Hitch Pin Weight (Actual)

[Hog3loves]

New to fifth wheel towing. I have a 2018 Eagle 321 RSTS. Am I correct in saying that my hitch pin weight is the difference between my pickup's before & after rear axle weights from the weight ticket? Before hitching up it is 3160 lbs, after is 6040 lbs. That suggests a pin weight of 2880 lbs. And, is that to be added to the trailer axle weights (9340 lbs) to get a trailer GVW of 12,220? If so, that's a 23.6% value. Seems correct. So many numbers, so little brain cells...

[Lowmiler]

You are correct in your math.

But that pin weight sounds heavy for that weight trailer. Do you have it sitting level? Are you carrying a lot of stuff in the generator compartment, or in the master closet?

For reference, my pin weight is about the same as yours, but the trailer axle weights are 11,580 lbs. North Point 377.

[RedHorse1]

Hog, that looks correct. I expect 25% of the 5th GVW to be on the pin. In your case (GVW 12220#) 25% would be 3055#. Looks like you are pretty good at 23%.
I see you pull with a 2500. What is the Rear GAWR? My weights are very similar and I pull with a 350.

[Hog3loves]

The axles are rated at 5200 front and 6200 rear. Yes, I do have an Onan generator installed, a little larger than stock propane tanks, and the washer/dryer option. So she is a little nose heavy. I'm looking for a 3500 now to compensate for the additional weight up front. Thanks for you guys checking the math.

[CampNow]

Originally Posted by Hog3loves

New to fifth wheel towing. I have a 2018 Eagle 321 RSTS. Am I correct in saying that my hitch pin weight is the difference between my pickup's before & after rear axle weights from the weight ticket? Before hitching up it is 3160 lbs, after is 6040 lbs. That suggests a pin weight of 2880 lbs. And, is that to be added to the trailer axle weights (9340 lbs) to get a trailer GVW of 12,220? If so, that's a 23.6% value. Seems correct. So many numbers, so little brain cells...

Although it may be minimal, there could be some weight transfer involving the front axle, too. The total gain/loss (empty vs. hitched-up) on both the front and rear axles (in reality the empty vs. hitched-up weight of the entire truck) would reflect a more accurate pin weight.

[2nOZ]

When I bought my FW, I searched several web sites and they refer to weighing the truck unhitched and then weighing the truck hitched. The difference in the two weights is supposed to be the pin weight.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by 2nOZ

snip....weighing the truck unhitched and then weighing the truck hitched. The difference in the two weights is supposed to be the pin weight.

X2

Bob