Pin Weights

[lawnspecialties]

How does one get an accurate pin weight of a 5er they are contemplating purchasing?

Do dealer's generally have a scale at their business? The Sherline on etrailer is rated only 2000 lbs. and is generally expected to measure trailer tongues.

I know if I want to buy a particular model, the pin weight at the dealership will be slightly different from real world towing with all our stuff inside. But I would never trust the manufacturer's specs and I certainly can't haul the thing to a local truck scale.

[laknox]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

laknox wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

laknox wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Using the GVWR and taking 25% is a good rule of thumb but with every rule there is an exception.

Our 16 MobileSuites weighed 18K at the factory the GVWR is 21K so if I use that number my pin should be no more than 5,250# @ 25% pin. The reality is the RV is right at 23K and pin is 24% at 5,520#.

Bottom line get plenty of truck most people get a bigger RV in just a few years.

So, you're towing 2,000 lbs =over= the placarded GVW?

Lyle

Yes and under tire ratings on RV. Under on front and rear truck axles and under towing weight on truck. According to DRV I only had 3K for cargo before even adding the 6500LP gen.

My point is just because the GVWR is lets say 21K that does not magically stop the RV from weighing more than that. I wish I would have weighed our RV before loading I guarantee it weighed WELL over 18K plus the weight of the gen.

So especially you full timers with SRW trucks keep an eye on your rear axle weights!!!

Are you under the FW's axle ratings at that weight? Are you prepared to pay out-of-pocket for a frame repair if anything happens under warranty? You've just admitted in public that you're loading over the factory placard spec. Just sayin'...

Lyle

I am not worried about it. I will be going to MorRyde this coming May while back at DRV for warranty work. At that time I will be having the 2" risers added so the RV sits more level and after talking to them I may be adding a third axle. Not worried about the warranty since the exact frame under other DRV's have a 23K rating. I have the MorRyde IS suspension and it is far superior to any other axle system out there so being 750# over on each axle is not going to be a problem. Tires are the MOST important I am still under on them by 425# per tire. If I add a third axle while back there it will be very easy since the two axles need to be removed to add the riser. The only other thing to do is add the 3 axle fender skirt.

Got it...

Lyle

[Cummins12V98]

laknox wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

laknox wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Using the GVWR and taking 25% is a good rule of thumb but with every rule there is an exception.

Our 16 MobileSuites weighed 18K at the factory the GVWR is 21K so if I use that number my pin should be no more than 5,250# @ 25% pin. The reality is the RV is right at 23K and pin is 24% at 5,520#.

Bottom line get plenty of truck most people get a bigger RV in just a few years.

So, you're towing 2,000 lbs =over= the placarded GVW?

Lyle

Yes and under tire ratings on RV. Under on front and rear truck axles and under towing weight on truck. According to DRV I only had 3K for cargo before even adding the 6500LP gen.

My point is just because the GVWR is lets say 21K that does not magically stop the RV from weighing more than that. I wish I would have weighed our RV before loading I guarantee it weighed WELL over 18K plus the weight of the gen.

So especially you full timers with SRW trucks keep an eye on your rear axle weights!!!

Are you under the FW's axle ratings at that weight? Are you prepared to pay out-of-pocket for a frame repair if anything happens under warranty? You've just admitted in public that you're loading over the factory placard spec. Just sayin'...

Lyle

I am not worried about it. I will be going to MorRyde this coming May while back at DRV for warranty work. At that time I will be having the 2" risers added so the RV sits more level and after talking to them I may be adding a third axle. Not worried about the warranty since the exact frame under other DRV's have a 23K rating. I have the MorRyde IS suspension and it is far superior to any other axle system out there so being 750# over on each axle is not going to be a problem. Tires are the MOST important I am still under on them by 425# per tire. If I add a third axle while back there it will be very easy since the two axles need to be removed to add the riser. The only other thing to do is add the 3 axle fender skirt.

[laknox]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

laknox wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Using the GVWR and taking 25% is a good rule of thumb but with every rule there is an exception.

Our 16 MobileSuites weighed 18K at the factory the GVWR is 21K so if I use that number my pin should be no more than 5,250# @ 25% pin. The reality is the RV is right at 23K and pin is 24% at 5,520#.

Bottom line get plenty of truck most people get a bigger RV in just a few years.

So, you're towing 2,000 lbs =over= the placarded GVW?

Lyle

Yes and under tire ratings on RV. Under on front and rear truck axles and under towing weight on truck. According to DRV I only had 3K for cargo before even adding the 6500LP gen.

My point is just because the GVWR is lets say 21K that does not magically stop the RV from weighing more than that. I wish I would have weighed our RV before loading I guarantee it weighed WELL over 18K plus the weight of the gen.

So especially you full timers with SRW trucks keep an eye on your rear axle weights!!!

