5th Wheel Towing, How to Weigh and Why it's important, Step by Step 4K

[@JosephBrown83805]

Another excellent and throughly explained video! You are right up there with “Love Your RV” for great how-to videos and explanations.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Joseph, that’s a huge compliment. We have learned so much from Ray. Thanks, Alice

[@dodgeme1986truck]

@@DownsizingMakesCents very thorough but... you didn't mention tire speed ratings at given axle loads nor that some states have a lowered speed limit for trailers and RVs. Some states limit you to a max total percentage of your axle weight ratings to boot and if you are constantly close on any of those rating going into those states may land you in hot water... you may need to look at one model heavier rated truck/ or trailer axles if you are going into those states. And you didn't mention hitches in general bumper pull/fifth wheel and goose neck all have weight ratings as well that you need to stay under (ex. Pulling a 14000lb gross fifth wheel trailer on a 12000lb trailer gross fifth wheel plate is a no go but a 12000lb trailer on a 14000lb fifth wheel plate is acceptable)

[@rexp6296]

This was without a doubt the best video EXPLAINING the ins and outs on why you need to do your homework on selecting a truck that will pull the RV you want. THANK YOU!!!!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Rex, thank you so much. Larry tried to put in everything he looked for in his research. It’s hard to be thorough but also concise, Alice

[@ronhumphrey5490]

I've watched several videos that have covered this content. I have to say, the way you laid all this out has to be HANDS DOWN THE BEST explanation! I actually understood the science and reasoning this time. Thank you for taking the time to produce and share this video.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Ron, thank you so much for appreciating all the hard work Larry put into this. Really, he wanted to produce a video that would have all the info in one place- he couldn’t find that when he was researching. Alice

[@rickgriffith1]

Once again, Larry for the win! My wife and I have watched many a weight rating vehicle towing video and I can honestly say that you have come to the rescue with the clarity of this video. I can finally rest assured that this video is clear and concise and now our Go-To truck/trailer towing tutorial for us when the time comes for us to make our purchase. Thank you Larry and Alice for all that you do for your subscribers. Have a great day today!😎

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Rick, Larry said he made the video he was looking for years ago when we did our research. Thank you. Comments like this keep him working hard. If you know anyone that can benefit from one of our videos, please share it. It helps more than you may know. As always, if you have questions, contact us. Take care, Alice and Larry

[@mikebrooks6126]

Great comment, well explained as usual. Unfortunately most RVers ignore this critical topic.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Mike, exactly why we made this video. It is very important. and just great knowing for peace of mind!

[@sherriweber7105]

This was another great video. Thank you Larry and Alice. This is great information to know when you pull your fifth wheel so you can get it weighed in case you get pulled over for being over weight. I would stop and weigh just in case and to be safe. Hope you both have a great great weekend and see you in a few days.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Sherri, exactly. It’s just nice to know. We are having power issues where we moved to so our next video might be delayed, Alice

[@iglapsu88]

OMG 😃! Best video ever on safe towing for 5th wheels and bumper pull travel trailers! Thanks! Should be mandatory for any person towing an RV! Also don't trust the RV manufacturer tongue/hitch/pin weight! They almost always under weigh! Also, watch @BTBRV KZbin channel!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Exactly. Thanks. Yes. We have BTBRV credit in our video for their helpful info. And remember- sharing is caring 😅 Alice

[@bethprice9702]

This was very helpful thanks for posting. You saved me from making a mistake of buying an under powered vehicle!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Beth, we are so glad we bought a dually. Tows like a dream, Alice

[@johnbutcher1675]

You explained the weights between a truck and an RV very well. In your video you mentioned to let you know in the comments if you have forgotten anything. Most of these weight bounce videos such as yours never mentioned the weight that the driver is licensed for legally. Here in Nevada and I’m not sure about other states but a class C license (common drivers license) is only good for trailers less than 10,000 pounds. Anything more than that requires a different license such as a class A or class B. Nevada has came out with a recreational commercial license, allowing people to pull heavier trailers . So even if your trailer and truck is matched up weight wise, if your trailer is over 10,000 pounds and you’re not licensed for pulling trailers over 10,000 pounds your insurance may not cover an accident and you could get a ticket for driving without the proper license. It’s just food for thought , great video drive safe and have fun.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

John, thanks for adding this important information. About insurance, I would add some RV insurers require full timer insurance if you camp over a certain amount of days. Thanks again for adding valuable information and the great compliment 👍 Alice

[@SmallSpaceLiving]

Wow this is a ton of great information. So much math I felt like I was back in school. lol. I do really agree that this is very important. It could be a life saver. I also agree being overweight can cause maintenance issues as well. To your point on being overweight that can get you in legal trouble as well. My kids and mom got T-boned by an overweight truck cause he could not stop. Long story short he got in tons of crap. I also agree on the dual rear wheel. That just seems to be the way to go I think. I know you did tons of research for this. Anyone who owns any RV should be able to get value out of this. Nice share.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

William, thanks. You know Larry put in a lot of hours on this one. Sorry about the accident but thanks for that real life example. More people need to weigh and weigh properly. It could save money and lives, Alice

[@bwesley3459]

I came across your video by accident and it have too give you a big thumbs up! As a Professional Long Haul Driver of 45 yrs, I must say it is just as important for the common driver to understand basic weight and road rules that are mandated on us larger and oversized vehicles. Knowing "ALL" aspects of the vehicle you are operating makes you and everyone around you a safer way to go! Remember to check your Blinker fluid and use you Blinkers OFTEN!🚛🚛🚛👍

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thank you. What a compliment coming from a pro like you. We hate seeing other RVers driving carelessly. Makes us all look bad. And yes! Blinkers!!!! Drives me crazy. Plus, other drivers need to know we can’t stop like they can. Stop cutting us off, right? Thank you for what you do. It’s a tough job and we need you guys to keep things running 🙏 Alice

[@taztaztaz]

thx.. and best to use your trailer plate # at Cat scale .. officers wont necessarily accept a weight receipt with some generic # ..

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Very true for commercial trucks. But perhaps we should too. Great tip. Thanks.

