Truck + RV CAT scale numbers

[dja4260]

I took my new to me 5th wheel to a CAT scale. I recently moved the pinbox all the way to the highest mounting points as I wanted to get my camper closer to level. I have 8"inches between the bed rails and camper, using an Andersen Ultimate hitch. The CAT scale numbers represent the camper loaded for a trip, minus my 3 young children who were not in the truck. I have 1''inch of wheel gap difference from the rear to the front. RV weighs 7997 dry at 30.5'ft long with 1405 lbs of pin weight. The truck pulls nicely but I feel it behind/ontop of me! I averaged 9 mpg @ 67 mph over a 30 mile trip to the CAT scale.

We're looking forward to our first weekend trip in this camper on Friday. We're booked out for about a year and have lots to look forward to.

 

[ctechbob]

Did you weigh the truck without the trailer? Just curious how much the weight shifts around with a 5er.

 

[dja4260]

Did you weigh the truck without the trailer? Just curious how much the weight shifts around with a 5er.

I haven't, but that's a great idea.

 

[ctechbob]

There's a sister forum to BITOG as well, all about RV stuff:

https://rvthe.us/community/

 

[AZjeff]

The only way to know your pin weight is to weigh the truck without the trailer. Then you know your truck weights, pin weight and trailer weight. Bet the pin weight is higher than the spec sheet says. Tire to fender gap difference front to rear doesn't really mean anything except looks. You can measure rear gap loaded and unloaded to see how much it squats. In your photo the truck and trailer both look down in the back. What RPM were you seeing at 67?

 

[Exhaustgases]

Rear air bags = no squat, nice having them, huge help to the springs as well.

The hitch point seems pretty far back to me. My goose neck ball is more forward than that.

 

[02SE]

Rear air bags = no squat, nice having them, huge help to the springs as well.

The hitch point seems pretty far back to me. My goose neck ball is more forward than that.

It's a 5th wheel. The hitch is (or should be) centered over the rear axle. The pin box extends forward to where the kingpin hitches to the 5th wheel.

 

[fantastic]

Not a bad set-up & weights seem reasonable.

 

[mk378]

Really need the weights of the truck alone. With the front axle 1400 lb below GAWR, it looks like there is room to move the fifth wheel forward a little. A portion (up to 50%) of the hitch weight could be on the front of the truck. This is the basis for the simple fender height check-- equal drop means about equal weight on the springs. You never want to have the steer axle get lighter with trailer attached.

 

[ls1mike]

That is not a super heavy setup. I like it. Probably tows super smooth.