How Much is Too Much?

[cwsoules]

The "experts" use 20% as the "usual" load placed on a pickup by a 5th wheel trailer. When I weighed my rig my load was 18% and it caused me no problems.



I believe that there is probably a range over which a 5th wheel may be safely towed by a pick up.

1. Does anyone know what the range is?

2. What is the hazard if the percentage is lowered even more?

 

[klenger]

According to this article, the range is 15-18%



http://www.rversonline.org/ArtWtandBal.html



Mine is right at 18%.

 

[RustyJC]

Currently, we're at 19. 1% fully loaded. I'm sure the washer/dryer, 2nd air conditioner and bedroom slideout all contribute to our pin weight, so I'll bet that lots of 5vers are running below our 19. 1% level.



Rusty

 

[QRTRHRS]

I know I don't have enough weight on the truck by how easy it is to break the wheels loose. The flip side to that is how easy it is to "jack knife".

 

[RJOL]

Quote from the Towing Guide

This info is from the 2001 Ram Guide:



"TONGUE WEIGHT: To determine the maximum tongue weight, multiply the gross trailer weight by 15% for each combination. For King Pin weight multiply by 25%. "



Hope this helps... .