[@itairikovitch]

I have been browsing dozens of videos to understand the weights and math behind it, this is hand down the best video out there

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Itai, Thank you so much. Larry did a lot of research because he felt this is an important subject. Glad we could help. And thanks again for such a positive comment, Alice

[@ibMoose2u]

Since buying my new Outdoors RV end of 2018, I’ve been learning through BTBRV, KYD and others about all of this. This was the best overall video on the topic that I’ve seen by far! I’ll be posting the link of it to the Outdoors RV Facebook group many many times. Every other day there’s someone starting a new page ‘what truck for this trailer’... they can’t even search within the group lmao.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Mark, thank you so much. What a great compliment. Larry did this video because he couldn’t find all the info in one place. And thank you for sharing- it means so much. I wish more viewers who write how much a video helped them would share it. Thanks again and happy trails, Alice and Larry

[@henrycagle7827]

👍 I think this is the most informative and helpful information on you tube period. Always wondered but never asked.👍

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Henry. Wow. That’s quite the compliment. This will make Larry blush. Thank you, Alice

[@NationalRVTrainingAcademy]

Great info for all 5ers. Concise and good cuts to b-roll. I know this topic is one that is often challenged by others who tow incorrectly but you are dead on the money.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thank you for the compliments on the video, that means a lot coming from you. It is a complex subject and I wanted to make sure I had accurate information told in a way that was easy to understand. I still have to do one on picking the right truck, i have been dragging my feet because there is a bunch of stuff to cover. Thanks again for the encouragement. Larry

[@geraldsheldon521]

Lots of information in your video. I drive a commercial semi truck for work. One thing that even a lot of professional drivers don't understand is, you can be well under your GCVWR, but be overweight on an axle or vehicle rating. My company has a LCV permit allowing us two 48' semi trailers hooked together with a 110,000 GCVW limit. The permit also states that all axle limits still apply! Now that is on a commercial vehicle, but it still applies to all vehicles, especially when towing a trailer. Good information! Thanks.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Hey Gerald, it is great to hear a professional point of view. I am a total amateur but wanted to be as safe on the road as the pros like yourself. It took some research but now I feel much safer on the road, unfortunately there are a lot of people towing unsafely out there. I focused on the axle weights in the video instead of getting into pin weights. If your axles are within limits, your pin weight should be OK. Thanks for your input. Larry

[@TheRoadsWeRoam]

Your videos keep getting better and better - this one was the best and most informative one one we have seen on the topic!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thank you guys. Larry tries to get better every time. We are glad it shows, Alice

[@joewhite4038]

Great video. It explained the numbers better than any other source I have seen. You also made going to a cat scale less intimidating. Thank you.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Joe, this is exactly why Larry made the video. He did so much research before we bought our set up and after. We hope more people feel as comfortable with this process now? Alice

[@winginitwithjohn8451]

Great video Larry. I did all the details when I purchased my truck and 5th wheel. Dealers were oblivious to these facts, they just want to deal made. One thing I learned is the manufacturer web sites are not accurate. Every truck has a different payload rating, even when within the same trim package. As you said, buyers, do your own research, never take what a sales person says as factual. Many learn this the hard way, or expensive way, and want to blame the dealer(s).

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

I learned so much researching for this video, like you said, you need to look up your own numbers and do the math to make sure you are towing safe. RV salesman are notorious for giving out wrong information, most of them dont even own an RV. Why do the manufacturers make is so hard to get the truck ratings? Thanks for pointing this out. Larry

[@chucknSC]

Congratulations, this is the best RV weigh video I've ever seen.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Chuck, thank you so much. It means a lot to have your hard work appreciated

[@billmartin4602]

Best advice “don’t listen to the RV salesman “

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Bill, right? Who would?

[@SLICKW1993]

You can pull it ;) ;)

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

@@SLICKW1993 😂

[@bennewfield3038]

Unless it's at Haylett RV sales in Michigan. I have been watching countless videos of Josh the RV nerd. Josh and his team at Haylett appear to be highly knowledgeable on travel trailers. If you haven't seen his videos you must. Josh explains in great detail how functional each camper is. How well built they are. What some flaws may be. Josh also makes you think on it your purchase by asking questions of what your needs are. Are you doing long haul or short commute's. Things like that. Or they may ask something like this, "if you have kids who are almost teenagers then you mat not want a bunk house or beds in the corner unit. You might be fine getting them sleeping where the dinite is or the lounge. Because if there teenagers they may not want to go camping that often. Not to mention they may not fit in those bunks given there height this way you don't have a camper way bigger then what you need." Food for thought type of thing. The thing I must say that I like most of all with Haylett is there commitment to safely aspects. Josh will tell you thing like this travel trailer is half ton towable. This travel trailer is not half ton towable. Josh even says it's not recommended for a half ton to pull a travel trailer simply because the payload in the bed of a half ton isn't there to support the weight of the hitch. Fifth wheels can put a lot of weight right on that rear axle andhalf tons can't support it most often. Plus they make sure people who buying there camper and those on the road as wellare safe. Another words if you can't safely pull it I doubt they will sell it. That's just my little opinion. I do agree that some dealers are just trying to up sale. So like a new vehicle it's a buyer be educated world. Otherwise bring the soap and luffa and be prepared to take a bath lol.

[@mattsmith3305]

Very good information. You know your subject very well. I wish everyone who tows a big fifth wheel with a single rear wheel truck watches your video. I've weighed my truck and fifth wheel several times, and I'm glad I have the dually.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Matt, yes! We agree. I’ve seen rigs bigger than ours pulled by a SRW. We are so glad we have a dually.

[@Jennanyree]

The best video yet on Gross Vehicle Weights and how to use weigh scales 👍

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Jenna, thank you. It feels great to see people appreciate all the hard work

[@Jennanyree]

@@DownsizingMakesCents you definitely help more people than you know by sharing your experience!

[@kims782]

We've always wanted to weigh our truck and fifth wheel, but were intimidated because we didn't know the process at the scale. Thank you for such detailed instructions! We have a 2021 Ram 3500 drw arriving at the dealership any day now, and one of our first projects after we get it loaded will be to get it and the fifth wheel weighed. Safe travels!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Kim, before we started our process of going full time in an RV, Larry did a lot of research. But he couldn’t find all the info in one place? That’s why he wanted to make this video. I admit, it’s a bit scary to drive with the truckers the first time, but you get used to it. We fill up at the trucker pumps a lot now. Let us know how it goes. And if you have any questions, definitely ask. And it really helps when our video is shared with others who can benefit from this info. Thanks again and good luck, Alice

[@vtmkb]

Excellent information on 5th wheel towing. I’ve watched quite a few videos on this subject and yours is by far the best produced and easiest to understand. Thank You. I Noticed when you were weighing your truck you did not have anything in the bed. You should move some of the heavier items in your trailer basement to the bed of the truck on travel days then you won’t be over weight on the trailer.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

The bed of the truck has a lot of my tool and heavy supplies, in it also the generator. The roll n lock covers the front part of. The bed while i am towing to keep that stuff dry. Larry

[@signsoflife6357]

Well done! My wife and I are hitting the road full time in October and this video has helped clarify all the “GVW” questions. Thank you! We enjoy your videos!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Steve, congratulations! That’s exciting. We are glad we can help other RVers. That’s our main goal.

