Hitch (pin) weight variations

[BB_TX]

Help me understand. Looking at hitch weights for models with standard RV refrigerator vs residential refrigerator, the differences in weights do not make sense to me. From the Keystone/Montana specs for hitch weights:

Hitch weights

3610RL - 2905 lbs
3611RL - 2660 lbs (245 less)

3660RL - 2645 lbs
3661RL - 2625 lbs (20 less)

3710FL - 2530 lbs
3711FL - 2790 lbs (260 more)

3720RL - 2810 lbs
3721RL - 2845 lbs (35 more)

3910FB - 2845 lbs
3911FB - 2790 lbs (55 less)

Shipping weights are fairly close between most 0 vs 1 model, except for the 3711FL being 255 lbs heavier than the 3710FL. Why would the 3711FL be so much heavier than the 3710FL?

I thought the only difference in the xxx0xx and the equivalent xxx1xx was the standard RV refrigerator vs the residential refrigerator. Why would the pin weights vary from 245 lbs less up to 260 lbs more for the residential refrigerator models??? Especially since the refrigerators are near the axles?

[DarMar]

I had only gone as far as looking at the 3610/11 recently and said to my self they made no sense at all and with your comparisons it would appear they may be pulling these specs out of thin air almost???

[Dam Worker]

I don't have the answer that you are probably looking for but I will say that the fridge is different along with probably an extra battery and an inverter with probably some extra heavy wire. Still probably does not add up to some of the listed weights.

Tom Marty

[DQDick]

Could one have gone back to hydraulic slides?

[TLightning]

Those weights don't mean anything anyway. use 20% of the GVWR, that will be more accurate.

[Dam Worker]

Actually I think the sticker on the side of the unit should have the correct weights including how much you can carry depending on options.

Tom Marty

[Art-n-Marge]

I say ignore all specs and the truth will be at the scales. I look at weight specs as gross estimates for your TV. Those weight swings tell me to get a dually and hope for the best.

I relied on the written specs and came out on the wrong end at the scales and boy was I angry at myself at listening to the sales dudes that convinced me not to worry about it. Fortunately, I was able to upgrade my 3/4 ton to a properly equipped 1 ton and solved my issue. These days, I would not feel comfortable buying a new Montana, without getting a brand new dually. My big dilemma would be what brand of truck.

[jcurtis934]

Yep to one ton, yep to weigh and verify, yep to makes no sense on the surface of just looking at rv fridge vs residential, yep to 20%, yep to scratching your head on this one. I can only say that the norcold 1200 model fridges weigh the same as the samsung 18cuft residential that would fit in my trailer. John

[Eagleback]

I would think its the same as the model number being the length call out. Thin air i say. I have a 331rlt so its only 33 ft. Yea right.

[TLightning]

quote:Originally posted by Eagleback

I would think its the same as the model number being the length call out. Thin air i say. I have a 331rlt so its only 33 ft. Yea right.

Yep, model number has nothing to do with actual length. Seems to me it would make more sense if Keystone would align model numbers with actual length...how hard could that be??

[Eagleback]

How did that ever get started?. The safe way to look at it is i would go with a 1 ton to haul the Montana and the issue wont ever come up unless its going with SRW or DRW. LOL

[cw3jason]

BB TX- I don't know why it is advertised so much more, but I can tell you the actual real world weight of my 3711FL loaded up with cargo from the Factory rally. The trailer weighed in at 14,075 with a pin weight of 2775 as documented by the RVSEF folks that performed the weighing.

[BB_TX]

That just confuses the issue even more. The 2015 specs list the 3711FL hitch weight as 2565# vs the new 3711FL hitch weight as 2790#. And yet the 3710FL hitch weight is listed the same in both places.

Sure makes you wonder how they came up with all those numbers.

[DarMar]

Yep, the more one looks at some of these posted specs and does comparisons the more out in left field some of the numbers appear to be.

[Dam Worker]

I know that the actual sticker on the side of my fifth-wheel is different from what is listed in the brochure. I figured that was because they took into account the options that I ordered my unit with, like a 5500 watt generator. The actual weight net weight that I can carry according to the sticker is definitely less than what was in the brochure. I guess I will have to put the unit back on the scales and double check but my guess is that the missing weight will probably be close to the weight of the generator and the generator prep.
I would say that if you get a unit and than add 4-6 batteries an inverter and solar panels your hitch weight will be quite different than what Keystone is advertising. Bottom line is the best they can do would be to actually weigh then at the factory and than make the weight sticker. It all changes by what you load and how you load your unit.


Tom Marty

[CWSWine]

I think at least some of the weight difference between the 2015 and 2016 37llFL is the the 2016 has huge piece of glass on the front for the forward facing windows and dual pane windows went from an option to mandatory on 3711. That is automotive glass but is quit a bit thicker than standard auto windshield glass and I'm sure would be heavier than standard cap.

Some of he difference in pin weights on the others could be refrigerator placement, on the 3711 is over the axles and some of the others it just forward of the axles.

[Buffalochip]

I recently bought a 2016 Montana 3910 fb. The delivered weight is 12866. With a pin weight of 2810. These are the numbers in their brochure.
I have a 2012 ram 3500 4x4. 3:73 gears. It appears it is rated to haul 2600# of cargo and pull 13600 by chryslers numbers. Do I need to trade it in on a dually? I forgot to mention it is srw. Thanks for your help.

[BB_TX]

Is 2600# what is listed on the drivers door column? I know Ford has Tire and Loading Information sticker with a statement something like Do not load in excess of ____ lbs. That 2600# seems low. My 2012 F350 SRW 4x4 diesel is rated for nearly 3100#. And many go up from there.

If 2600# is really your max loading you are definitely going to be over the rating. Starting with a pin weight of 2810 and add in all you will load into the trailer plus occupants of the truck, the hitch, and what ever you may put in the bed of the truck and you will be well over.

In my opinion you need more truck if 2600# is correct. Maybe, but not necessarily, a dually. Depending on the truck configuration, the cargo capacity of some F350/3500 SRWs go up to and over 4000#.

[JandC]

quote:Originally posted by Buffalochip

I recently bought a 2016 Montana 3910 fb. The delivered weight is 12866. With a pin weight of 2810. These are the numbers in their brochure.
I have a 2012 ram 3500 4x4. 3:73 gears. It appears it is rated to haul 2600# of cargo and pull 13600 by chryslers numbers. Do I need to trade it in on a dually? I forgot to mention it is srw. Thanks for your help.

The only sure way to know is to weigh it yourself. When you are loaded for travel/camping run it across the scales at some Pilot or other truck stop. Weigh your truck by itself and then weigh combination. The weight tickets they give you will break everything thing down (steer axle, drive axle,.....etc...).

There are formulas you can use to calculate everything you need with those numbers.

[Buffalochip]

I'll definitely check out your recommendations. I have some checking to do for sure. In the owners manual it states that the 3500 can tow 22500# and have a ccc of around 5k I think. But when you start subtracting for 3.73 gears, 4x4 and srw, they all subtract from that. I definately need to run it across some scales. Thanks for your help. Chip