Kaufman Goosenecks Trailer Weight Ratings Questions

Updated 04/03/2025 | Published 06/06/2018

Question:

How can a trailer with two 7000 lb axles 14000 total have a gvwr of 15000? Kaufman trailers rates their goosenecks higher than their axles. Is this because 10 to 20 of the load is on the truck?

asked by: Brian

Expert Reply:

You're correct. The reason your axles like # 8327834 can be rated less than your trailer's GVWR is because generally about 15 to 20 percent of a gooseneck trailer's weight is on the truck. This is actually pretty common with trailers although not as much as it used to be.

How much weight are your attempting to carry on your Kaufman Trailer? I will be glad to assist your with this process.

expert reply by: Timothy G

Don

3/29/2025

I have a Mini 5 car trailer for hauling cars. The specifications are as follows: the trailer has a loaded weight of 25,000 lbs and an empty weight of 8,750 lbs. This gives a load capacity of 16,250 lbs, assuming the hitch weight is 8,000 lbs. I own a 2024 F350 dually with a payload capacity of 5,599 lbs, a rear GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) of 9,900 lbs, and a front GAWR of 5,600 lbs. My concern is whether the hitch weight of the Mini 5 at 8,000 lbs is too high or if it has been overestimated. I’m not sure if my 2024 F350 can handle this. Can you recommend the best capacity of 5th wheel hitch for my setup? Thank you

Robin H.

3/30/2025

@Don I recommend looking up the 2024 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide so you know what your truck is capable of. The capacity of your 2024 F-350 DRW varies depending on the engine, axle ratio, GCWR, and cab. Also, pin weight is usually around 20% which would be 5,000 lbs so I would double check where that 8,000 lbs is coming from. Do you have the prep package with the pucks on this truck? Assuming you do, I recommend the Demco UMS Double Pivot 5th Wheel Hitch # DM37GV. This is a really solid hitch with a 31,000 lb capacity so as long as your truck can handle the trailer so can the hitch.

Don

3/30/2025

@RobinH Please check this website for the mini 5 car trailer and look at the GVWR of the trailer. Please I will appreciate if you can do that and advise me. Maybe I did understand well. Thanks

Robin H.

3/30/2025

@Don I don't see a link or my system pulled it out. Just tell me the full name of the trailer with the year and model number and I can look it up.