Toyota T100/lightweight 5th wheel - axle upgrade?

[noahrexion]

Hello everyone I've got a few questions about my new (to me) 5th wheel. Hoping to get some insight on!

TV = 1996 Toyota T100 X-Cab/4WD, V6/5spd Manual (5200 lb tow rating)

* Scaled with 3/4 fuel, couple misc items = 3950 lbs (scaled twice actually)
* Installed is a Pull Rite Superglide 15k (model 2700) mounted 1" ahead of axle
* Payload rated @ 1960 lbs, GVWR @ 6000 lbs
* Hitch = 225 lbs with rails/brackets and everything, me/kids/wife/inside gear and food = 425

3950 + 225 + 425 = 4600 lbs (4700 with bumper hitch install in future)

GVWR of 6000 - 4600 = 1400 lbs (may add bumper hitch in future which will detract a bit)


My 5th wheel is a 1982 Lance model 1881. This is a single axle 19' unit that was actually designed to be pulled by the earlier Japanese pickups. Dry weight = 2385 and per the label with propane and a full freshwater tank and such it is 2693 lbs I am guessing that with the A/C unit removal and the gear we'll throw in, that it'll be closer to about 2900 - 3000 lbs when road ready.

For "estimation" only I am looking at a 600 lb pin weight. I was told by the last owner it was about 450 lbs but I've yet to bring everything over the scales to see. Worst case at 600 lbs this puts me at about (with new bumper hitch) 5300 lbs GVWR.

I just got some new tires for the truck and the approximate 900 lbs in rear are way under rear GAWR. I feel pretty good with all of the numbers so far. I have pulled (when I had bumper hitch on) up to about 4000 lbs with this truck and I felt very comfy at that. I am hoping the 5th tows even better.

Here is where I was hoping to get some insight:

I am basically done fixing up this camper and ready to roll. My last planned upgrade was the axle/suspension/tire setup on the 5th wheel. It currently has a single 3500 lb axle, 205/75-14 tires load range D @ 1760lbs each, 1750 lb 3 leaf springs...etc Its basically good for 3500 lbs That is fine by me, however, in my experience bigger (on brakes/bearings/tires) has always seemed a bit "safer"

Since I'd like a bit of a lift on the 5th wheel anyway, I was thinking of upgrading to a Dexter 5200lb axle (with the outer 6k bearings) but using a 225/75R-15 tire with a 2000-2150 lb rating (limit = 4,000 lbs) and some 4 leaf springs that'll hold 4,000 lbs also. Basically giving this rig a higher safety cap with all components while NOT overly springing the unit giving it to much bounce and such.

Seeing as how the trailer will be right at about 3,000 lbs loaded and ready am I going overkill here? The current axle is a 4" drop and I'm replacing everything under there regardless - should I just stick with a 3500 lb axle and springs? Tires will be upgraded regardless of the axle I go to since a 15" wheel can be either 5 lug (3500 lbs axle) or 6 lug (5200/6000lb axle) and the 225/75-15 puts me right at the correct height to give me the ~ 6" of bed clearance under my 5th wheel.

ANY and ALL comments are welcomed about anything in the post. I realize this is not a very common setup, tow vehicle or 5th wheel - but the principles all apply. Thanks much!

[rhagfo]

overbrook wrote:

noahrexion wrote:
ANY and ALL comments are welcomed about anything in the post. I realize this is not a very common setup, tow vehicle or 5th wheel - but the principles all apply. Thanks much!

A few years back, I had a 1996 Toyota T100 X-Cab/4WD, Automatic, and used it a few times to haul my 4WD Kubota B3200 with front end loader from Huntsville, AR to Harrison AR, across some pretty steep mountains.

Total weight of tractor and trailer was close to 3,800 pounds.

While the truck could pull the load, the brakes were the weak link. Going downhill, the brakes had a pretty hard time slowing the rig down.

I upgraded to a heavier vehicle (Land Cruiser), and was much happier pulling the load.

Bill

Should not be an issue! If the trailer brakes are setup correctly, and and in good repair, they should STOP the trailer.

I think you have done your homework well. I hope you have a great experience.

[overbrook]

noahrexion wrote:
ANY and ALL comments are welcomed about anything in the post. I realize this is not a very common setup, tow vehicle or 5th wheel - but the principles all apply. Thanks much!

A few years back, I had a 1996 Toyota T100 X-Cab/4WD, Automatic, and used it a few times to haul my 4WD Kubota B3200 with front end loader from Huntsville, AR to Harrison AR, across some pretty steep mountains.

Total weight of tractor and trailer was close to 3,800 pounds.

While the truck could pull the load, the brakes were the weak link. Going downhill, the brakes had a pretty hard time slowing the rig down.

I upgraded to a heavier vehicle (Land Cruiser), and was much happier pulling the load.

Bill