dicksenn wrote:
45Ricochet wrote:
dicksenn wrote:
If I was comfortable with axle ratings and I went with the mfg rear weight listing of 3120 and the axles are rated at 6500 I would essentially have 3380 lbs to spare with cargo and all? Correct? I'd prefer to find some Cat Scales to verify.
So the Sandpiper I listed has a hitch weight of 1865, assuming another 800 for the family, hitch, and some gear I'd be at 2665 and have 715lbs to spare.
Still to much?
That is really common on this site with a 25 series truck. Fudging the numbers if needed :W Now a 35 series group will mention they are within GVWR and the duallies will still pull and hold ANY weight :B
The amount of information back and forth of whether the number listed on the door is just for registration, etc, and then use axle ratings, etc. is just overwhelming. Even Ram says my payload when I do a Vin lookup is 1890, then the door says 1503..
I realize the 2800lb hitch weights are out of the question but when it gets to closer numbers like the Sandpiper I'm really wondering if it's actually safe/feasible with air bags or if I'm just trying to convince myself it is.
Unlike half tons, your 2500 is nearly the same as a 3500 underneath. Only the suspension is different and, as you've seen, it's only a 500 lb difference on the rear even with coils vs leafs. So the 250/2500 series of trucks with their GVWs at 10k are artificially low. Even my 3500 with a 10,800 GVW is lower than my combined axle ratings (12,500). In many states, the 10k is for tax purposes and not having to register/insure it as commercial. Otherwise, they all might as well be the same truck badge because they are almost identical underneath, for the most part.
In my state, it doesn't matter much what I register for as long as it's registered for 50% greater than the curb weight. Currently, mine is registered for 10k lb GVW (dealer mistake). I'm going to correct that and get a 14k lb registration. The difference here is minimal, plus WA state are raising the fees on all 12K and below vehicles. You might as well register at 14k in my state. Heck, you could register it for 20k for all they care.
So, back to your using the axle and that Sandpiper. Be careful using that dry pin weight on the Sandpiper. I found that exact model at a dealer website listing the pin at 1996 lbs. Doing the math, that pin is listed at 15% of the dry weight. Some 5th wheels are designed to be only 15% on the pin, but many are designed to be 25%. How much more will it be when you are loaded to camp? You can probably figure that out using your current travel trailer. Find the difference in tongue weight between it loaded and ready to camp and its dry weight. Add that to the pin weight of the Sandpiper. Add 250 for your 5th wheel hitch (unless you get a light one). That's the minimum you'll load your new trailer. See if that works for your axle.
I would go for the Sandpiper. It's quite nice and I think you can do it. But I'm just a guy on the internet. Ultimately, it's your decision. Above all, run it across the scales so you know.
Just to add, I don't advocate going over your rear axle weight. I don't believe that to be an artificial number like your GVW. There is some safety factor built in, but pushing into it would not be advisable, in my book. Leave yourself some margin.
I'm done. This isn't a place to be helpful. It's a place where curmudgeons with a superiority complex will nit pick everything. If you want help, go elsewhere. Admin, delete my account please.