[@SevenBears1]

Not as glamorous as waterfalls and crystal clear springs but important information delivered in a professional manner. Thanks DMC..

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thank you. Larry put in all the information he searched for before we bought our RV and truck and then our first weigh. Too many people have never weighed- even full timers?

[@SevenBears1]

@@DownsizingMakesCents took me two years to determine what I wanted. I picked out the fifth wheel then found the truck. Truck rated at 16,800 towing capacity trailer weight is 10,200 dry. After this video I'm inspired to weigh just so I know my actual numbers.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Definitely let us know how it goes

[@betoborba3329]

Really good video! I have been explaining this to some of my friends that have 2500 and 1500 Trucks that are pulling big 5th toy hauler with there toys inside but they just look at me and say “my truck pulls it no problem so I don’t get what’s your problem! “ ! At this point I just mind my own thing!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Send them a link to our video 🤣 but it probably won’t do any good. Some comments were actually held by KZbin 😳 Alice

[@catfishnet]

Good info 👍. I've been doing it 12 years and never weighed on the scale not once. RVs are not required to weigh at state lines unless maybe California and I don't go to California.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Homer, thank you. We know it isn’t required, but it gives us peace of mind. It will also extend the life of the truck and RV, Alice

[@ducdao783]

One of the better videos I've seen explaining all the weight acronyms and what they mean. Would love to have pin weight calculation included.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Pin weight is an important component of the GAWR rear Wheels of the truck. I skipped pin weight and focused on GAWR to keep it simple. I am planning a follow up video on choosing a truck for your fifth wheel where I will cover pin weight and how it affects your fifth wheel and truck choice. Thanks for your comment, it helps me figure out what to include in videos like this. Larry

[@JonnyDIY]

Great video, thanks for putting this one together. Cant imagine how many days it took to make 💕🤙🏼

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Jonny, you don’t want to know how many hours went into this 😅. Thanks for noticing

[@SchwartzShots]

One of the best informative video on this topic I have ever seen. AMAZING JOB!!!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thank you. We looked for this info when researching and couldn’t find it all. So Larry wanted it all in one video to help others

[@Jerrodplanck]

Thank you for creating this video. I've been driving pickup trucks and pulling trailers most of my life. I am new to the camper world and want to make sure I am doing everything safely. The last thing I want is to get into an accident towing this sail.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Jerrod, we appreciate you watching. Every RV that is towed more safely is better for everyone on the road. We recently saw a 5 slide monster fifth wheel towed by a single wheel- yikes Alice

[@deant876]

When I was looking for a 5th wheel, I was looking at the vehicle tags while the wife was looking at the interior. If they have an axle up grade then do it (7k to 8k). It's easy to go go over and not know it

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

I agree, if I had to do it again knowing what I know now, i would definitely buy a fifth wheel with upgraded axles. We are thinking of doing an aftermarket upgrade like the Mor Ryde system. Larry

[@Jason1Pa]

As others have said this is the best video explaining all this. It's scary just how many people are actually over weight in some way and don't realize it. They have the attitude "I've never had a problem" so I'm fine. I'd go out on a limb and say more then half of trucks hauling trailers on the road are actually over loaded.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Exactly. and thank you. What scares me are those that say its not required by law so why do it?

[@johnkolodzie9888]

It is required by law just not in forced if a cop stops a truck and finds its over wieght you can get a ticket its just rare of it happening, in most states

[@Jason1Pa]

@@johnkolodzie9888 It's true that the average cop doesn't know about all this and are rarely bother you unless it is something really noticeable. However Code enforcement is another story. In my state of Pennsylvania they are cracking down hard. They set up check points a will make you pull over. Doesn't matter if it's a pickup or a semi. A ticket would be the least of my worries. They can force you not to drive your vehicle until you make it legal. If your out of state and far from home it would be a rough experience.

[@125AXer]

GREAT information, well presented. I drive light commercial, with two trucks and three trailers to choose from for jobs. Watching the weights and distribution of loads is part of what has to be done. Makes the driving easier!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Exactly. Great to hear from a pro. We were surprised how many people don’t know their weights. We drive with more confidence and less stress.

[@rlabord1]

Loved the mathematical breakdown of how to figure out your weight ratings. As to whether your insurance company can deny a claim if overweight that depends on the specific policy wording. There are different policies for the truck and RV and each have specific language as to what they cover and what is excluded. You can and should get a copy of each policy, read it and call them if you have questions. It is unlikely that your claim will be denied for being over weight. Liability coverage is the coverage that protects you if you damage someone else’s property or person because you were negligent. As to you rv, read the policy and see if weight is a listed exclusion. The main objective is to not ever have a claim and to be within your weight ratings for your safety and others. 🙂

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

We agree. The insurance problem is unlikely, but we did see it on an insurance website so we included it. You are right- “an ounce of prevention” Alice

[@PintDrinker60]

This is the best video I’ve ever seen about 5’er weights. Very well done. Thanks for posting this.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thank you for the great feedback. Larry wanted all his research to be now in one video, Alice

[@georgewheeler3731]

Thanks Larry for showing how to use the CAT scales, and costs involved, loved the breakdown of how to use the numbers that you get weighing, and I start using the scales now. before I used Better Weigh that plugs in the OBD port to get my weight of truck or truck & Trailer. it lets me know about how much I weigh, to keep from being overloaded, but not as accurate as the scales would be. Safe Travels...

