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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Buying An RV -> 5th Wheel Hitch or "Pin" weight
Post Info TOPIC: 5th Wheel Hitch or "Pin" weight
rclvnv


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5th Wheel Hitch or "Pin" weight
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I'm sorry if this has been answered before, but couldn't find it,specifically. We are looking at 5th wheels that can be pulled with our 2010 F-250 DSL Supercab. We currently have a small TT. We are looking seriously at a Jayco Eagle 31.5 RLDS,(34'7") which is no problem @11,700 GVWR (Ford says 5th wheel max is 16,300, for my truck), but this model has a hitch weight of 2135. Is that too much weight for the rear wheels? This unit also has 50 amp service. All other RV's , including class A's & C's we've had over 40 yrs have been 30 amp. What do you do when there is only 30 amp available? Choose which componants to run, like one A/C, micro vs. TV? Just curious,but my real concern is about the pin weight. Is more than 15% of GVWR OK? Next, what hitch rating? I don't want to trust the dealer here. Likewise I have a 7ft truck bed. Slider hitch? One dealer says yes,the other says "maybe not". I don't want to be wrong here either. My primary concern is safety and having just slightly more truck than is needed in terms of stopping power,weight management,etc.If necessary,I can consider something smaller. As always, thank you for taking the time to help.

Richard

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Richard & Ginny, travel with Buster,our Schnauzer boy. 2010 Ford Lariat PSD;2011 Open Range 345 RLS, 5th wheel."Not all who wander are lost".
Luvglass


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Richard,

You need to know the GVWR of the truck. Deduct the net weight including full fuel tank and passengers, and that is how much weight you can add on the hitch.

There is an adapter to connect the 50 amp cord to 30 amp pedestals. What you can run is the same as you've done for 40 years on 30 amps.

You want a hitch rated for at least 110% of your trailer GVWR, and preferably 120%. If you have a short bed truck you want a slider hitch.

I'm sure you'll get other comments.



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Fred Wishnie

Full time since Feb 06 in Carriage Cameo 35KS3 and Ford F350


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Terry and Jo


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Richard,

I've responded with a fairly lengthy answer, so I "private messaged" it to you instead of putting in on the forum.

Terry

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Terry and Jo

2010 Mobile Suites 38TKSB3
2008 Ford F450
2019 Ford Expedition Max as Tag-along or Scout

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53 Merc


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The F250 Superduty Diesel pickup is a towing beast. You will have no problem towing the 5er you cited. Only problem is the pin weight you mentioned. YOu can purchase "overloads" that will minimize the squat when you hitch up. I have Timbrens, which do not affect the unloaded ride, but do minimize the squat.

By posting this, I fully expect to be hit by weight police comments, but it all gets down to what you feel comfortable with. I have no compunction hooking up and going wherever I wish. We have towed over 60K miles with our F250 and plan on Colorado, Oregon, and other trips this year.

Make sure you get a good brake controller for added control. Good tires on the truck and trailer are an absolute must, load range E at a minimum, preferably more. I personally use Michelin XPS Ribs on our trailer, and it scales at 14400.

With all that said, do I wish I had a heavier truck for towing? Yep, I salivate over the Freightliner M-2 from Sport Chassis. Can I afford one? Maybe.

Good luck in you decisions and happy camping.

-- Edited by 53 Merc on Tuesday 1st of February 2011 08:50:03 AM

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Ken and Fran 2006 Sunnybrook F250 SD CC PSD
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