Determine the Tongue Weight of a Fifth Wheel Trailer

Updated 03/27/2017 | Published 03/24/2017

Question:

1995 Ford F150 4290 pound 5th wheel What is the tongue weight of the 5th wheel? Is it simply 20 of the dry weight of the trailer?

asked by: JD W

Expert Reply:

The best way to find the pin weight of your fifth wheel trailer is to use a commercial scale like those at truck stops or at material supply centers. First you should weigh your tow vehicle without the trailer connected. Next, connect your trailer to your tow vehicle and drive it on the scale. The difference between the two weights is the tongue weight. You will want to make sure you trailer will be loaded as it normally would be when towing to get an accurate number.

Typically a fifth wheel trailers pin weight is 20 percent of the total weight of the trailer.

expert reply by: Jameson C