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Hey George, I am not familiar with that way to weigh. I have a blue driver ODB device but not familiar with Better weigh, i will check it out, thanks. But yes nothing replaces getting on the scales once in a while to make sure you are in limits. Larry

[@robwestley7370]

Sandra Westley from the UK you are so right this is extremely important, and though I have watched hundreds of KZbin videos not many even mention this.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Rob, I know. I’m so surprised more don’t talk about it. Someone actually wrote “ignorance is bliss”? 😳 Alice

[@LyfeUntethered]

Really well done video with stuff I wish I knew a year ago!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thanks. Larry wanted there to be a one stop video like what he was looking forward before we went full time traveling, Alice

[@robertmartin4821]

Excellent presentation Larry. When a person first starts out all the numbers and how they work is like understanding Greek when you don't know the language. It is very important to make sure you get a good fit with the tow vehicle and trailer and stay within the manufacturer's ratings and the law. You didn't talk specifically about pin weight on the truck to make sure the back axle and the tires of the truck are not over loaded. Although it is not likely an issue with a dual wheel truck unless the trailer is very heavy. It would be easy to calculate your pin weight with the numbers you show. Many single wheel trucks that I see pulling large trailers have to be over loaded and it drives some guys mad!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Hey Robert, I was trying to keep it short and simple, but wasn’t able to keep it short haha. I didn’t cover pin weight, but instead focused on the GAWR for the truck. If the GAWR is within range then you are good. Pin weight is one of the components that contributes to the overall weight on GAWR rear wheels and is a very important consideration when choosing the proper truck as you mentioned. I am considering doing a follow up video that will focus on choosing a truck and the important considerations and numbers. Thanks so much for your intuitive comment, it really helps me decide what to do in these type of videos. Larry

[@campingalan]

Hello Larry and Alice. Holy smokes.....this is really a ton of great info! Thank you VERY much for sharing this. 2 things......it is definitely a video to watch 2 or 3 times; my head was a bit glazy trying to keep up with the acronyms. And the other thing is this video shows that back when I had a 3/4ton 454 powered suburban and a 34ft bunk house travel trailer, I'd guess that I was incorrect by hooking up the trailer, picking a chain link on the weight distribution hitch that would keep the rear of the suburban from sagging as much, and hitting the road?? hehehehe Well, I guess I hear to tell about it, so I can hehehehe. But that was not the way to go about it, for sure. Your video just now, as well as the folks over at Irene Iron Travels, were motivation for me to start off on a better foot with our soon to arrive travel trailer. I had a work trip today, so I took my truck to the weigh station to get a base line "empty" weight. I looked at the stickers on the truck. I have a 11900 lb gvwr for the truck. And a 5990 front axle and 7230 rear axle rating. The yellow sticker had 4288lbs as the cargo capacity. With just me in the truck, and maybe 7/8ths full fuel tank, my truck weighed 7660lbs today. And, 4440 on the front axle and 3220 on the rear axle. That leaves 4240 lbs overall to load up, and/or 1550lbs for the front axle and 4010lbs for the rear axle. Our truck is an F350 crew cab, long bed single rear wheel gasser with 4.30 gearing. I also opted for a lesser trim to keep the load carrying capability up. We'll pick up our travel trailer the week after Thanksgiving. I can see that I'll need to keep an eye on the front axle when the weight distribution hitch is attached at its requisite level of force. Our travel trailer has a generous cargo carrying capacity. It is like 3800lbs on the brochure. I'm sure that will translate to only 3000lbs as the brochures are always wrong. But, that should help us from not having to count every pound on the trailer. I plan to stop by the scale on our trip back home after purchasing the rig. That will serve as a good benchmark of a mostly empty trailer weight. The solar system will be installed in January. After that, I plan to get another weight in so as to get a truck cargo carrying capacity. With that same 3/4 ton suburban we used to have, I have had a few crazy trailer swaying experiences; hence, getting a truck now big enough to do what we want, and still have a buffer. Safe travels!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Hey Alan, thanks for sharing your story. we just came back from a 6 month travel trip to canada and back to Florida. We weighed again when we arrived to Fl to see how much crap we picked up on our trip. We are so close to our rv GVWR, i like to keep an eye on it, plus I just like going to the Cat scale, its only $12 for the initial weigh and $3 for the reweigh of the truck alone. It sounds like you have really thought about planning out the capacity of your truck and that will pay off in the confidence that you are towing safely. I wish everyone did this exercise, i think they are going with “ignorance is Bliss” mindset. The campground we are in right now has two giant 40+ foot fifth wheels being towed by SRW short bed trucks. Thanks again for your story, it was very interesting. Larry

[@erikagruenewald7785]

Thank you for sharing clear step by step explanations! I wish I had this video when I use to travel with my RV yrs ago. Love the tips, demonstrations and your suggestions. I enjoy and watch many of your videos.... I hope one day to hit the road again.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Erika, exactly. That’s why Larry made the video. He did so much research. He hoped it would help others if it was put all in one video, Alice

[@BecomingOffgrid]

I made the SRW mistake, but thankfully the used car market was in really great shape. Just get a dually and never look back. I was legally under the limit on the pin, but it was by 50ish lbs.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Yes, if you are close get the DRW. I love my dually, at first it was a little more cumbersome to get around and park but i got used to it quickly.. Larry

[@BecomingOffgrid]

@@DownsizingMakesCents I agree, it only takes a thousand or so miles and you don't even notice it's a dually most of the time. This is one of the best videos I have seen on this topic.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

@@BecomingOffgrid Thank you so much. I did a lot of research.

[@theCrankyYankee]

Shame the B&W website is so outdated. It only goes up to 2020. Still, this video is hands down the BEST video out there on this topic. Great job!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

@@theCrankyYankee information like this should be updated. And thank you for the compliment Many people feel “ignorance is bliss” and don’t weigh. We prefer to know and be prepared Alice

[@saltysteveandmisfitmichele]

Thanks for all the great detailed information. We still need to get our rig weighed, but will next time we go out.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Stephen, let us know when you do. And feel free to ask any questions

[@milovigil967]

Great video, a video that finally explains it all correctly, Thank you! If I may point out one issue!?! In your calculations you transpose the number from 7,450 lbs to 7,540 lbs on your drive axle which kinda skews the numbers a bit as there is a difference of 110lbs.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thanks I didn’t notice that, I will have to watch and see. So many numbers, I get confused easy, haha. Larry

[@kennethgoss8962]

Excellent video and info. We’ve owned a camper for almost 5 years and just went to a Cat Scale 3 days ago for the first time. It was easy and quick and I found out we are 220 lbs too heavy in the pickup truck. I honestly figured we were more over than that. We’ll pack smarter in the future and get to a Cat scale more often. Thanks for the info.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Kenneth, doesn’t it feel good to know for sure? We are constantly shifting things around. And thanks for the positive feedback, Alice

[@kennethgoss8962]

@@DownsizingMakesCents there really is a sense of relief by taking the guessing out of it.

[@elisimracing]

Great thorough explanation. Sadly a lot of people don’t care about towing safety and drive around grossly overweight. I’ve been called “tow police” plenty times.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Elisamuel, thank you. Yes. There are many people that don’t weigh or don’t weigh properly. I had someone actually write “ignorance is bliss” on a Facebook group?

