First Time Fifth Wheelers
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 2,969
Likes: 2,407
From: Ridgway, CO
I think the only time it would become an issue is if and when you have an accident. If you are found to be over the stated limits, your insurance company will not cover you and you pay for everything. Forget the part about possibly endangering those driving around you.
I have seen this happen to a family member, not a myth.
I have seen this happen to a family member, not a myth.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 774
Likes: 252
From: CNM
So by that logic they do not cover speeders or drunks (both actually against the law) when they crash? I know for a fact they do. I have read my policy and since it isn't commercial like OC's probably is, there is absolutely no mention of GVWR. It would have to be a GROSS oversight on the part of the operator certainly not 100lbs because not even the DOT runs that tight. Amazing to me what people will believe...
Cross-Country
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 66
Likes: 47
From: Cecil, PA
Check this site out.
https://www.mygrandrv.com/forum/show...-Weight-Survey
It has a bunch of Grand Design owners who went to the scales and post their ACTUAL pin weight. A handful of 310GK owners are posting weights of 2700-2800+ (Some are over 3,000!) pin weight. This does add driver/passenger, hitch, batteries, propane, etc. But with your max payload at 2600 this is something you might want to think about. I'm not the tow police and don't really care what you do, but thought you might want to inform yourself with all available info.
https://www.mygrandrv.com/forum/show...-Weight-Survey
It has a bunch of Grand Design owners who went to the scales and post their ACTUAL pin weight. A handful of 310GK owners are posting weights of 2700-2800+ (Some are over 3,000!) pin weight. This does add driver/passenger, hitch, batteries, propane, etc. But with your max payload at 2600 this is something you might want to think about. I'm not the tow police and don't really care what you do, but thought you might want to inform yourself with all available info.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,465
Likes: 4,959
GVWR and rated cargo capacity are made up numbers, all that really matters is to not go over tire weight ratings.
And, as I stated in the prior comment, weight distribution in the trailer is the way to manage a heavy pin weight.
And, as I stated in the prior comment, weight distribution in the trailer is the way to manage a heavy pin weight.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 1,735
Likes: 1,116
What is by far the most comical is how many people go through life looking straight ahead and if it doesn't cross their field of vision it must not be possible. Plenty of those people on this forum.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 774
Likes: 252
From: CNM
Funny, well not really seeing as I was being charged criminally but that made up GVWR number on the manufacturers build sticker sure had a valid definition in a courtroom in which a case was built upon and prosecuted. Also funny that made up GVWR has a valid definition to my insurance company in which ive posted that literature here on the forum.
What is by far the most comical is how many people go through life looking straight ahead and if it doesn't cross their field of vision it must not be possible. Plenty of those people on this forum.
What is by far the most comical is how many people go through life looking straight ahead and if it doesn't cross their field of vision it must not be possible. Plenty of those people on this forum.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 1,584
Likes: 1,117
Dave
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,670
Likes: 974
From: Walpole, MA
Ok this thread peaked my curiosity.... I had to check my auto policy (non-commercial) and oddly enough not mention of GVW. Not being a lawyer or playing one on TV, I am unaware of any overarching legislation/policy/etc that would be applied to me if I had an issue. That said, the wife and I are looking for a towable RV for the family probably next year and we are looking pretty much exclusively at travel trailers due to the 10k GVW of my sterling axle F250.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 1,735
Likes: 1,116
Ok this thread peaked my curiosity.... I had to check my auto policy (non-commercial) and oddly enough not mention of GVW. Not being a lawyer or playing one on TV, I am unaware of any overarching legislation/policy/etc that would be applied to me if I had an issue. That said, the wife and I are looking for a towable RV for the family probably next year and we are looking pretty much exclusively at travel trailers due to the 10k GVW of my sterling axle F250.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,670
Likes: 974
From: Walpole, MA
Not every insurance company practices the same. My personal auto policy has the provision that if I operate the vehicle in excess of the manufacturers GVWR comprehensive coverage is void and any of my personal loss will not be covered. Now on the other hand I use too have a commercial policy covering a fleet of trucks and that insurer does not have any provisions for said operation over manufacturers GVWR within their policy.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 1,735
Likes: 1,116
It was not the same company if there was any confusion. I have American Commerce for my personal and have had a handful of others over the years for my commercial. Never did I have my personal insurer as my commercial insurer for cost reasons so I have no idea if that provision that they practice by would have carried over to a commercial policy.
Cross-Country
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 76
Likes: 22
From: Gulf Coast
I'm pretty sure an F350 lariat with 20" wheels come with the same Mich tires as my F250. Its all about GVWR, Payload is GVWR less the curb weight. When going from my King Ranch to the stripped down Lariat (no sun roof) my payload went up a couple hundred lbs, same gvwr.
Cross-Country
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 75
Likes: 28
Sounds like you already have the truck and fifth wheel so I'm not sure about all the advice about weight and capabilities. If you have a short box, you'll need a hitch that can slide back when you're backing into a site as the camper can hit the cab if you turn the truck 90 degrees to the camper. Also, always keep a lock on the fifth wheel hitch. More that one person has had someone release the fifth wheel at a rest stop or any stop. Guess they like to watch the camper slam into the top of the truck box when you take off.
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 466
Likes: 317
From: Flint
I'm pretty sure an F350 lariat with 20" wheels come with the same Mich tires as my F250. Its all about GVWR, Payload is GVWR less the curb weight. When going from my King Ranch to the stripped down Lariat (no sun roof) my payload went up a couple hundred lbs, same gvwr.