Help with 5th wheel weight-figuring issues !!

coodle0216 wrote:
Why is the hitch listed separate? Do we need to add that weight to the shipping weight? But if we do then the totals don't add up.
Also....
The 5th wheel we have been looking at to maybe purchase states on their site:
Dry Axle Weight - 7782
Dry Hitch Weight - 1868
Gross Dry Weight - 9650
Carrying Capacity - 3750
GVWR - 13,400
Here the figures add up as this:
7782 + 1868 = 9650 + 3750 = 13,400
Why do they have the hitch weight listed separate? Which amount do you use to figure "shipping weight"? Do we add our "load transfer weight"(our stuff) to the 7782 or the 9650?
We know that the dealer listed weights are on the light side - that doesn't matter. We just want to know what figures to use in our calculations so we don't overload our trucks GVWR.

We would appreciate any help.

The hitch weight is listed separate you so have an idea of how much the truck needs to carry.

Quickest way is to take the GVWR of trailer 13,400# x 0.20 (average pin weight) = 2,680# is what the truck needs to carry. This is at the trailers max weight. Most people don't load to gross.

If you wish to get a little fancier 1868#(dry hitch)/ 9650#(dry gross weight) = 0.19 or 19% pin weight the way this trailer is made. It varies, mine runs about 22%. So the 20% rule of thumb is a good ball park. Depending upon how you load your trailer this will vary a little.

You add your stuff's weight to the dry gross weight of 9,650#. As full timers you will probably add 1,000-1,500# of stuff. So your loaded weight will probably be around 11,000# or so with a pin weight of around 2,200# give or take.

If your truck can carry the 2,200#, plus the hitch (200#), you and your stuff your should be good to go.