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Old 04-07-2018, 12:03 PM   #1
thumpinhard25
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Cougar 285 super light pin weight from factory?

Hi guys. New to the forums, just bought my first 5th wheel and was curious if someone could help me out. I purchase a 2003 cougar 285. What has me stumped is the pin weight and the numbers from keystone on it. At 7340lbs it only has a 1,040lbs pin weight (appox 14%) . It looks like the cougar 245,276,278 all have heavier pin weights and weigh 1,000lbs less. The 281
has a 1,400 lbs weight and weighs 150lbs less. Why would keystone make a trailer with a pin weight outside the " recommended" tolerance? Obviously is has to be ok, but why? I noticed that my 45 gal, fresh water tank is all the way at the back as well, which would add 360 lbs to the rear taking about 150 lbs off the pin. So what gives? I'm looking at adding a hitch and a rack to the rear in order to hold a 250lbs dirt bike, but seems odd that the numbers are so light from the start? All these number come from their 2004 brochure. Once I get it all built I'll take it to the scales to find out actual numbers, but I'm curious before I spend several days Fabing metal how it's gonna tow. ( yes I'll add weight of the hitch and rack into the equation)
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Old 04-07-2018, 12:34 PM   #2
Tbos
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Taking a trip to the scales is the only way to know what the numbers are for sure. Let us know what you find out. I recently corresponded with Keystone about differences in cargo capacity between a similar length Alpine and Montana. Frames, axles and construction is similar. Their bottom line was Alpine chooses to be conservative IRT cargo capacity and Montana lists the maximums. Who knows why they do what they do?
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Old 04-07-2018, 12:41 PM   #3
ctbruce
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Others will chime in, but in general, the brochure weights are not actual weights and subject to both interpretation by the end user and manipulation by the manufacturer. The pin weight will depend on where the axles are set and the width between them. This could account for the differences you mentioned.

Also, dont be surprised if the pin weight doesn't change drastically with more weight in the back. The pin weight is probably figured with full tanks. Depending on if you travel that way or not, the hitch and bikeway make it a wash.
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Old 04-07-2018, 07:48 PM   #4
CWtheMan
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thumpinhard25 View Post
Hi guys. New to the forums, just bought my first 5th wheel and was curious if someone could help me out. I purchase a 2003 cougar 285. What has me stumped is the pin weight and the numbers from keystone on it. At 7340lbs it only has a 1,040lbs pin weight (appox 14%) . It looks like the cougar 245,276,278 all have heavier pin weights and weigh 1,000lbs less. The 281
has a 1,400 lbs weight and weighs 150lbs less. Why would keystone make a trailer with a pin weight outside the " recommended" tolerance? Obviously is has to be ok, but why? I noticed that my 45 gal, fresh water tank is all the way at the back as well, which would add 360 lbs to the rear taking about 150 lbs off the pin. So what gives? I'm looking at adding a hitch and a rack to the rear in order to hold a 250lbs dirt bike, but seems odd that the numbers are so light from the start? All these number come from their 2004 brochure. Once I get it all built I'll take it to the scales to find out actual numbers, but I'm curious before I spend several days Fabing metal how it's gonna tow. ( yes I'll add weight of the hitch and rack into the equation)
The trailer manufacturer MUST provide a recommended tongue weight. It's part of the building regulations they must follow to be able to certify the trailer. In the standard it reads - in part - like this. The manufacturer's recommended (published) tongue weight, when added to the total GAWR weight (s) cannot be less than GVWR.

Once a consumer/customer owns the trailer, the management of the tongue weight is 100% their responsibility.
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Old 04-08-2018, 03:22 AM   #5
Tinner12002
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I'm guessing that it could be a misprint. Normally I believe you can figure around 18% of GVWR for pin weight. With a GVWR of aprox 9840lbs, unloaded plus cargo capacity, your pin should weigh in the 1750lb area when you actually get it on a scales to weigh it.
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