Weighing your 5th wheel trailer accurately is crucial for safe towing and avoiding costly fines for exceeding legal weight limits. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to achieving accurate weights and understanding the importance of each measurement.
Understanding the Importance of Accurate 5th Wheel Weights
As someone who has spent decades in the RV industry, I’ve seen firsthand the consequences of neglecting proper weight management. Overloaded trailers are not just illegal; they’re dangerous. They can lead to tire blowouts, brake failure, steering instability, and ultimately, accidents. Understanding and adhering to your 5th wheel’s weight ratings isn’t merely a recommendation; it’s an absolute necessity for the safety of yourself, your passengers, and everyone else on the road. Beyond safety, exceeding weight limits can void warranties, damage your tow vehicle, and result in significant fines.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Weighing Your 5th Wheel
Achieving accurate weights requires a specific procedure and access to certified scales. These scales are typically found at truck stops, weigh stations, and some RV dealerships. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:
1. Preparing Your 5th Wheel for Weighing
Before heading to the scales, ensure your 5th wheel is loaded as if you were going on a typical camping trip. This means:
- Full water tanks: If you typically travel with water, fill the tanks to your usual level.
- Loaded gear: Pack all your camping gear, including clothing, food, kitchen supplies, outdoor equipment, and any other personal items.
- Passengers in the tow vehicle: If possible, have all passengers present in the tow vehicle during the weighing process. Their weight contributes to the overall Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
- Fuel: Ensure your tow vehicle has a full tank of fuel.
2. Finding a Certified Scale
Search online for certified scales near you. Truck stops like CAT Scale are generally reliable and provide accurate readings. Contact the scale operator beforehand to confirm their hours of operation and any specific procedures they require.
3. The Weighing Process
This is where the precision comes in. You’ll need to perform three separate weighings:
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Weighing #1: Tow Vehicle Alone
Disconnect the 5th wheel completely and drive the tow vehicle onto the scale. Ensure all axles of the tow vehicle are on the scale pads. This will give you the tow vehicle’s axle weights (front and rear) and gross weight.
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Weighing #2: Tow Vehicle and 5th Wheel (Coupled)
Reconnect the 5th wheel to the tow vehicle. Position the entire rig on the scale so that:
- The tow vehicle’s front axle is on one scale pad.
- The tow vehicle’s rear axle is on another scale pad.
- The 5th wheel’s axles are on a third scale pad.
This will provide you with the tow vehicle’s front axle weight, rear axle weight (coupled to the 5th wheel), and the 5th wheel’s axle weight. This configuration is crucial for determining the weight distribution between the tow vehicle and the trailer.
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Weighing #3: Tow Vehicle Alone Again (optional)
This is often recommended for accuracy. Disconnect the 5th wheel and weigh the tow vehicle again, replicating Weighing #1. This helps confirm consistency and can identify any discrepancies.
4. Interpreting the Weight Measurements
Once you have the three weight tickets, it’s time to analyze the data. Here’s what you need to calculate:
- Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of the tow vehicle: This is the total weight of the tow vehicle as measured in Weighing #1. Compare this to the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) listed on the tow vehicle’s door jamb sticker.
- Gross Axle Weight (GAW) of the tow vehicle (front and rear): These are the individual weights of the front and rear axles as measured in Weighing #1. Compare these to the Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) listed on the tow vehicle’s door jamb sticker.
- Pin Weight: This is the weight the 5th wheel places on the tow vehicle’s hitch. Calculate this by subtracting the tow vehicle’s rear axle weight from Weighing #1 from the tow vehicle’s rear axle weight from Weighing #2.
- 5th Wheel Axle Weight: This is the weight of the 5th wheel’s axles as measured in Weighing #2.
- Gross Trailer Weight (GTW): This is the total weight of the 5th wheel. It’s equal to the 5th Wheel Axle Weight plus the Pin Weight. Compare this to the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) listed on the 5th wheel’s identification plate.
- Gross Combined Weight (GCW): This is the total weight of the tow vehicle and the 5th wheel combined. It’s calculated by adding the GVW of the tow vehicle from Weighing #1 to the GTW of the 5th wheel. Compare this to the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) listed in the tow vehicle’s owner’s manual.
