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Old 03-10-2013, 09:07 PM   #4
billr
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Ontario Canada
Posts: 857
Some great advise given already. Rick was right on!

A couple more to consider, watch the rear axle capacity. Its on the door sticker. GAWR. Also the Max rear tire capacity right on the side wall of the tires. These are the most common overload areas on light pickups. Rarely do we see a 1/2 ton PU that is not overloaded on one or more areas with a 5th wheel of most any size.

As a test, take your truck to a scale that you can get total and each axle weight. With that you can add about 200-300 lbs for a hitch. Add extra people, dogs and full load of fuel.

Now compare what you find on the sticker and you can figure out for yourself how much pin weight you can add before you overload the tires, Rear axle GAWR or GVWR. You will not have to rely on a salesman or advise from folks that mean well, but can be sometimes misguided.

Pin weight estimates are less then accurate from dealers, or sales brochures.

To get a better idea on what to expect, take the Trailer GVWR off the trailer sticker and calculate 20% to see what to expect as a estimated pin weight.

Use Max ratings on the trailer to know what to expect the trailer to be when towing. That way no guessing.

Bill
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