Hitch Weight expectation

[jtstretch]

Just picked up a 2017 Eagle HT 29.5BHDS.... Dry hitch weight states 1610lbs. What would the trailer loaded roughly be at the Hitch? worst case! I am going with a Gen Y Goodeneck conversion. I am thinking the 2500lb would be plenty. but I am a newb and would rather ask the community that's familiar. fresh water tanks look to be behind the axels if the schematics I got from Jayco are legit! thank you

[Kwarstler]

I would take the dry tongue weight and divide it by the dry trailer weight to obtain a trailer to tongue weight percentage. I would then take the max trailer weight (dry weight plus max cargo carrying capacity) and multiply it by the percentage. This should give you an idea of what the max tongue weight should be. This will give you an idea whether the 2500# conversion will suffice. However, there are A LOT of variables that can alter tongue weight - most importantly how you load the trailer! For a truly accurate figure you need to load up the trailer like you would tow it. This includes clothes, food, water and supplies. Take it to a truck scale and weigh the tongue weight. I would also weigh the trailer too just to see what the trailer weighs in at. This way you can see if you’re over.

[jtstretch]

Originally Posted by Kwarstler

I would take the dry tongue weight and divide it by the dry trailer weight to obtain a trailer to tongue weight percentage. I would then take the max trailer weight (dry weight plus max cargo carrying capacity) and multiply it by the percentage. This should give you an idea of what the max tongue weight should be. This will give you an idea whether the 2500# conversion will suffice. However, there are A LOT of variables that can alter tongue weight - most importantly how you load the trailer! For a truly accurate figure you need to load up the trailer like you would tow it. This includes clothes, food, water and supplies. Take it to a truck scale and weigh the tongue weight. I would also weigh the trailer too just to see what the trailer weighs in at. This way you can see if you’re over.

to be sure I am doing this correctly...8500 dry trailer weight and 1600 dry tongue equals 19% roughly.and with a 8500 plus 1600 load capacity. I have an answer of about 1950 lbs tongue weight...I think the 2500LBer will work if I am right here as long as I don't load it too much in front of the axel...thank you for the formula.

[Kwarstler]

Yes - you are correct. I presume the 1600# cargo capacity is coincidentally the same as the dry tongue weight? And since we are dealing with a fifth wheel and not a TT, your dry tongue weight is actually the dry pin weight. Don’t want to confuse others as to terminology. I would think the 2500# conversion would be fine.

[Rustic Eagle]

jtstretch,

Welcome to JOF

Originally Posted by jtstretch

Just picked up a 2017 Eagle HT 29.5BHDS.... Dry hitch weight states 1610lbs. What would the trailer loaded roughly be at the Hitch? worst case!....snip

The 2017 Eagle HT 29.5BHDS has a specified GVWR of 10,950lbs. The worst case scenario "loaded" pin weight at 10,950lbs = 2,190lbs to 2,737lbs (20% to 25%). The 20% to 25% range is reflective of most scaled 5th wheels...., of course one's personal loading habits play a big role in loaded weights.

Bob