When the 5th wheel trailer manufacturer states a king pin weight, do I assume that amount is when the trailer is dry (no cargo)? If so, about how much should I add to that to estimate a loaded king pin weight? Basically, I'm trying to determine if a properly configured half ton is doable for my light weight fifth wheel.
Usually, it will work out to 15-20% of the total trailer weight. A good rule of thumb is to allow for 20% of the max GVWR weight rating, gives a little bit of wiggle room and margin of safety. most people will fill the trailer up close to max GVWR.
Our 10,141lbs GVWR fifth wheel usually weighs in at around 9400 - 9600lbs with 1/2 tank of water with a pin weight in the neighborhood of 1700 lbs, We have extra weight at the front, an Air Ride pin box is 150lbs and had 240lbs of batteries in the front bay, Thankfully the lithium will reduce that now.