Just weighed my 5th wheel, loaded with EVERYTHING, including dog, 15,030 lbs. Should I be scared?! Truck pulls load fine and stops pretty good. Wasn't nervous until I saw the 15,030 flash on the scales.

That all depends on how the truck is setup and the axle/braking capacity of the trailer. I know I push it with mine but I do have a comfort level with the braking on mine. Total trailer braking capcity is 21,000 lbs. That's a couple of thousand over what the trailer weighs. HOWEVER, I don't like what the pin weight is on mine and will be adjusting the axle later this year to put the weight where it should be. Until then, call me Mr. Cautious!

8shot,

You may get several comments about the pin weight on a SRW at 15k lbs. Were all the tanks full, LP and holding? If not plug 7lbs for each gallon of water. You won't pull with all the holding tanks full but on rare occasions where you can't dump. :rolleyes:

Did you weigh all the axles including the trucks? GVW is important, but you need to know what you have on the pin. Is your unit a toy hauler? :confused:

TT, be really cautious baby. I too have a lot of braking power between the truck and 5ver. A couple of weeks back the brake wire to the trailer brakes came apart while traveling and I had no trailer brakes. Fortunately I was in Florida on flat ground. The 5ver was pushing me through an intersection, thank the lord I wasn't going very fast. :o: JJ :)

I see I'm not the only one who pulled their rig through the scales and got a :eek: . I pulled my new to me 5er over the scales last weekend and got with full fuel, 1/3 water, empty gray and black tanks, wifey and me and the pup, with supplies for a long weekend.

Steer axle 4220 lbs
rear axle 5940 lbs
trailer axles 10000 lbs
gross 20160

:eek: :eek: ummmmmmmmmmm......... puts me at 960 lbs over GVR :eek: , still under axle ratings by the skin of me teeth. Looks like it's time to carry no water, and move things to the back of the trailer until dooley time.

Mike T.

weighed trailer only, scale was not long enough for truck and trailer. water tank full, gas tank full, lp full, gray and black tanks empty, 2 full size quads, 2 mini quads. all gear, food, ect.......dont know what my braking power is, but i live in mountains, so every trip is up and down from 6500 ft. i just gear down and take it slow. how would i go about weighing each axel?

If you go to a truck stop you can put your front tires on the scale first, then put your rears on. Subtract the front axle weight from the total and that gives you rear axle weight. Then put your trailer on and do the same. Some truck stops have a scale that is set up to weigh each axle.

8shot, Follow Ozzy's instructions on weighing everything. All the scales around here allow me to weigh each axle seperately, with or without trailer. Also, find out what your braking ability is for each axle and even more important in my book - Make sure each axle actually has brakes on it! :eek: Yes, I have seen some with brakes on only one axle or worse yet, NO BRAKES!!!!!:badidea: Just be carefull in them there hills!

I hear ya JJ and yes, I've had that happen before. Personally, I wish there was a way to have these setup simular to a semi. Lose the connection and brakes are on. Hmmmm, maybe there is and I just haven't researched it enough yet.

By the way, I've since put mine on a diet. I think my reaction the first time I saw the weight on mine was more like-:drop_mout

For those interested, my number one rule that I follow when the trailer is hooked up 'DRIVE LIKE YOUR DRIVING ON ICE!'.

TT

both axles do have brakes. like you are driving on ice perfect idea. you should see how some folks drive on ice up here. i try to make wife and kids saty home.also trailer does have brake away brake lock. it would be ugly though. i will see if i can find scales that will help me out. need to find one 55 ft. long

8shot go here to find a scale near you. All CAT scales are for big trucks so you won't have a problem fitting your truck on it.

http://mapping.catscale.com/FindPane.asp?ServerURL=http://64.49.240.145/scripts/webgate.dll&GroupID=routemap&UserID=routemap&MapID=CAT%20Scale%20Map&L=-1465.695054&T=961.863261&R=1336.51538&B=-717.216739&X=425&Y=300&ScaleID=0

8shot, many truck stops along any interstate have "Certified Scales". It will cost you about $8-$10 to have your rig weighed. Many guys with extensive experience towing heavy with these trucks would emphasize "axle and tire" ratings moreso than GVWR/GCWR. :rolleyes:

Let us know what the scales say. Guess-timating your GCWR is going to be somewhere between 22-23k lbs. :rolleyes:

My 5ver is going on a diet as well. Mama JJ has it loaded with heavy plates, pans, etc. I'm thinking I'll change the 27" and 13" TV's for LCD types since they weigh about 1/4 as much as the conventional ones. The weight adds up fast, especially with toy haulers. Dang garage on wheels! ):h JJ :)

thank for info guys. would the highway patol be hanging around those cat scales?