[@danphilippe9286]

Great info. Thank you. We're a year away from hitting the road full time and this video made my top Todo list.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Dan, thanks. That’s awesome about going full time. We did tons of research. This video helps a a way to compile a lot in one video. Good luck, Alice

[@timhammond691]

Good video. A couple of things come to mind about 5th wheel weight ratings. You mentioned that the GVWR for the trailer was 15,000 and only had two 7,000 axles. This exceeds the axle capacity by 500 lbs each if evenly distributed! The GVWR for the trailer must include the amount carried by the tow vehicle as well as the axles, and you are under that limit, not over by 80 lbs. Something I have found out through a friend of mine having this problem is making sure the axle weight is correct for the axles and tires independently of each other, i.e. front trailer axle and rear trailer axle. If the pin height is too high or too low causing the trailer to sit unlevel, it will easily overload the axle and tires causing problems. He kept having tire problems and had to replace one axle on the trailer. With 12,000 + lbs on the axles a little unlevel can go a long way, and then hit a pothole or bridge unevenness and it get magnified. Just my two bits, hope it helps.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Hey Tim, thanks for your input. The GVWR for our fifth wheel includes the weight carried by the truck. We put as much weight up front of the fifth wheel to take the weight off the trailer axles, since we have excess capacity on our trucks GAWR rear wheels. There is so much to cover on this subject i will have to do that in a follow up video. Larry

[@robertmartin4821]

Excellent video on a topic that's not easy to understand when getting first into towing, Many overweight tow trucks pulling big fifth wheel trailers on the highways. It's obvious RV sales personnel are only focussed on sales and not taking any responsibility for educating buyers. It is the buyer's responsibility but one of the big mistakes made is buying a truck and then a trailer. A 3/4 or 1 ton truck and a 40 ft. trailer when a dual wheel truck is required. Being overweight works until it doesn't!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

You are so right. Many people actually wrote they would rather not know? Larry did a lot of research and realized there wasn’t a video like this out there. He knew it was important info. Thanks for watching and commenting 🤗

[@mrsmac5196]

Great discussion, easy to understand, excellent explanation of those critical acronyms. I saved this one to refer back to. Thanks so much!!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Awesome. We are glad it wasn’t too tedious. We really wanted all the needed info all in one spot.

[@RAM-on8xb]

Great video, you can go to the Ram website and get your trucks actual weight by using your VIN. The pdf listing could be off. Ram makes it easy to get your truck weight numbers.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

I should have mentioned the vin lookup tool in the video, thanks for pointing that out. The problem with the vin lookup with ram is that it did not give all of the numbers that you can get in the pdf document. It only gives max payload and max towing, the hard one to get is truck GCVWR. Larry

[@RAM-on8xb]

@@DownsizingMakesCents I am not sure if this applies to every state, but in PA the GCVWR is listed on the vehicle registration.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Interesting. Florida doesn’t do that. If you get pulled over in PA, they could get you to a weigh station and match your numbers. Someone else in the comments said they got find, Alice

[@Shawn_Richards]

Excellent video! One thing I didn't see mentioned though was once your combination weight exceeds 26,001 lbs you will need a class a CDL to be legal.

[@BadBadgerTrollAccount172]

Not if it's personal use... Those are commercial guidelines.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Shawn, it depends on your state where your address is. In Florida, it is not required.

[@2009mechanic]

A really great video. Well done. Clear , informative. You had just about enough total GVCW extra to pull a double like a second small trailer or a small car behind the 5th wheel. Then you also have to know what your total combined LENGTH is and also what that maximum is in each state you go through. They are not all the same. The other thing is that if your 5th wheel is a camper/toy hauler with the garage in the rear , you will find that these rigs tend to be on the heavier side on that king pin weight since the manufacturer is anticipating the extra ballast weight of vehicles in the rear garage area be more of a counterweight to the pin weight up front. It is also nice because you can move your stuff around in the back of the 5th wheel to change the king pin weight and rear axle weights on the tow vehicle to be where you want them. As a rule , I try not to take any more "STUFF " with me than I really need and I am fine. I always run my truck on the scale first with full tank and then a reweigh with everything just before I start my trip and roll down the freeway and get a printout so I know exactly where all the weights are.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

That is a great point about total rig length, i will have to include that in my follow up video. I cringe sometimes when is see those huge tow hauler fifth wheels, being pulled by a SRW 3/4 or half ton pickups. I also like to weigh with a full tank of diesel, I keep my scale info on my phone just in case i need to prove i am within my weight limits to authorities. Larry

[@2009mechanic]

Mine is a 29' 5th wheel toy hauler. I bought my GM 2018 1/2 ton truck FIRST , found out what all the weight limits were and THEN found the camper that fit within those limits. It is not rocket science. I have been all over North America in 5 years with it including Canada. Pulls great , stops on a dime. I even got caught in a very severe thunderstorm in open country Kansas. I was so glad I took the time to set my rig up properly. It pulled fine albeit I pulled it much slower in those high winds.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

@@2009mechanic We may downsize to a 29’ in about a year. Right now we are the tallest and widest legally allowed and my wife would like it smaller. Less stress maneuvering and more sites available. We went to Ontario last summer and are headed to Nova Scotia this summer.

[@2009mechanic]

Mine also has the 30 amp service and 1 AC unit. I have run into the issue once that all was available was a 20 amp plug in. It worked fine but had to be carefull as to how much stuff I was running at a given moment.

[@kennethcutter2107]

Thank you for making it easy to understand. Just getting started ( we already have both truck and trailer) it will make it easier for me to make sure we are safe.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Kenneth, glad we could help. Feel free to ask any questions. And good luck

[@christineormsbee504]

If you pull in correctly, they can weigh the truck, and trailer separately while still attached

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

But the there is weight on the truck while it is hitched. How do you account for that if you don’t weigh separately?

[@christineormsbee504]

As long as you are within perimeters of weight, weighing separate doesn't matter, the goal for everyone should be to stay within guidelines of truck and also on trailer..I was by no means saying you were wrong, just an easier way..having the weight on won't change what the truck is allowed, and you will still have an accurate weight, should also be able to deduce how much of the trailer you are carrying

[@treecatt]

One thing that appears to be missing is comparing your actual payload against the rated payload (combined weight of occupants and cargo spec on sticker on driver's side door jam). You can be within axle load specs while exceeding the payload spec.

[@treetopflyersofva2]

Great job of weight explanations and using the Cat scales. Very impressed

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

John, we appreciate that greatly.

