Tongue Weight vs Gross Towing Weight Ratings Explained for Gooseneck and 5th Wheel Hitches
Question:
Hello. the Gross towing weight: 30,000 lbs refers to the payload only? or its the trailer and payload combine to 30K max? Also what this refers to Tongue weight: 7,500 lbs
asked by: Antonio
Helpful Expert Reply:
Great questions!
The Center Section for B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Hitch # BWGNRC950 weight ratings are the following:
Gross towing weight: 30,000 lbs
Tongue weight: 7,500 lbs
Gross towing weight refers to the pulling or horizontal weight capacity of the hitch while tongue weight refers to the amount of downward force the hitch can take where the connection point is made. A properly loaded gooseneck trailer should have a tongue weight that's about 20% of the weight of the trailer so if you were to tow a 30K trailer with this hitch you'd shoot for a 6K tongue weight rating.
Payload refers to the strength of your truck bed itself. Gooseneck and 5th wheel hitches tend to have a higher tongue weight rating than the truck payload but that's because the hitches are transferring that weight directly to the frame of the truck while the payload has to do with the strength of the truck body as well.
Attached is a photo to help further demonstrate the forces at play in a gooseneck towing setup as well as a link to our library of helpful articles you can reference. This B&W center section is just a piece of the gooseneck hitch though. If you let me know the year/make/model of your truck I can see if there are custom-fit brackets that install directly to the frame of your pickup.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Center Section for B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Hitch - 30,000 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Gooseneck Hitch
- Hitch Only
- 30000 lbs GTW
- Turnover Ball Gooseneck
- B and W
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Center Section for B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Hitch - 30,000 lbs
- Shop: Center Section for B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Hitch - 30,000 lbs
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Article: Adapters for Towing a 5th Wheel Trailer with a Gooseneck Hitch
- Q&A: Replacement 3500 lb Hub/Drum for TruRyde RVD-H-65535 10 Inch Trailer Brake Drum
- Article: Ram Trailer Tow Prep Package
- Article: 5th Wheel Hitch Installation | The Ultimate DIY Guide
- Q&A: How to Measure to Determine the Size Trailer Brakes Needed For Hydraulic Drum Replacement
- Q&A: Which B and W Gooseneck Hitch Fits 2013 Chevy Silverado 2500HD
- Q&A: Does Air Lift Load Controller I Compressor System Have Maximum PSI
- Q&A: Goose Neck Hitch Frame Width Needed For A Ford F-550 Cab And Chassis
- Q&A: Wiring Diagram for 5th Wheel Trailer Landing Gear with Red, Black, White, and Green Wires
- Q&A: Dimensions Of The Center Section For B&W Turnover Ball Underbed Gooseneck Hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: 2011 Ford Super Duty with 5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Trailer Tow Prep Package
- Article: Cargo Tie-Down Methods
- Article: How to Install E-Track in 3 Easy Steps