They could be but, I doubt it. They would be more interested in the big rigs anyway.

ok , i will let you know, might be a few weeks. thanks for all the input guys.

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/images/smilies/hihi.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/images/smilies/hihi.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/images/smilies/hihi.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/images/smilies/hihi.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/images/smilies/hihi.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/images/smilies/hihi.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/images/smilies/hihi.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/images/smilies/hihi.gif

Yes honey, the trailer weighs to much and we have to have LCD TV's to get within the trailers capacity.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/images/smilies/lol.gif

I like your thinking JJ, I just don't know if my wife will go for that one though!

Cutting back on the tools I take should shave a good 100-150 lbs. If you ask my wife, portable garage is an understatement.

8shot, check out some of the websites for the truckstops and that should also point you in the direction of scales (Ozzy covered the cat scales, my favorite).

Try doing a search for truck stops. Most will list if they have a scale and locations. Here's 3 of the popular ones around here.

www.loves.com (http://www.loves.com/)
www.pilotcorp.com (http://www.pilotcorp.com/)
www.flyingj.com (http://www.flyingj.com/)

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/images/smilies/hihi.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/images/smilies/hihi.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/images/smilies/hihi.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/images/smilies/hihi.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/images/smilies/hihi.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/images/smilies/hihi.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/images/smilies/hihi.gif http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/images/smilies/hihi.gif

Yes honey, the trailer weighs to much and we have to have LCD TV's to get within the trailers capacity.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/images/smilies/lol.gif



I got a good laugh out of that too!):h

Braking Power: How do you find out how much braking power you have?

I need to get my set-up on teh scales. Will try and do this on the next trip to the dunes. There are 2 CAT scales in Imperial county.
When you go to weigh in do you just pull up onto it or do you have to ask 1st?
I see big rigs pull onto it, check weight then pull right off. Don't weant to hold anyone up.

My toy hauler is rated at GVWR of 13000. What is the max weight spec for an 04.5 Dmax SRW?

Always glad to entertain the troops! :flipa: :D

I'm going to wait a few weeks before I throw that suggestion at her! These past few weeks I have purchased the E/J w/attitude and Trippins mount, Rancho RS9000 shocks, and MBRP cool duals with SS tips. So far so good! ;)

Wish me luck convincing her to switch to LCD's, especially since we already Tv's in every room, including the garage. The 27" Sony easily weighs in around 80lbs+, the 13" RCA only weighs around 25-30lbs. I can pick a 13" LCD tv up easily with one hand. :smoke2:

It does bring up an interesting point. When loading your travel trailers it is best to choose materials that can do the job with the least amount of weight. Sites like RV.net likely have articles on lighter items that can be substituted for heavier items and still get the job done! :rolleyes:

WFI, IIRC the axle load rating normally dictates the size brakes they put on the axles, e.g. 6000lb axles should have 6000lb braking capacity. That being said beware of low end manufacturers that cut corners at every turn. :shake: There should be a stamp/plate mounted to the trailer with this info.

Mike330R, GM's site has the specs for these trucks. At 13k lbs your pin is likely around 1900-2600lbs. Keep in mind the hitch weighs in around 250-300lbs itself so that weight has to be accounted for as well. You may be pretty close to GVWR, but not GAWR on the rear axle. Tire ratings may be more of an issue in your case. :rolleyes:

Good discussion. I always learn something when we engage in these topics. JJ's out! Now where is that Best Buy ad? :evillol: JJ :)

Mike330R, If you really want a scare, go get the trailer weighed before you put anything in it. I'd be willing to bet it weighs more than what they say. And yes, options add to the weight. But there is a label inside the trailer (should be anyway) that tells (more like lies to) you the weight as it left the factory with factory installed options.:lol:

By the way, brakes can be upgraded for more than an axles capacity, but only to a point. The axles on mine are rated at 5,000#'s while the brakes are rated at 7,500#'s. This is advertised and done at the factory level as a standard item for the trailer I have. Probably because they know the thing weighs more than they say!:mad:

JJ, If we ever meet up, Dinner for you and the better half is on me and my better half. Threads like this that are informative with a little bit of humor thrown in can't be beat! Always enjoy helping out anyone that enjoys getting off the pavement!:D

JJ.
I have four words that work for me everytime. Weight, safety, power and my old age.:lol:

I need to get my set-up on teh scales. Will try and do this on the next trip to the dunes. There are 2 CAT scales in Imperial county.
When you go to weigh in do you just pull up onto it or do you have to ask 1st?
I see big rigs pull onto it, check weight then pull right off. Don't weant to hold anyone up.


