5th Wheel Pin Weight

[irishtom29]

What percentage of the weight of a fully loaded 5th wheel should the pin weight be?

[fj12ryder]

I assume that you're referring to commercial semi's?

[RCMAN46]

The more pin weight the better provided the TV can handle the weight.

The big boys have pin weights that approach 40%.

[mkirsch]

Well, I've looked at several 5th wheels with dual 3,500lb axles, and GVWRs of 8000-9000lbs...

Not even going to address the guy who used the actual weight of his trailer...

[fj12ryder]

eHoefler wrote:
Take the GVWR and subtract the AWR from it, this is how much the manufacture expects to be carried by the tow vehicle.

Ya think?

Let's see: I have 3 6,800 lb. rated axles, and my GVWR is 18,000 lbs. OMIGAWD I have a minus amount to be carried by the tow vehicle. 🙂

[justafordguy]

eHoefler wrote:
Take the GVWR and subtract the AWR from it, this is how much the manufacture expects to be carried by the tow vehicle.

I guess it depends on the manufacturer, mine has 14k of axles and weighs 14,215lbs loaded.;)

[eHoefler]

Take the GVWR and subtract the AWR from it, this is how much the manufacture expects to be carried by the tow vehicle.

[Ivylog]

They hande so well because the pin is over the rear axle and they have twice as much pin weight as necessary so they can use cheaper axles and tires. Yes I had a 5er with two dual sports on the back.

[JIMNLIN]

Industry says 15-25 percent.
20 percent would be a good average to play with.
I've ran GN and 5th wheel trailers with 17 percent on up to a full 25 percent hitch weight.

[irishtom29]

Thank you.

[mdamerell]

20-25% mine runs about 22%

[therink]

Yep, 20 to 25 percent. That's what makes them handle so well.

[downtheroad]

Most people like to use 20% as a safe "starting point."

GVWR of trailer x .20

Don't forget to consider the weight of the hitch also.