Community Forums

rickmc · 02-18-2020, 06:38 PM

Hi all!
We’re trying to decide between a 27-5L 5er or a 25Y TT. Our TV is a 2020 Silverado High Country 2500HD Crew with a Duramax.
We prefer the 5er. Based on trailer weight and truck capacities we can tow the 29-5L. However we have a max Payload of 3045.
For those of you that own a 29-5L, what are your loaded pin weights? I know the unloaded pin weight is approximately 2070 lbs.
We’ll have approx 450 lbs of people and stuff when truck is loaded. We plan on installing a Reese Goose Box.

Thanks
rickmc

Ray,IN · 02-19-2020, 08:29 PM

I don't have such a trailer; however you may calculate close to the maxmum pin weight. Find the percentage of advertised dry weight and pin weight. Multiply Gross vehicle(trailer) weight by that percentage. The result should be quite close to the pin weight when the trailer is at it's maximum legal weight.
Of course that assumes the trailer contents are loaded evenly.

TXiceman · 02-20-2020, 06:47 AM

Generally a 5er will have a loaded pin weight close to 20% of the trailer GVWR. We are about 22% on our 5er.

Your actual pin weight will vary according to how you have the RV loaded and what water you are carrying on board and where the tanks are located. Out waste tanks are forward of the axles and the fresh water tank is located over the axles.

A good estimate in the 20% of GVWR.

Ken

450Donn · 02-20-2020, 07:22 AM

Get the TT. Your truck is not sufficient to handle the fiver. Smaller, lighter maybe but definitely not a Fox

Elkfarmer · 02-20-2020, 08:22 AM

There is people who pull with a 2500 in that model but you have to watch the options and loading. That dry pin is without 80#s of propane and minus 100#s for two batteries. Add that without any options or water and your at 2250(most will go directly to front). If you add a gen, opt for 50 amp and add a second air or any of the many options they offer and you will be easily at 3000 pin after loaded. With the addition of 450 added to truck like you said you would be overloaded. The fox's have good bones. Add options, better components, furniture, etc and they become lead sleds.

Wood Chip · 02-20-2020, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickmc

Hi all!
We’re trying to decide between a 27-5L 5er or a 25Y TT. Our TV is a 2020 Silverado High Country 2500HD Crew with a Duramax.
We prefer the 5er. Based on trailer weight and truck capacities we can tow the 29-5L. However we have a max Payload of 3045.
For those of you that own a 29-5L, what are your loaded pin weights? I know the unloaded pin weight is approximately 2070 lbs.
We’ll have approx 450 lbs of people and stuff when truck is loaded. We plan on installing a Reese Goose Box.

Thanks
rickmc

I tried the 2500 option with my Glacier Peak in 2015 and learned quickly that the 2500 series is really not for a 5th wheel. I ended up with the 2017 3500 dually and even that is at sticker payload max for my 32-5m.

rickmc · 02-20-2020, 06:20 PM

Wow! I’m glad I asked. Thank you all for helping me avoid a major mistake. TT it is! Thanks again!

450Donn · 02-20-2020, 06:43 PM

At around 13,500 GVWR you could be looking at 2600 pounds pin weight plus the hitch. So a TT is a great option.

artman1913 · 02-21-2020, 08:10 PM

I must admit I have not hit the scale loaded but loaded for what weekend or month excursion.

I did weigh it when we picked it up 50A with bigger gen, Four 6V battery's basically same spot as gen, full of propane, no second air ( wanted it prewired for it just in case ) and empty tanks.

Pin weight 2740
Trailer wheels on scale 8680

Pulled it multiple thousands of miles with a 2004 2500 crew cab.
Went through a dust storm and was way surprised how stable it was ( from someone that that was in a 79 C and got picked up and put in the other lane )

Yes I was overweight but not on the axle or tires where it counts.
Engine brake was really the only selling point to DW on upgrading to a newer 3500 SWR

Used to be the GM 2500 and 3500 difference was overload springs and tires not sure if this is still the case.
If you go with the 27-5l get air bags and upgrade the tires either now or when they need replaced.

MtCamper · 03-03-2020, 08:03 AM

Before you scrap the idea of the 27-5, do some research. The springs on the newer 2500s have been lightened but I don't know what axle or brakes they use compared to the 3500. Go the NAPA and ask the counter guy for the brakes and axle parts on both. If you go the the dealer, talk to a real mechanic, not sales or service writers.

When we re-trucked we went to the 3500. Before that we towed with a 2003 2500 with no problems. I did add airbags to the 03 but later put on the Torque-lift load levelers and was very happy with them. I know lots will disagree with me, but if the axle and brakes are the same, I'd happily tow with the 2500. I see a lot of 2500s with 27-5s behind them.

Old-Biscuit · 03-03-2020, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickmc

Wow! I’m glad I asked. Thank you all for helping me avoid a major mistake. TT it is! Thanks again!

Few things to consider/re-think

Your 2020 2500 has higher specs then my 2007 3500 SRW

I have towed my 14K 5th wheel since new (truck/trailer both 2007)
Yes I am over trucks MFG GVWR/Payload BUT those are NOT the numbers that really matter

Axle Ratings and Tire Max Load Ratings are the ones you need to use in figuring Yea/Nay

That 27-5L has a DRY weight of 10455# with a DRY pin wight of 2068#......a 20% pin ratio

With a GVWR of 13,400# and using the 20% Pin Ratio that is a 2680# WET pin

5vr Pin weight is 'carried' by Trucks Rear Axle
A 3000# WET Pin will NOT cause that 2020 2500HD Rear axle or tires to be 'overloaded'

My 5vr has a 22% Pin Ratio
WET Pin (Full Timer) was 3080#

Towed like a dream....

Load up truck 'camp ready' (all passengers, fuel, stuff in cab etc) and go to set of scales
Get ACTUAL weight (Front axle, Rear Axle, Total)
Then see how much room you have on Rear Axle to carry additional weight.

14K 5vr WILL be within range!

Cumminsfan · 03-03-2020, 05:13 PM

I can guaranty that the 2068# dry brochure pin won't even come close. I've toured a few 27-5L's at local RV shows. The ones I looked at were in the 2300+ dry range. Add propane and batteries plus all the gear in the basement and up in the bedroom and a 5th hitch you'll be near 3000 lbs on the rear axle.

IMO you'll be near or at max with the 27-5L though.

rreynolds51 · 03-04-2020, 02:00 PM

We have pulled our 27-5L for five years all over the US without an issue. We have a 2500 duramax with air shocks plus disc brakes on the fiver with no issues. If I was buying a new truck I would go with 3500 but we are happy with what we have. Handles great and with the disc brakes it stops nice now. Its and individual thing...like everything else. You have to decide. The other thing with the 27-5L is it is tall. It is pretty close to 13' 6" without and vent covers...so another thing to consider.

learntorv · 03-05-2020, 02:51 PM

You can calculate/estimate pin weights for fifth wheels pretty well.

Take the dry pin weight and divide it by the dry camper weight:
2068 / 10455 = 19.8 %

Fifth wheels generally have the pin weight percentage increase by 1-3%.

Now, guestimate your loaded trailer weight. Either go with 1,500 pounds which is often quoted as average or be super conservative and go with the GVWR.

So, let's go with 1,500 pounds for a loaded weight of 11,955 lbs.

At 21% that gives you a pin weight of about 2,510 pounds.

At 23% that gives you a pin weight of about 2,750 pounds.