Just pull right on the scale, they will usually have a speaker outside for you to communicate with the person inside. They will tell you to come in and pay and give you the weight ticket.

Just pull right on the scale, they will usually have a speaker outside for you to communicate with the person inside. They will tell you to come in and pay and give you the weight ticket.
Perfect!

Guess I will have to do the trailer alone some other time.

im an over the road driver and hotshotter.i am constantly grossing 33000 lbs with my dually and do not have and weight problems while towing.i pull a 53ft gooseneck with 3 axles rated at 7500 a piece.

Got to use the scales this past weekend.
150 gallons of water, 12ish gallons of propane, 20 gallons race gas, 3/4 diesel, golf cart (bout 600 pounds) , quad (300 pounds), me about about 200 pounds of food and other stuff.

I had my weigh dist bars connected:
Steer axle 9660 (I assume this is the full weight of the truck with teh weight bars connected)
Trailer Axles- 10540
Total 20200

From Weekend Warriors site (FS3000 model -- http://www.glamiswarrior.com/fswspecs.php) they claim it weighs 6895, add the options (fiberglass sides, generator, etc etc) and it is probably closer to 14K pounds. This site also claims 8.3 pounds per gallon of water?? Thought someone mentioned it was 7?)

From GM's site: http://www.chevrolet.com/silverado/specifications/

They say the curb weigh is 5907

So 20200 - 5907 = 14293--Trailer weight

From the same GM site they say (if I read it correct) max trailer weight is 12K, max combined weight is 22000.

In my case I fill up with water on the last 50 miles of my trip and it's all flat. This should be 1050 pounds @ 7 pounds per gallon..

So if I read it all correct and understood it I am 200 pounds over max combined weight.



Maybe next trip I should disconnect the weight bars to get a better reading on the trailer?

Figure Water is 8 lbs per gallon and 7 is for gasoline.

VR

200 lbs.:eek: What are you trying to do, kill us all?


Seriously though, 200 lbs. I wouldn't even worry about. Next time you weigh it, try to find a scale that lets you put the front wheels on a separate scale from the back wheels and trailer wheels. This will give you weights that you'll really appreciate knowing. And leave the distribution bars on, You'll find out if you actually have them hooked up right.

You should also find a label inside the trailer stating it's dry wieght and such as it came from the factory. This weight should include all factory installed options. I wouldn't rely on it being truthful though. Mine is located where the (appropriately enough!) trash can is.

Weekend Warrior's 'claimed' weight is ALWAYS way off.

Weekend Warrior's 'claimed' weight is ALWAYS way off.
Ditto that for just about every RV manufacturer! I've owned Fleetwood, Holiday Rambler, Citation, Jayco and now Sunnybrook and every unit has weighed more than that little stamp. Sunnybrook was the closest though.

TT, good comments. Get each axle weighed. JJ :)

Its not brain surgery, just not always convenient. To scale your "load", you can pick a Sunday to go to a truck stop (less busy) unloaded, get on the scales to weigh each axles, pay your $8.00-$10.00, and get your weight ticket. If you return with your "load" within 24 hrs. you can reweigh for $2.00 and you will get the total and trailer weights. The difference between Loaded and Unloaded (truck) is the kingpin weight, add pin weight to trailer axle weight and you have your trailer gross weight. This also gives you your rear axle weight, which is what you want to check for, so that you do not exceed tire, wheel or axle max capacity.

That simple, and cheap! RF

Fully loaded for a week of camping including wood, 80 gallons of water wife and 3 cats I weighed 9920 on the truck 11660 on the trailer. all axles were under though the truck was over. I had no problems towing with the tranny temp staying about 200 and water temp at 210.

A couple of weeks back the brake wire to the trailer brakes came apart while traveling and I had no trailer brakes.


Thats got me to thinkin' JJ. I have a prodigy brake controller which displays in the LED display when the trailer is connected. Does anyone know just what promps this? I mean if, like happened to you and the brake wire broke, would it show as being disconnected?

I have the Prodigy. My car trailer brakes had a wire that was shorting out, meaning no brakes, the message on the LED read "sh" for short. Actually it looked more like "5h".

Kinda scary coming down mountain passes with your pride and joy (Chevelle SS) sitting on a trailer with no brakes, thank god for the Allison grade braking feature.

It's now repaired

When the connections are fine it show "C", when the wires pulled apart I got a "NC" reading. JJ :)

My weights are pretty good till my wife get through loading for a trip. Went to East Texas last weed for 6 days. I went a took a look at the front bed room closets of the 5th wheel. I had to go look in the yard to see if we had a for sale sign in it. I need to move up to an 18 wheeler. I keep telling her we will be back.):h ):h ):h Hope she don't read this.