5. Addressing Overweight Issues
If any of your weights exceed the corresponding ratings, you’ll need to take action. This might involve:
- Removing items from the 5th wheel or tow vehicle.
- Redistributing weight within the 5th wheel to shift the pin weight.
- Upgrading the tow vehicle or 5th wheel (if necessary).
- Traveling with empty water tanks (if possible).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Weighing 5th Wheel Trailers
FAQ 1: Where can I find the weight ratings (GVWR, GAWR, GCWR) for my tow vehicle and 5th wheel?
The GVWR and GAWR for your tow vehicle are typically found on a sticker located on the driver’s side door jamb. The GCWR is usually listed in the tow vehicle’s owner’s manual. For your 5th wheel, the GVWR is located on a metal identification plate, often found near the entrance door or on the front of the trailer.
FAQ 2: What happens if I exceed my 5th wheel’s GVWR?
Exceeding the GVWR can lead to serious consequences, including tire blowouts, axle damage, brake failure, and frame stress. It also increases the risk of accidents and can void your warranty. Furthermore, you may be subject to fines and penalties.
FAQ 3: How does pin weight affect my tow vehicle’s payload capacity?
Pin weight directly impacts your tow vehicle’s payload capacity. Payload capacity is the maximum weight your tow vehicle can carry, including passengers, cargo, and the pin weight of the 5th wheel. Exceeding the payload capacity can overload the rear axle and suspension, affecting handling and stability.
FAQ 4: What is “dry weight” or “unloaded vehicle weight (UVW)” and why is it important?
Dry weight (UVW) is the weight of the 5th wheel as it leaves the factory, without any water, propane, or cargo. This number is often misleading because it doesn’t reflect the actual weight of the trailer when it’s ready for travel. It’s important to use the UVW as a starting point for calculating your loaded weight, but you must account for the weight of all your belongings.
FAQ 5: How often should I weigh my 5th wheel?
Ideally, you should weigh your 5th wheel at least once a year, or whenever you make significant changes to your cargo or loading configuration. Regular weighing ensures you’re always within safe weight limits.
FAQ 6: Can I use portable scales to weigh my 5th wheel?
While portable scales can provide a general idea of your weight, they are generally not accurate enough for critical weight management. Certified scales at truck stops or weigh stations are the most reliable option.
FAQ 7: What is tongue weight and how does it apply to 5th wheels?
Tongue weight refers to the weight exerted by a trailer on the hitch ball of the tow vehicle. While tongue weight is relevant for travel trailers, 5th wheels utilize a pin weight system which is measured at the kingpin connection in the bed of the tow vehicle.
FAQ 8: How can I redistribute weight in my 5th wheel to reduce pin weight?
Moving heavier items towards the rear of the 5th wheel can help reduce pin weight. Avoid storing heavy items in the front compartments, as this will increase the weight on the hitch.
FAQ 9: What are the legal consequences of exceeding weight limits?
Exceeding weight limits can result in fines, penalties, and even being forced to offload cargo before being allowed to continue your journey. These fines can vary significantly depending on the state and the amount of the overweight violation.
FAQ 10: What is the difference between GVWR and GCWR?
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is the maximum permissible weight of a single vehicle, including its cargo. GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) is the maximum permissible weight of the tow vehicle and the 5th wheel combined.
FAQ 11: Does adding a suspension upgrade to my tow vehicle increase its GVWR or GCWR?
No, adding a suspension upgrade does not automatically increase the GVWR or GCWR of your tow vehicle. These ratings are determined by the manufacturer based on the vehicle’s overall capabilities. Suspension upgrades may improve handling and stability, but they do not change the legal weight limits.
FAQ 12: Where can I find professional assistance with weighing and weight distribution for my 5th wheel?
Many RV dealerships and independent RV service centers offer weighing and weight distribution services. They can provide expert advice and help you optimize your 5th wheel’s loading configuration. They can also provide documentation verifying that you weighed your rig professionally.
By following these guidelines and understanding the importance of accurate weight management, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable RVing experience for years to come. Remember, knowledge is power, and in this case, it’s also your key to safety on the road.