PatricioFamily wrote: This is interesting. There is so much mis-information out there. For 6 months we were pulling a TT that we were told was 7800 lbs dry. Come to find out it was really 10,200 lbs. We have been wanting to find a truck weight station and test for ourselves what are weight really is just to be sure. But dont know if we are permitted to do this. We just thought it would be a good way to know for sure. What do you think? Anyone every tried this before?
You can pull into just about any truck stop with a scale and get your weights... I think the flying j scale costs about $7.50.
Since I was the one that started this thread I guess I should get to updating it too.
But before I do that, here's the new rig. I think I'm well within the truck spec's...........this time
The trailer is the same as before, but here's what my take is on the new TV.
GCWR 29,000
Max 5th wheel towing 17,800
I'm no where near max on pin weight and I'm no where near max tow cap.........this time
I'm real happy with the new truck. I'm still going to miss the Dodge.
* This post was
edited 04/14/08 11:47pm by juzplanekrazy *
with FW hitched
TV Steer Axle 4,400, 4,670 (under by 270)
TV Drive Axle 5,280, 6084 (under by 804)
TV total 9,680, 9,200 (over by 480)
Trailer Axles 8,000, 10,050 (under by 2,050)
Gross Combination weight 17,680, 22,000 (under by 4,320)
TV only
steer axle 4,400
drive axle 3,460
total 7,940
Thus Pin weight is 1,820, FW total weight is 9,820 and pin weight is 18.5% of FW total weight.
All water tanks empty (fresh, both gray and black)
LP tanks about 2/3 full
FW loaded for travel
Fuel tank full
TV loaded for hauling
Myself, DW, 5 yr old grandson
There was 50-75 lbs of firewood in the TV box which will not be there on most trips and I am beginning to think I have more leveling material than I need. This can probable be reduced by another 50 lbs.
There is plenty of room in FW GWR and CGWR to fill the fresh water tank (about 320 lbs) which will take weight off the pin as it is at the very back (is 200 lbs reasonable?)
I do plan to have a pin box bike rack which when fully installed and with max load should be about 150 lbs. There was also some cargo in the FW which could be shifted to the back end. I am figuring we can get to within about 200 lbs. of TV GVWR with the adjustments.
I think I am comfortable with that. Your comments are welcome.
Glenn Schumann wrote: Thus Pin weight is 1,820, FW total weight is 9,820 and pin weight is 18.5% of FW total weight.
I'd be leary of reducing pin weight. You're well within your TV axle limits. My experience has been a pin weight in the 19-20% range provides a decent tow. Much lighter than that tends to make the trailer act a little squirly. That's with a F250, both my 95 and 05.
We still gotta take the truck to be weighed separately, but we were on
vacation and he wasn't gonna unhook the trailer. The trailer weighs 8270 lbs
dry so we figure about 9500 lbs loaded up - we travel average I'd say as it is
just the two of us and no kids.
Our manufacturer totals show Front GAWR of 5200 lbs (we're okay)
and Rear GAWR of 6084 lbs (we're okay)
Total GVWR is 8800 lbs. (we're okay)
Total GCWR is 20,000 lbs (so we're okay there)
Our problem is we are over our payload capacity -I'm sure of that before
even going to the scales - dang it! next truck is a F350 !
AntiqFreq wrote: Total GVWR is 8800 lbs. (we're okay)
Payload capacity has nothing to do with it. It's the total weight of the truck that counts. The way I figure it truck/trailer hooked up puts truck weight of 10,080#, 1,280# above rated GVW of truck. From 2005 and up the 250 is rated at 9,800# (but weighs more, not sure how much though). FWIW I hauled 10,000# fivers for years with a 250 (95 and 05)and never felt like I was overdoing it, but when I went to 14,000# I upgraded the TV.
2008 Dodge 3500, QC, 8'box, 6.7L, 6spd auto, DRW, GVWR 11500
Ready to hook, 2 people, hitch, 3000W generator, air compressor, pressure washer, full fuel + 5 gal jerry can. Weighs 8620 lbs
Hooked up with 2624 lbs on the pin. Weighs 11244 lbs
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