Pin Weight on 3155RL

[unit]

I'm looking at a new 3155RL that has a listed pin weight of 2585lbs. I'm interested in what the actual pin weight might be once loaded and ready for camping. An approximate figure will suffice. If you have a similar unit, I'd like to know your pin weight.

Thanks!

[Art-n-Marge]

To calculate the expected weight, multiply the GROSS trailer weight rating by .25 and this would give you the probable maximum pin weight or what can be characterized as the maximum.

Unfortunately the website shows the shipping weight not the gross weight. Most of us are about 20% of the gross weight or multiply times .20. I am actually at 19% but I am not a full timer so we don't have as much stuff to carry. Just know that the shipping weight can only be used to calculate how much cargo, accessories etc that you can carry (Gross weight minus Shipping weight equals cargo weight) and even then as soon as you start adding a second A/C, larger fridge, etc., the number will vary.

All in all, your actual pin weight will vary depending on how it's loaded with options, and gear and hopefully you stay within the overall gross weight and within 25% being pin weight. The brochure pin weights are mostly hooey since they can't ever know how you pack the rig. It only shows some arbitrary number for a rig; it might not even match the brochure's pin weight. Only real life loading will tell you. Then the balancing game starts to ensure that both axles are even on the weight they carry and you don't put too much weight at the pin that is carried by the truck's rear axle.

[jlb27537]

My '14 3150RL has a listed pin weight of 2,410lbs. On the way south to Texas I weighed it for the second time. My pin was 3,180lbs.

The trailer as shipped 11,475 and when run across the scales was 14,500lbs. That amounts to the pin weight being 22% of the total weight. My GVWR is 14,900lbs.

If you are trying to figure the pin weight, take the trailer GVWR and multiply by .22-.25%. You will be close.

If you got a 250, you will be over your GVWR and rear GAWR.

[dieselguy]

I'm a recreational camper, so I don't carry most everything I own. My 2011 3150RL weighed in at #12720 with a pin weight of #2590 loaded for an average stay at the lake ... no water ... both propane tanks about 2/3 full.

Well actually there was water in the lake ... just didn't bring any extra with me.

[unit]

Great replies. That gives me an idea of what to expect and how to figure weights. Thanks!

[jlb27537]

quote:Originally posted by dieselguy

I'm a recreational camper, so I don't carry most everything I own. My 2011 3150RL weighed in at #12720 with a pin weight of #2590 loaded for an average stay at the lake ... no water ... both propane tanks about 2/3 full.

Well actually there was water in the lake ... just didn't bring any extra with me.

Hi Kansas, You have never met the wife. If there is a hole she will have something in it. She can probably go 2 weeks, wear something different every day and still have clean clothes. Kitchen stuff, I don't want to talk about it.

We only loaded up for 4 months in S Texas and yes, we are loaded for fulltimming. Ha

Jim

[Art-n-Marge]

Ah, the first thing to learn is that when referring to the trailer, just because there's storage for it, doesn't mean you can afford to carry it. ANYTHING you put into a trailer adds to the cargo weight, including paper plates, feather pillows and playing cards. My trailer has a GVWR of 14,040. The laden weight (full propane tanks, 15 gallons of fresh water and all the gear and tools we use) and the gross weight is 13,450 and the pin weight is 2570. Therefore I'm at 18.3% of my trailer rating. Notice the shipping weight DOES NOT APPLY.

The second thing to know is that more times than not a salesman likes to quote that bumper pulls are carry about 10% at the bumper (carried by the TV), and then they'll say a fifth wheel carries about 15% of their (gross) weight at the pin. But this only applies to horse trailers, cargo trailers and those smaller car haulers because most of their cargo weight rests on the trailer's wheels (and there isn't much over the pin. What they don't tell you is that for a residential fifth wheel, the pin weight can be from 18% to 25%. Any more than that and one will say you need to move some of the load to the rear of the trailer to maintain the 15% to 25% recommended pin weight.

jlb27537 is absolutely right. There is an excellent chance an F-250 cannot support the pin weight. Mine didn't and in 2006 Montanas were lighter and for my truck I upgraded the rear suspension and wheels, to gain compliance. And Ford 3/4 ton trucks have the best ratings of the three auto makers, but Ford trucks also have higher curb weights, too. Don't believe the brochures because they are light. IIRC, the truck's curb weight was documented at 7,600 lbs, but mine actually weighed 8,100 lbs and 8,400 lbs with cargo for towing (including DW and our little dog), then put the rig on the hitch and the rear weight went to over 10,000 lbs. Not all trucks can do this and still be compliant. I would not recommend that next time around. I've learned enough that my next truck will be a dually because of the hassles of ensuring weight ratings isn't worth the aggravation if you DON'T make it.

[dieselguy]

Jim ... no offense meant (if it was taken). I was just throwing out numbers from one that still punches the ole timeclock to show a lighter side of things.

[jlb27537]

quote:Originally posted by dieselguy

Jim ... no offense meant (if it was taken). I was just throwing out numbers from one that still punches the ole timeclock to show a lighter side of things.

Nope....I retired in '96 went fulltime in '00 and went part time in '09. Bought a house in '09 just to have a home base cause of health. Only home about 4 months a year, and just have a hard time leaving the fulltime lifestyle.

My point is these things get heavy, Going to the lake with 3 changes of clothes and a 12 pack is different than going south for the winter with a full kitchen, all her knitting, shoes, you know where I am going.....

You got to buy the right truck for the weight.

We are spending the summer in MO this year. Darn Dr. appts. This getting old is putting a kink in my getting old.

Jim