Community Forums

jimcumminsw · 03-06-2013, 12:18 PM

Since you didn’t provide what style of truck 4X4,4X2 or differential type 3:73/4:10 or if it is an auto or not I am providing the Ram Body Builders Guide with the 3500HD Laramie spread sheet. This will list all of the weights allow for your truck.

Jim W.
http://www.rambodybuilder.com/2011/docs/ram/rammlup3500.pdf

450Donn · 03-06-2013, 12:32 PM

Ill be willing to bet you will exceed GAWR when your loaded. You are basing things on a lot of guess work. What is the trailers GVWR? Use 20% of that as your numbers and tell us what happens. While you may not hit GVWR you sure as heck will never see the advertised from the factory numbers either. Better safe than sorry.

Rvpapa · 03-07-2013, 01:51 PM

Don't forget the weight added to the trailer axles. Example if 600lbs added at rear to remove 200lbs from pin, you just added 800lbs to the trailer axles.
Art.

puttin · 03-07-2013, 06:03 PM

Oregonbound · 03-08-2013, 07:56 AM

interesting product. Putting an email in to determine how much pin weight it can handle, the tongue weight and additional length. thanks

JohnBoyToo · 03-08-2013, 11:46 PM

puttin - my anti virus stoppe dme from that site....

best do a scan

Hamshog · 03-09-2013, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rvpapa

Don't forget the weight added to the trailer axles. Example if 600lbs added at rear to remove 200lbs from pin, you just added 800lbs to the trailer axles.
Art.

Hey Rvpapa,

I don't think so.... 600#'s is 600#'s...

Regards, Hamshog

RustyJC · 03-09-2013, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hamshog

Hey Rvpapa,

I don't think so.... 600#'s is 600#'s...

Regards, Hamshog

Nope, he's right. It's the see-saw effect. The 600 lbs you load into the rear of the 5th wheel is obvious, but the 200 lbs that comes off the pin weight has to go somewhere - it doesn't just disappear. The only place it can go is to the trailer axles, so the load increase on the trailer axles is 600 lbs actual load weight + 200 lbs pin weight = 800 lbs.

That's one of the big problems in installing a motorcycle carrier on the back of the 5th wheel. Aside from reducing the pin weight too much, it will tend to overload the axles and/or tires.

Rusty

TXiceman · 03-09-2013, 08:00 AM

Rusty, think we need basic mechanics seminar at one of the rallies, aimed at non-engineers?

Ken

Vette Racer · 03-09-2013, 09:48 AM

I'm from the camp that says you can never have too much pin weight when it comes to towing a fifth wheel, usually the more you have the better it tow's so if you load to remove weight from the pin it MAY have an adverse effect on your towing. Not saying it will but from my experience the more pin weight the better, course, you have to have a truck capable of handling it too.

Hamshog · 03-09-2013, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RustyJC

Nope, he's right. It's the see-saw effect. The 600 lbs you load into the rear of the 5th wheel is obvious, but the 200 lbs that comes off the pin weight has to go somewhere - it doesn't just disappear. The only place it can go is to the trailer axles, so the load increase on the trailer axles is 600 lbs actual load weight + 200 lbs pin weight = 800 lbs.

That's one of the big problems in installing a motorcycle carrier on the back of the 5th wheel. Aside from reducing the pin weight too much, it will tend to overload the axles and/or tires.

Rusty

My bad! I was thinking he meant gross weight. Off the pin, on the axles is correct.. Sorry Rvpapa!!

Regards, Hamshog

BarryD0706 · 03-09-2013, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oregonbound

I have weighed the TV. The GAW (rear) was 3000 lbs with everything in the TV that will have when towing (including full fuel tank). The GAWR (rear) is 6500 lbs.. leaving 3500# margin. The pin weight of the dry 5er is 2400#. Add another 1500#s to 5er with options and cargo (will travel light) for hitch x 20% = additional 300# pin weight. Add 150# for hitch and the total GAW(rear) is 5850#. This leaves 650# clearance on GAW (rear). I forgot about weight of hitch in previous estimate.

I will certainly weight everything once we get the 5er hooked up to make sure nothing is exceeded.

Thanks for the input

It's not sufficient to be under GAWR. You also have to be under your Cargo Carrying Capacity (GVWR - Loaded truck weight). My Chevy has the Cargo Capacity posted on the door frame. I don't know if Dodge does that or if you have to calculate it.

TXiceman · 03-09-2013, 03:17 PM

GVWR is Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. The Cargo Carrying Capacity is the difference between the GVWR and the laden truck weight.

Ken

Ray,IN · 03-13-2013, 07:56 AM

If you pay attention to loading things equally, the 60/40 ratio should not change enough to cause excessive pin weight. Then would be no need to move weight to the rear of the trailer.