[@cynstressful]

This was incredibly useful!! Thank you so much! I just found you and subscribed to your channel!! Dear God, I'm so grateful for KZbin!!! I'd never be able to do this without it!! 🙏

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Glad you found us and we could help. Unfortunately, this is bad timing. Larry has been ill and has a working diagnosis of MOG - a rare Neuro disease. So we are way behind in making videos and aren’t sure when Larry will be able to make these type of detailed videos he is known for. For now, there are plenty of his older videos to keep you busy and informed for now 😉

[@cynstressful]

I'm so sorry to read this!! I've never heard of MOG and just looked it up. It sounds like it can be pretty debilitating! How scary for you both!! I'll be praying for you that recovery is thorough and swift. I sure wish there was some way for me to help ❤

[@cynstressful]

@Downsizing Makes Cents by the way, I just went to the CAT scale and it was crazy easy, thanks to your help. I took advantage of finding one near the campsite so I could leave the trailer and get a truck weight.

[@lolasaxby1399]

It’s easy to see your background come out in this video! Nice job. I bet you’re missed in the OR!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Lola, he is missed. But he still gets phone calls all the time. He should get consultation fees 😂

[@fb510m]

Excellently presented!! Love your smart choices! Enjoy your travels and peace!!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thanks.

[@marymenant9661]

Amazing video. Than for you sharing with all of us. Yes I agree with dealer trying to say a single wheel is just as good and a double wheel (dually). I wish great blessing upon you and your family and safe/happy travels.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

We were inbetween SRW and DRW, but I am glad We went with the dually for the extra capacity and safety. Thanks for the compliments, Larry

[@leonelcolon5217]

Great content. Can't explain any better. Good gob!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thank you. Larry looked for this type of thorough video when doing his research, but couldn’t find it with all this info. Now others can find it all in one place, Alice

[@doughasson2073]

Saw a lot of your comments on TT group pages. Great video and thanks Larry and Alice.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Doug, for the first time, we are getting people from outside of KZbin. We really appreciate people sharing our video 🤗 Alice

[@bethb5076]

Thank you for this video! There was so much great information and it was explained thoroughly. We are just starting the research process for a future purchase. This info is invaluable for us in the beginning stages!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Beth, we did so much research before we went full time. It really does help. So Larry tries to put out videos that we would have liked when we first started out, Thank you, Alice

[@alanphillips1344]

Thanks for this video. It really opened my eyes to all these need to know numbers.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Alan, we just want people to have as much info as possible.

[@Tony-um2el]

Very good information. Thanks Larry

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Tony, glad we could help

[@svroundabout]

Awesome explanation and example. Thank you. I guess you could move 80# of gear from the trailer to the truck to make your numbers work if you were worried about it.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thank you. Since we travel full time, we often move things around

[@amyheflin143]

We have a travel trailer, but weight is still really important. Thank you Larry for the info.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

So many people don’t weigh. It’s easy and inexpensive

[@BarbMMH]

Excellent video. Thanks for including using the cat scales and the app too.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Your welcome. More people should know their weights

[@i.parkinson7822]

Best breakdown ive seen yet.... I didn’t realize until way after the fact that the 2015 single axle ram 2500 we purchased for 5th wheeling was nowhere near the weight capacities we needed to tow a 5th wheel. 100% my fault for not researching- I just assumed HD trucks could easily pull any 5th wheel.... WRONG... lol... life lesson learned the hard way. On a side note- I called the highway patrol, and several other agencies when I was trying to figure out weight requirements and safety and they either didn’t know, or as the Highway Patrol Office said, “just use the axles weights and you should be fine!”.... smh... wrong.... Again- thanks for the great video. I could had used this 7 yrs ago... lol

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Sorry you had to learn the hard way but a least you did figure it out. Many people are towing unsafely and dont even know it. I never though of calling the highway patrol when researching for this video, that’s a great idea, i will do that for my follow up video. Larry.

[@i.parkinson7822]

@@DownsizingMakesCents - Hopefully your highway patrol provides you the safe and correct answer. If I would had listened to what the department (or the officer that returned my call) told me I would had bought a trailer that would have been 2000lbs over what I could safely tow. Oh well, we live and learn.... great video!

[@larryhuff9532]

The officer told you correctly. In most states it's just based off of axles and tires ratings only. So as long as you didn't go over the axle or tire ratings you should have been fine. Because you can get the same engine, transmission and rear gear ratios in SRW like a Dually truck. Unless you purchased a underpowered truck or the fifth wheel that was extremely heavy going over axles and tires. Then that's the only thing you could do is go to a dually.

[@i.parkinson7822]

@@larryhuff9532 - while what you are saying may scientifically be correct it is in direct conflict with what the manufacturer states on the rating stickers. So even though my axles are rated at F: 5500lbs / R: 6500lbs I still could not exceed the posted GVWR of 10000lbs according to the manufacturer. The trooper told me that the axle ratings (totaling 11,500lbs) were the weight capacities I should use. That answered shocked me because why wouldn’t the manufacturer use the axles weight totals if they are higher than the GVWR to give it a better GVWR - but no one could give me a good answer on that. The only thing I could figure is that maybe my truck COULD pull higher weights based off of the axle weight ratings BUT it didn’t have the BRAKING power to stop it. That is just me theorizing, so I could be wrong but I’m not going to gamble my wife and kids lives on it. Where this became a real heart breaker is when we were at RV dealerships looking at fifth wheels and learning how tongue weights factor into my weight totals. The craziest thing is that every single dealership, and I mean 100% of them, saw my truck and said, “you can pull everything on this lot with that HD truck!”. Anyways, see the example below. I have also listed my vehicles ratings for this example. 2015 RAM 2500 Engine: 6.4L V8 HEMI Transmission: A6 66RFE Gear Ratio: 3.73 GVWR: 10,000 Payload: 3,280 Baseline Weights (not a full tank): Total: 6,718 Front: 3,876 Rear: 2,843 GAWR Front: 5,500 GAWR Rear: 6,000 GCWR: 19,800 Max Trailer Towing: 12,610 Example: I went and weighed my truck with the whole family (myself, wife, two boys) in it, full tank of gas, and a truck bed toolbox with tools and weights in it to simulate additional weight we would have in the truck on a long road trip. That weight came out to around 8200lbs, if my memory serves me right (3-4 years ago). 10000 - 8200 = 1800lbs...... The only fifth wheels with a hitch weight around 1800lbs were small ultra light trailers. What a waste! But if I could use the axles ratings, like the trooper suggested, that would give me another 1500lbs to bump my total to 3300lbs of tongue weight I could add.... which opened us up to mid size fifth wheels. All my research has found that we should the 25%, not 10%, of the total trailer weight for an approximate tongue weight. We never had an issue of staying under the GCWR, but we always busted the 10K GVWR. In the end, I determined that even if the trooper was correct that if I got in an accident and killed someone or even worse my family that the courts would go off the manufacturer ratings and not the axles...... Again - I hypothesized that the manufacturer was also accounting for what braking system I have on my truck. It’s just disheartening I didn’t research this more in depth before I bought my truck. I made an assumption that all HD trucks could easily pull the majority of fifth wheels and I was wrong. What’s worse is I wasted even more money on a hitch and airbag system.... lol... we live and learn.

