Fifth Wheel Pin Weight Versus Payload Capacity of 2019 Ford F350

Question:

Hello. I have a 2019 Ford F350 Platinum 8foot bed with 355 gears. My GVWR is 11,500. The curb weight of the truck is 8100 lbs. The 5th wheel Im looking at buying has a dry weight of 13,950 with a pin weight of 2800 lbs. The payload sticker on the inside of the truck door states that I have a combined weight occupants and cargo ratinginch of 3145 lbs. Its just me and my wife with a total occupancy for the two of us at 390 lbs. Fords web site for my type of truck with the GVWR is much higher than the sticker on the door and I want to make sure I can pull the trailer with no pin weight issues. Of course Ill order the BandW hitch from our guys when I purchase it. Doing the math it seems like I am good. Am I ok with this setup?

asked by: Robert A

Expert Reply:

You'll always want to go by the weight capacities mentioned on the door sticker, rather than what's mentioned in the vehicle manufacturer's sales literature. If the 3145 lb rating you mention is the truck's payload capacity which includes the maximum weight of cargo (passengers plus 5th wheel pin weight, in your case) it would seem that you're a tiny bit over the payload capacity, with the 2800 lb pin weight plus the 390 lb putting you about 45 lbs above that payload capacity figure.

If that 2800 lb pin weight figure you mentioned is the dry pin weight, your pin weight will increase one the 5th wheel's loaded up and ready to tow. If that's the case, I'd recommend thinking seriously about looking at a 5th wheel with a lower pin weight.

If your truck has the OEM puck system, I'd recommend the US made B & W Companion, part # BWRVK3300 along with the # C57008 trailer wiring harness to install a 7-way in the truck bed.

expert reply by: Mike L