Are you under the FW's axle ratings at that weight? Are you prepared to pay out-of-pocket for a frame repair if anything happens under warranty? You've just admitted in public that you're loading over the factory placard spec. Just sayin'...

Lyle

[Cummins12V98]

laknox wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Using the GVWR and taking 25% is a good rule of thumb but with every rule there is an exception.

Our 16 MobileSuites weighed 18K at the factory the GVWR is 21K so if I use that number my pin should be no more than 5,250# @ 25% pin. The reality is the RV is right at 23K and pin is 24% at 5,520#.

Bottom line get plenty of truck most people get a bigger RV in just a few years.

So, you're towing 2,000 lbs =over= the placarded GVW?

Lyle

Yes and under tire ratings on RV. Under on front and rear truck axles and under towing weight on truck. According to DRV I only had 3K for cargo before even adding the 6500LP gen.

My point is just because the GVWR is lets say 21K that does not magically stop the RV from weighing more than that. I wish I would have weighed our RV before loading I guarantee it weighed WELL over 18K plus the weight of the gen.

So especially you full timers with SRW trucks keep an eye on your rear axle weights!!!

[laknox]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Using the GVWR and taking 25% is a good rule of thumb but with every rule there is an exception.

Our 16 MobileSuites weighed 18K at the factory the GVWR is 21K so if I use that number my pin should be no more than 5,250# @ 25% pin. The reality is the RV is right at 23K and pin is 24% at 5,520#.

Bottom line get plenty of truck most people get a bigger RV in just a few years.

So, you're towing 2,000 lbs =over= the placarded GVW?

Lyle

[walker111]

Each person has a different comfort level. Being under ALL RATINGS is what I aimed for. I will always offer an opinion when asked ( just as in this case) , but will not judge others decisions.
Good luck with your search.

[taken]

Me too.

[lawnspecialties]

walker111 wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

walker111 wrote:
I recently bought a toyhauler and asked many questions in my research and took my time as I own a F350 that is SRW.
There are lots of opinions on what you can and can't do. Some are even true!
When I narrowed my search and found a possible choice I told salesman I need to weigh it and will not move any farther on deal if I can't . He balked and I walked................................... then he had a change of heart.
Scale was only 2 k away in this case and maybe you can't do this?
Turns out brochure weight of dry pin at listed 2780 was 2540. Truck was 3/4 full of fuel and both boys in. Only missing mama. Was 800 pounds under RAWR and this is good to go for me. I told manager and salesman. They did not get it until I explained that the difference was from the unit not having the onboard genny that runs around 275 pounds and directly on pin. Nothing like knowing your product.
Test towed for 30 minutes and the scales gave me the knowledge to know I would be fine with this setup. IMO

Was patient and found same rig in a 2014 model loaded with genny, new 6 volt batteries, rear awning , much more, etc and saved 25 k to boot.

Guess the point is the listed weights can be under or over. My last cougar fifthwheel was off by 2 whopping pounds on weight printed from yellow sticker!

Are you saying you were fine knowing you had only 800# left before you reached RAWR on your TV? This is without your wife and generator that will easily add 350# to your rear axle only leaving around 450# for anything else you add to the un loaded RV you weighed?

The pin weight difference can easily be explained. The RV dry weight will be weighed with the RV sitting level at the factory and if your TV hitch sits an inch or two higher that will easily reduce the pin weight you had.

No the pin difference was what I stated already. Trailer sat level and even measured drop at 2.25".
I didn't tell you what my wife weighed!!!!!. Plus half her weigh transfers to front axle. I also weighed the rig I bought and had close to 600 to RAWR....... which is based on tires as we know. Garage empty.
You did not factor in the 2014 weighing less than the first 2016 trailer???? I did.
Lets not sidetrack the OP's thread.

Speaking as the OP (:B), I would be more than fine with being 800 lb. under RAWR for dry weight in his situation.

[walker111]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

walker111 wrote:
I recently bought a toyhauler and asked many questions in my research and took my time as I own a F350 that is SRW.
There are lots of opinions on what you can and can't do. Some are even true!
When I narrowed my search and found a possible choice I told salesman I need to weigh it and will not move any farther on deal if I can't . He balked and I walked................................... then he had a change of heart.
Scale was only 2 k away in this case and maybe you can't do this?
Turns out brochure weight of dry pin at listed 2780 was 2540. Truck was 3/4 full of fuel and both boys in. Only missing mama. Was 800 pounds under RAWR and this is good to go for me. I told manager and salesman. They did not get it until I explained that the difference was from the unit not having the onboard genny that runs around 275 pounds and directly on pin. Nothing like knowing your product.
Test towed for 30 minutes and the scales gave me the knowledge to know I would be fine with this setup. IMO

Was patient and found same rig in a 2014 model loaded with genny, new 6 volt batteries, rear awning , much more, etc and saved 25 k to boot.

