Help please.

[Harreec]

Fifth wheel specs:
UVW 7310
Dry hitch weight 1340
GVWR 9950
CCC 2640
Is the dry hitch weight the pin weight ? What calculation was used to get 1340 dry weight?

What formulae do I use to calculate what figures I need for a tow vehicle for the above fifth wheel specs.

Thank you

[Wrascal]

I'm no expert but I believe ... you need a tow vehicle that can carry 25% of your loaded 5th wheels weight. That means (rounding that 9950 up to 10K) a minimum of a tow vehicle capable of a 2500 pound payload is required.

BUT that is not allowing for your vehicle payload such as passengers, fuel, the actual fifth hitch, etc. If your slim, beautiful 100# wife , her fat 300# mother and your large 100# dog accompany you then (to safely tow this load) you need a vehicle that carries a higher payload, at 3000#.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by Harreec

snip.....Is the dry hitch weight the pin weight ? What calculation was used to get 1340 dry weight? ....snip

Yes, the dry hitch weight is the manufacture's "published" pin weight, but the FW's "as-shipped" dry pin weight (UVW noted on yellow sticker) in most cases will be higher depending on options and other manufacture included weights at time of shipment (covers weight of full LP tanks, etc.). Figure the 1,340lbs as a manufacture's "base" dry pin weight and not very accurate.

Manufactures recommendation for a "loaded" pin weight is 15% to 25% of the FW's actual loaded gross weight.

Worst case scenario loaded to the FW's GVWR: 15% to 25% of 9,950lbs = 1,492lbs to 2,488lbs loaded pin weight.

Please note, many FW folks find 20% as minimum loaded pin weight...... but if you tend to load heavy figure 25% of your FW's loaded gross weight.

With your TV loaded (passengers, cargo, full fuel, hitch weight, etc.), then add your loaded pin weight....., the objective is not to exceed your TV's specified GVWR and/or the rear GAWR.

Bob