Planning tool, not certification. Use ratings and limits for the exact vehicle, trailer, tires, hitch and route. A calculator can compare numbers you enter; it cannot determine every safety or legal requirement.

What pin weight is

Pin weight is the portion of a fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailer’s loaded weight carried vertically by the truck through the hitch.

Planning percentages

A percentage can be useful for planning, but loading and trailer design change the actual value. TowAtlas defaults to a planning percentage that you can edit; use measured loaded weight whenever available.

Why payload disappears quickly

Pin weight, the fifth-wheel hitch, passengers and bed cargo all use the truck’s payload. That is why a truck can appear capable based on tow rating while having very little payload margin.

Do not stop at payload

Also verify truck GVWR, rear axle rating, tire ratings, hitch ratings, trailer ratings and combined weight. The most restrictive applicable rating is the one that matters.

Measure after you buy

Use estimates while shopping. Once the combination is loaded for travel, scale weights provide a better basis for decisions.

Put the numbers to work.

Open the related TowAtlas calculator and use your saved Garage setup when available.

Open Pin Weight Calculator