500 are dead center. I choose to put my B&W hitch ahead of the axle. I've tried all 3 places, in front, center and ahead. Front and rear are around 2" from center IIRC. None of the 3 made any difference on towing.

Thanks. Could you please clarify though -- doesn't "front" and "ahead" mean the same thing? -- forward of the axle?

[goducks10]

My rails on my 12 Ram 2500 are dead center. I choose to put my B&W hitch ahead of the axle. I've tried all 3 places, in front, center and ahead. Front and rear are around 2" from center IIRC. None of the 3 made any difference on towing.