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Johntinsley · 07-06-2014, 08:38 PM

Where do I get the max hitch weight for my truck? Is that determined by what size hitch I have?

SmokeyWren · 07-07-2014, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johntinsley

Where do I get the max hitch weight for my truck? Is that determined by what size hitch I have?

You must weigh the wet and loaded truck, then subtract the weight of the truck from the GVWR of the truck. The answer is the max hitch weight you can have without exceeding the GVWR of your truck. However, if the answer is more than 1,000 pounds, then your factory receiver hitch may be the limiter

Johntinsley · 07-07-2014, 08:43 AM

Since I'm a newbie and new to rv slang I'm assuming wet means full tank of gas.

SmokeyWren · 07-07-2014, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johntinsley

Since I'm a newbie and new to rv slang I'm assuming wet means full tank of gas.

Yes, "wet" tow vehicle primarily means a full tank of gas. But it also means including any fluids you will have when towing, such as topped-off ATF, coolant, diff lube. Also any extra fluids you haul in the toolbox or behind the seats, including coolant, brake fluid, ATF, etc.

"Wet" RV means any fluids you have in the RV, such as propane, fresh water, holding tanks, beer?, soda, etc.

Johntinsley · 07-07-2014, 09:33 AM

Ok. Gotcha. It's taking awhile but all the numbers are starting to make sense and come together. I appreciate all the advice.

DaveF-250SD · 07-08-2014, 12:14 PM

John, you stated all the information on your truck except for the actual payload capacity. What is the payload capacity per the sticker on the door jamb of your truck? As many others have stated, a fifth wheel is going to have around 15% pin weight, and can be up to or sometimes more than 20%. The total payload of your truck, minus the weight of your Family, fifth wheel hitch, and anything else you normally have in the truck for a trip, is what you will have left for trailer pin weight.

SmokeyWren · 07-08-2014, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveF-250SD

The total payload of your truck, minus the weight of your Family, fifth wheel hitch, and anything else you normally have in the truck for a trip, is what you will have left for trailer pin weight.

True, but then you still have to guess at the weight of the stuff you subtract from the max payload on the sticker to get the actual net payload available for hitch weight. As I posted above, if you weigh the wet and loaded truck, then subtract the weight of the truck from the GVWR of the truck, the answer is the real world max hitch weight you can have without exceeding the GVWR of your truck. IOW, without being overloaded with your precious family in the rig.

Most folks are terrible at guessing weights. They will underestimate almost every time. Thus the CAT scale is your friend. It doesn't guess.