Fifth-Wheel Pin Weight Calculator

Fifth wheels put far more weight on the truck than travel trailers: typically 15–25% of the loaded trailer weight sits on the hitch in the bed.

Why pin weight matters

Pin weight plus the fifth-wheel hitch itself (often 150–250 lb) is payload. A 12,000 lb fifth wheel at 20% puts about 2,400 lb on the truck before people and gear, which is why most fifth wheels call for a 3/4-ton or 1-ton truck.

Safety note: These are planning estimates, not a guarantee your setup is safe or legal. Always verify with your truck's door-jamb sticker, the manufacturer's towing guide for your exact configuration, the trailer's VIN sticker, and a real weigh at a CAT scale. Never exceed any rating.

Last reviewed October 2026 by Jim Frith.