How To Reduce Payload When Towing 5th Wheel with 2021 GMC Sierra 2500

Question:

I have a GMC 2500 to haul my 5th wheel rv. The payload capacity can easily be exceeded. The 80 gal fresh water tank is behind the rv axles. Can I add water to take weight off the hitch and add cargo to front of trailer to stay within payload capacity and the 20 of the trailer weight in the hitch? Thanks!

asked by: Dee H

Expert Reply:

I do have some advice and options for you but there isn't anything you can do to increase the payload capacity of your vehicle which is the weight in the bed and pin weight of the trailer while loaded. That said, as you mentioned you can move items inside the trailer to the back to lighten the pin weight. This can also be done by adding water to your fresh water tank if it's located further back on the trailer as that would then transfer some of the weigh to the rear and off the pin. That said, if you transfer too much weight you're going to create an unpleasant towing experience with a lot of sway as the less pin weight you have, the more sway you'll have so be sure to stay between 10-15% of the trailer's GVWR for the pin weight.

If you don't already have a fifth wheel hitch, the Curt CrossWing Lightweight 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part # C86JR is a great lightweight option at only 60 lbs. It will however require the Adapter Rails for Curt 5th Wheel Hitch part # C88KR if you have the factory prep package which adds 70 lbs.

expert reply by: Conner L