What Percent of a 5th Wheel Trailer King Pin Should be the Tongue Weight
Question:
I am purchasing a new 5th wheel trailer and concerned about the king pin weight. For every pound I put in the cargo bay located between the trailers axles and the king pin, what percent should of that pound would be added to the king pin? The owners manual for my 2007 Chevy C2500 HD Duramax 6.6 L Crew Cab regular bed truck lists towing capacity GCWR at 22,000 pounds, Maximum Trailer weight at 15,200 pounds, and max king pin weight at 3,000 pounds. I want to purchase a 5th wheel with a dry weight of 13,400 pounds and a dry hitch weight of 2,535 pounds. My truck weights 7,300 pounds with full tank, two people, and hitch. Thanks
asked by: James F
Expert Reply:
A basic rule to go by is that the tongue weight of a 5th wheel trailer is about 20 percent of the gross trailer weight. Based on the 5th wheel trailer dry weight of 13,400 pounds the dry hitch weight is correct at 2,535 pounds. Just under the 20 percent of the 5th wheel dry weight or precisely 18.9 percent.
The tongue weight of the 5th wheel trailer at 20 percent is 2,680 pounds based on a dry weight of 13,400 pounds.
So as long as you keep your tongue weight at 3,000 pounds or below after you load gear, you will be just fine.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter w/ Offset - 12" to 16" Tall
- Gooseneck and Fifth Wheel Adapters
- Adapts Trailer
- Fifth Wheel Trailer to Gooseneck Hitch
- Offset
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Bolts Over King Pin
- Adjustable Height
- King Pin Adapters
- Convert-A-Ball
more information >
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We have a Ford F 250 crew cab 4x4 short bed diesel XLT that weights 7650lbs, king pin weight limit 2000lbs. We are looking to tow a fifth wheel Refection 150 series 295RL with GVWR 9995 and Hitch weight 1391. How do we find the real tounge weight for the 295rl and not average? We want to make sure we are legal when towing. Can you let me know if it is?