Are Tongue Weight, Hitch Weight and Pin Weight The Same Thing For a Fifth Wheel Trailer

Updated 04/21/2020 | Published 06/25/2015

Question:

I just had my new Montana High Country 293RK fiver delivered to the rv dealership now I am having my RAM dealer go look for the RAM 3500 Laramie cc long bed 4X4 at other dealerships within the state. I am a newbie fiver owner. Is the tongue wt the same as hitch weight? My fiver uvw is 9560 lbs with a gvwr of 12,475lbs. I think I have a good rig combo here w/o sliders as my hitch is rated for 20,000lb capacity. After researching tow vehicles and the perfect fiver I think I did well for being a newbie..... what do u guys think I appreciate your expert opinion.

asked by: Stephen

Helpful Expert Reply:

Tongue weight and hitch weight describe the same thing, the amount of downward force applied to the hitch. For a fifth wheel hitch, it's usually called pin weight. For example the # RP30928 has a pin weight capacity of 5,000lbs.

A 3/4 or 1 ton truck with a long bed would be the preferred vehicle for towing a fifth wheel trailer. The vehicle will have plenty of power and a suspension designed for heavy loads. The long bed will ensure plenty of clearance between the front of the fifth wheel and the rear of the truck cab.

It sounds like you've done very well!

If you would care to reply with the model year of the Ram truck you're looking for and the manufacturer and model number of the hitch you're planning on using, I'd be happy to recommend an install kit and a in-bed wiring harness for the truck.

expert reply by: Mike L

Joseph T.

4/19/2020

I have a 2018 gmc 1500. I want to install a good neck, can I upgrade my 3.0 rear to a 3.45 to increase my gwr from 6800 to 9800?

Chris R.

4/21/2020

Upgrading the ratio on your Sierra will not increase the truck's capacity. There are likely additional components that dictate its towing capacity, and since you're always limited by your weakest link, upgrading just one area won't bump up the overall rating. I will say too that no matter what you do, your towing capacity will never increase in the eyes of GM - so if anything were to go wrong when exceeding that limit, it wouldn't be covered under warranty.