Guess the point is the listed weights can be under or over. My last cougar fifthwheel was off by 2 whopping pounds on weight printed from yellow sticker!

Are you saying you were fine knowing you had only 800# left before you reached RAWR on your TV? This is without your wife and generator that will easily add 350# to your rear axle only leaving around 450# for anything else you add to the un loaded RV you weighed?

The pin weight difference can easily be explained. The RV dry weight will be weighed with the RV sitting level at the factory and if your TV hitch sits an inch or two higher that will easily reduce the pin weight you had.

No the pin difference was what I stated already. Trailer sat level and even measured drop at 2.25".
I didn't tell you what my wife weighed!!!!!. Plus half her weigh transfers to front axle. I also weighed the rig I bought and had close to 600 to RAWR....... which is based on tires as we know. Garage empty.
You did not factor in the 2014 weighing less than the first 2016 trailer???? I did.
Lets not sidetrack the OP's thread.

[ol_Bombero-JC]

BB_TX wrote:
The 20% rule can give a ballpark number. But it can also be off a lot. Browsing 5er manufacturer web sites and looking at specs, you will find some of the longer and heavier 5ers sometimes have lower pin weights than some of the shorter lighter ones. Sometimes significantly so. All about floor plans and layouts. Short of weighing it or getting weight info from someone who has that particular model, the manufacturer spec'ed pin weight is the best starting place.

As well as double axle -vs- triple axle.

(IMO) the mfgr specs are pretty accurate..;)

Ask others with the 5th you are considering, if they have weighed their trailer, and what their "real world" weights are.

You could do that here -or- on an owner's website for the brand/s you are considering...:C

No matter what you come up with - more tow vehicle capacity is *always* a good thing..:W

~

[Cummins12V98]

walker111 wrote:
I recently bought a toyhauler and asked many questions in my research and took my time as I own a F350 that is SRW.
There are lots of opinions on what you can and can't do. Some are even true!
When I narrowed my search and found a possible choice I told salesman I need to weigh it and will not move any farther on deal if I can't . He balked and I walked................................... then he had a change of heart.
Scale was only 2 k away in this case and maybe you can't do this?
Turns out brochure weight of dry pin at listed 2780 was 2540. Truck was 3/4 full of fuel and both boys in. Only missing mama. Was 800 pounds under RAWR and this is good to go for me. I told manager and salesman. They did not get it until I explained that the difference was from the unit not having the onboard genny that runs around 275 pounds and directly on pin. Nothing like knowing your product.
Test towed for 30 minutes and the scales gave me the knowledge to know I would be fine with this setup. IMO

Was patient and found same rig in a 2014 model loaded with genny, new 6 volt batteries, rear awning , much more, etc and saved 25 k to boot.

Guess the point is the listed weights can be under or over. My last cougar fifthwheel was off by 2 whopping pounds on weight printed from yellow sticker!

Are you saying you were fine knowing you had only 800# left before you reached RAWR on your TV? This is without your wife and generator that will easily add 350# to your rear axle only leaving around 450# for anything else you add to the un loaded RV you weighed?

The pin weight difference can easily be explained. The RV dry weight will be weighed with the RV sitting level at the factory and if your TV hitch sits an inch or two higher that will easily reduce the pin weight you had.

[walker111]

I recently bought a toyhauler and asked many questions in my research and took my time as I own a F350 that is SRW.
There are lots of opinions on what you can and can't do. Some are even true!
When I narrowed my search and found a possible choice I told salesman I need to weigh it and will not move any farther on deal if I can't . He balked and I walked................................... then he had a change of heart.
Scale was only 2 k away in this case and maybe you can't do this?
Turns out brochure weight of dry pin at listed 2780 was 2540. Truck was 3/4 full of fuel and both boys in. Only missing mama. Was 800 pounds under RAWR and this is good to go for me. I told manager and salesman. They did not get it until I explained that the difference was from the unit not having the onboard genny that runs around 275 pounds and directly on pin. Nothing like knowing your product.
Test towed for 30 minutes and the scales gave me the knowledge to know I would be fine with this setup. IMO

Was patient and found same rig in a 2014 model loaded with genny, new 6 volt batteries, rear awning , much more, etc and saved 25 k to boot.

Guess the point is the listed weights can be under or over. My last cougar fifthwheel was off by 2 whopping pounds on weight printed from yellow sticker!

[Cummins12V98]

Using the GVWR and taking 25% is a good rule of thumb but with every rule there is an exception.

Our 16 MobileSuites weighed 18K at the factory the GVWR is 21K so if I use that number my pin should be no more than 5,250# @ 25% pin. The reality is the RV is right at 23K and pin is 24% at 5,520#.

Bottom line get plenty of truck most people get a bigger RV in just a few years.

[taken]

We're at about 14% with the garage loaded. About 17% with the garage unloaded.