[@larryhuff9532]

@@i.parkinson7822 Sounds like you made the right decision. I think different states made different laws about GVWR because they know the manufacture plays with the numbers. What I mean by that is if you go up to the Ford dealership you could look at two F350s that are exactly the same truck every single options is the same but one of them has a d-rated GVWR so in the door the payload capacity will be less on the d-rated truck. But how can that be when they're the exact same truck. You can also d-rated cargo trailers, dump trailers and utility trailers. People forget how important the tire ratings are. If you have a HD truck and you go out and buy some cheap tires that have a low rating you just change your payload capacity by putting those tires on there. Here it's all about tires and axles ratings.

[@billmea5593]

Excellent video and very good research. You covered everything any RV’r should know about weights. Thank you.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Bill, thank you. We tried to have all the info in one video that we researched before we went full time traveling.

[@TheEmmauswalk]

Thanks!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

No, thank you

[@jasonj6568]

Maybe it’s Ford or being newer with the 10 speed but the SRW should be fine for that trailer with the tow package and 3.55 gears. You have a 30k gcvwr/ 12400gvwr/ 20k tow/4580 payload/5600 steer axle and 7230 drive axle 🤷🏻‍♂️. Usually payload is the first number to run out and the drive axle IMO. Great video and one of the best illustrations out there. It pains me when I see the family of 7 going down the road in a suburban with a 30’ bumper pull bunkhouse and look only at the tow rating and listen to the person who sold them their trailer telling them it’s good to go. KZbin needs to show this video more in their algorithm

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

You are so right Jason, I see it all the time, travel trailers and fifth wheels that are obviously over their capacity because the only number they looked at was tow capacity. One of the reasons we made this video now is because we were in a huge traffic jam, when we got to the accident scene, it was a rolled over Travel trailer that was completely demolished, judging from the debris all over the road, a family was traveilng when it rolled over. We didn’t include the story in this video because we were pretty sure people died in the accident, we felt so bad. Larry

[@georgepurdyiii307]

Best thing any RVer can do. And I mean Class A and C or a toad. BUT something most of us forget to do when sitting on that scale. Go buy 4 leveling scales that stick on. Scales are the most level surface you'll find. Try to do this early or when there aren't trucks waiting to scale. When at the scale, have your partner to drive onto the scales. You'll stick your 2 levelers on the back of the unit in the center and one on the side. Also put 2 in the cab where you can see them early. In our Minnie Winnie the inside ones are on the edge of the overhead bunk. 1 in the center of the front and the other over the passenger seat on the bunk. Both can be seen as I am parking and gets me pretty close for setting the blocks up. Another tip I can give is if you want to know. Empty your rig completely of all water black and grey tanks and almost empty of fuel. All food clothes and toys! Go scale. This is your empty weight which for truckers is telling us how much we can load. Now go fuel up, water up and put your supplies and clothes and toys in and go scale. There is your full weight and now you can be sure your axle weights are good. If not you need to rearrange your stuff in the rig. If you can move the 5th wheel do it! Once you have your rig "balanced" properly you now know what you can carry and where it needs to be! And he's correct about DOT scales. If you cross the in ground scale and you're overweight they will flag you in and yes you WILL get a ticket AND have to fix the problem! Those tickets aren't cheap! 300 pounds over on an axle in OK is $680! I got that ticket 2 times on the same load using the same scale! That company paid the tickets and fixed their private scale! You might have to leave some things in the trash to get right but you'll not leave that scale until your weight is right! Blue skies and safe journey's!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Hey George, I hope other viewers read this comment, its very informative. I read a bunch of stuff about the DOT scales but did not see anything about fines, that is a bunch of money. I’m obsessed about keeping our weight within limits and we travel with absolutely no liquids on board. We only get fresh water when we are heading to a boondocking or drycamping spot, and always do it as close to our destination as possible. Thanks again for the really helpful comment, I learn so much from these type of comments. Larry

[@georgepurdyiii307]

@@DownsizingMakesCents hey thanks for the reply! Why not drive with your tank at least half full? Water only weight 8.33 pounds a gallon! Use that scale!! Scale empty of all waste and water. Now you know without a doubt what you can carry. Now what most RVers don't know is a cat or any scale is $12 for the first weigh but you have if I remember 8 hours for a reweigh is $2.50. It took me a few reweighs to get the Minnie right but now a few years later I still know my "MT" lol and loaded weights! The mt weight will be the same all the time its what you stuff in the rig that adds to it! But knowing your weights to match that tag in the door sure does add some relief to your trips! Oh! FYI: Cat Scales is just a name! There are private scales and other big name scale companies. They all must be inspected and calibrated on a very regular basics or they get shut down qso don't go driving out of your way just to get to use a Cat Scale! If out in BFE and you need to scale just Google grain silos or commercial scales close by and see what you get as I've done this many times after cell phones came out and used the CB to find a scale for many years along with my old locator books for truck services.

[@johnclancy7607]

Great video and well explained. However I feel u missed one of the most important numbers and one that is usually the limiting factor on truck capacity. Payload and the role pin weight plays. Most 3/4 ton trucks towing large 5th wheels exceed their payload capacity

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Hey John. The gawr rear wheels covers the payload capacity of the truck. If you are under for the Rear GAWR then you are going to be within the capacity rating for the truck because all of the pin weight will be exerted on the rear wheels. If both of your gawr numbers are under then you would have to be under for the GVW for the truck, which also means you are within the rated cargo capacity. I was trying to keep it simple so I just focused on the GAWR numbers and the GVW for the truck. Thank you for comment, i should have explained that better in the video. Larry

[@johnclancy7607]

@@DownsizingMakesCents good point. I’ll have to look at my truck sticker again. Solitude 374th and a gmc 3500 dually

[@Zanezach]

Excellent video. Had I learned this information a couple weeks ago, I would have saved $6K. I bought too little truck to carry a 5th wheel I wanted. The truck's payload capacity was inadequate for the trailer's pin weight. I took that truck back, bought the same truck you have in this video and life is good. Expensive lesson learned, but I have piece of mind and I am WELL within all weight ratings. SUBSCRIBED!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Jack, sorry you had to go through that. But it’s a great feeling pulling with our dually and not worrying about weights. And thanks for subbing.

