Trailer Hitch Weight
#1
08-22-2002, 09:52 PM
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Trailer Hitch Weight
I am going to purchase a 5th wheel trailer, but I need to know what is the maximum 5th wheel "hitch weight" my F150 can tow. I have a 2002 4x2, supercab, 5.4L V8, 3.55 limited slip axle, class III towing pkg., 6300# GVWR pkg. I know my max. GVWR is 8300 lbs, but I can't find an answer to the hitch weight question. I was told by one person not to exceed 1,000 lbs., but the salesmen at the trailer dealerships think it can tow more, but they aren't sure. If anyone knows, I'd really appreciate a reply!
#2
08-23-2002, 02:57 AM
Not sure what you mean by a Max GVWR of #8300??? Is that the trailer? (maybe just a typo)
#6300 sounds right for your F150 GVWR. Not even the 7700 payload option has a GVWR of #8300.
You should have a GCWR of around #12700. That's the weight of the truck, 5th wheel, people, gas, beer, stuff......
With a fifth wheel, you'd be looking at around #800 - #1000 for the hitch weight easy. Unless you are looking at a pretty small one, then maybe #500 - #700
Now, not even considering the GVWR of the trailer, you're going to be close if not over your trucks GVWR before you even get going. Your truck is going to weigh close to #5000 before you even get the 5th wheel hitched up. You have to include passengers, gas and any additional stuff you put in the bed of the truck. Then you add the 5th wheel hitch weight, and you're maxed out.
You should get your truck weighed with it as close to how it will be just before you hitch it up. Full tank of gas, (a 5th wheel hitch probably weighs #200 by itself!), family, etc. Then subtract that from the GVWR and that's how much the hitch weight can be.
#6300 sounds right for your F150 GVWR. Not even the 7700 payload option has a GVWR of #8300.
You should have a GCWR of around #12700. That's the weight of the truck, 5th wheel, people, gas, beer, stuff......
With a fifth wheel, you'd be looking at around #800 - #1000 for the hitch weight easy. Unless you are looking at a pretty small one, then maybe #500 - #700
Now, not even considering the GVWR of the trailer, you're going to be close if not over your trucks GVWR before you even get going. Your truck is going to weigh close to #5000 before you even get the 5th wheel hitched up. You have to include passengers, gas and any additional stuff you put in the bed of the truck. Then you add the 5th wheel hitch weight, and you're maxed out.
You should get your truck weighed with it as close to how it will be just before you hitch it up. Full tank of gas, (a 5th wheel hitch probably weighs #200 by itself!), family, etc. Then subtract that from the GVWR and that's how much the hitch weight can be.
#3
08-23-2002, 09:09 AM
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Sounds like 6300Lb is your Gvwr. 8300 will be your trailer towing capacity. You also need to know your GCwr which is your total combined weight. As someone stated already it is likely about 12,700. You also need to know the weight of the truck and will be around 4500 to 4900Lb.
In my example I have a Supercrew and the numbers are:
6600LB GVWR
8000Lb Trailer capacity
13000LB Gross Combined (GCWR)
4700LB truck Weight
To calculate the pin capacity take 6600 - 4700 =1900Lb.
1900Lb is the total weight I can put in the truck. Now you also have to calculate passengers, dog, fuel, hitch etc.
In my case I have myself, wife 3 teens and dog. The estimate adds up to 800Lbs. The Weight distributing hitch is about 100 lbs so that leaves 1000lbs for tongue/pin weight and everything else I want to put in the truck.
In my example I have a Supercrew and the numbers are:
6600LB GVWR
8000Lb Trailer capacity
13000LB Gross Combined (GCWR)
4700LB truck Weight
To calculate the pin capacity take 6600 - 4700 =1900Lb.
1900Lb is the total weight I can put in the truck. Now you also have to calculate passengers, dog, fuel, hitch etc.
In my case I have myself, wife 3 teens and dog. The estimate adds up to 800Lbs. The Weight distributing hitch is about 100 lbs so that leaves 1000lbs for tongue/pin weight and everything else I want to put in the truck.
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08-23-2002, 09:51 AM
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#6
08-23-2002, 10:20 PM
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Hi J.... Welcome!
You've received some good info here. So understand the figures..weights,GVWR, GCWR etc for your truck. If you can take the time to go weigh your truck etc, no guessing.
Surprised your dealer couldnt find that info. for you?
Be aware of towing a 5er with short bed VS long bed.
This site is interesting...www.pullrite.com
Good luck...OT
BTW.... you can level up a bed that has dropped from alot of weight...but dont forget the axles are rated to carry a specific amoung of weight...front/rear Also...dont take whats listed as weight of TT as the gospel...again...needs to be weighed. JMO
You've received some good info here. So understand the figures..weights,GVWR, GCWR etc for your truck. If you can take the time to go weigh your truck etc, no guessing.
Surprised your dealer couldnt find that info. for you?
Be aware of towing a 5er with short bed VS long bed.
This site is interesting...www.pullrite.com
Good luck...OT
BTW.... you can level up a bed that has dropped from alot of weight...but dont forget the axles are rated to carry a specific amoung of weight...front/rear Also...dont take whats listed as weight of TT as the gospel...again...needs to be weighed. JMO