[@jarnold1513]

Wow! Very well done. Very clear and easy to understand.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Jim, thanks. We are glad. Some people thought the numbers were a bit much

[@proceedingonwardinamerica]

Great information and thank you for the links as well. We did our homework when we got our fifth wheel and truck we did the same thing when we went and got it weighed for the first time. But we disconnected the trailer on the weight station for 1st weigh and then reconnected it on the weight station for a second Weigh. And we always use our name and not the numbers Fabian always says Mr. Fantastic and they except it. Thank You for the video. When we used to have the smaller travel trailer and got it weighed three times we kind of didn’t understand how to read our numbers but we learned so much since then and I travel trailer was definitely overweight.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Great that you have it all figured out

[@lyndcason7516]

Always enjoy your videos. Good useful info, as usual. All well thought out and presented clearly.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Lynd, Larry always asks me if I understand it - I’m not a numbers gal. I taught college English classes 😅- and if I get most of it, he knows he explained well, Alice

[@justme-bq7jd]

Working trailor brakes makes a huge difference. You never know when electric brakes fail. Or adjusted properly. Pulling is easy stopping is hell..

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

I agree, i am a lot more concerned with stopping than i am with pulling. I have had some close calls when someone in front of me did something stupid making me stop hard and fast, I was glad my dually had the stronger braking. Larry

[@briencanfield1902]

Fantastic video.. The best I have seen on this topic.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Brien, thank you so much. We just hope it helps other campers

[@rvdogfl]

You know if you are 80 lbs over weight Just think how many rigs on the road are way over weight. Best video I have seen on weight ratings. I think most just go by what the salesperson says because they are the expert and know what they are doing right??

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

So true. And so many people don’t weigh tow vehicle separately? I think people don’t weigh properly because they don’t want to know. “Trust the RV salesman” is something no one should say or think

[@raygiese9263]

Outstanding video! Great resources! Thanks for taking the time to do it!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thank you. And glad we could help 🤗

[@raygiese9263]

@@DownsizingMakesCents just traded in my 2016 30ft Airstream Classic for a 2022 GD Reflection 295RL Fifth Wheel. It’s the 150 series and I drive a 2016 Ford F-250 Diesel (single axel). I don’t anticipate any issues but your video and resources will put me (and my wife!) at ease. I am looking forward to towing roughly the same weight as my AS but in the bed of the truck versus off the back end (I won’t miss the porpoise effect!). Wish me luck as a new member of the GD nation! Sorry to let go of the AS but the 295RL gives us much needed living and storage space as well as upgraded technology. Happy and safe travels!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Many have asked about a special drivers license over 26,000 lbs total weight. Our home port is Florida and does not require that for RVers. Check your state.

[@dennisholmgren9302]

Texas requires a Class A for over 26K. It is the CDL written test and a modified driving test. You skip the pre-trip and offset backing.

[@bobbymartin7640]

Ca requires a class A non Comercel for anything over 10k

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

@@bobbymartin7640 Thanks for the info. Our address is Florida. They don’t require a special license for any RV.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

@@dennisholmgren9302 Thank you for the info for Texans

[@gcflower99]

GREAT video with "geeky enough" information and great links/recommendations. New sub.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Awesome, thank you! The math might have been a bit much for some, but we felt the info needs to be out there. Glad you found us.

[@sd.1110]

As a truck driver for over 50 years, you did a great job on explaining a very important part of owning an RV... After you weigh your RV, keep that weight slip with your truck registration an proof of insurance card. What you did not cover is if your Drivers License is legal for driving that much weight? Most RV'ers with bigger RV's are driving illegal for their license!! In California your Ca, car license is only good up to 26.000 lbs total weight But a question off this subject, I see you have 6 solar panels, May I ask why 6? I have a 2019 Solitude 310, with three "Battle Born" battery's, an only one solar panel. I've dry camped only once sense installing these new battery's, for six days. Had no trouble with running low on battery power... Just curious?? Thank You!!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thanks for your comment and question. We love to hear from fellow GDers. In the state of Florida, RVers no matter weight or size do not need a special license. So each person needs to check their home state. We should have mentioned that. As for the solar panels, we have 6 because we need the power on overcast days, heavily wooded areas and because we have an extensive computer system for our KZbin channel. Do you have an inverter? Are you full time? Do you have several days in high 80s/90s? How much are you pulling in with the one panel? That’s a great question. We have run our batteries down to 25 percent on a long travel day because we left our fridge on electric. Do you have an RV fridge and leave it on propane? Great question. Larry keeps saying he needs to do his solar video. Alice

[@methings287]

Great information. Simply, yet well explained.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thank you. Concise and thorough is what Larry aimed for, Alice

[@robertm9866]

Wow that was great info Larry thank you sharing that info.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Robert, we hoped it would be helpful. Thank you for your positive words

[@JimBanes]

Amazing technical information video! Saved for future reference! 👍🏽

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Jim, thank you. Larry really worked hard on this. We are glad we could help, Alice

[@hphillips7425]

Good video. I think if I purchased an RV I would watch this video a few times before and after the purchase.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thank you. We are hoping this helps people make better decisions

[@lisamcgrath3132]

Wow Larry, this was an exceptional informative and important video!! Thanks a bunch!! Hi Alice, safe travels guys on your way up north🤗

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Lisa, it’s all the info Larry tried to find a couple of years ago. But now it’s all in one video. Thanks. We are off to Virginia next, Alice

[@lisamcgrath3132]

@@DownsizingMakesCents Well he did an amazing job collecting all of this info & sharing. We truly appreciate y’all🤗

[@robertdoyen5434]

Great job explaining everything and thank you for the websites to get the information that I don’t have yet

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Robert, we are glad you found it helpful. And thank you for watching

[@cnowen2]

This is a particularly informative video! Nice work!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Christina, we appreciate that. It’s a lot of research now in one video.

[@opaandomascampingadventures]

We do everything you explained. Did not know about the reweigh discount. Thanks!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

We didn’t figure out the reweigh until we watched catscale videos. But you need to reweigh at the same scale within 24 hours, Alice

[@brogan56]

Excellent information, thank you very much for the thorough and understandable information.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Glad we could help - Larry put in everything he learned and what he would like to see in a video Alice