A fifth-wheeler has the tow ball/hitch located in the tray of the vehicle.
When calculating the tow capacity of a fifth-wheeler you must consider the Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM), the Gross Combined Mass (GCM), Braked Towing Capacity and axle ratings.
For example:
GCM 6000kg – GVM 2950kg = fully laden trailer cannot exceed 3050kg. You then need to also check that the fully laden trailer does not exceed your braked towing capacity if using a light vehicle as your tow vehicle.
The usual practice is to have 20 percent of the fifth-wheeler weight carried by the tow vehicle; however, it must not exceed the legal payload allowance of the tow vehicle or the vehicles axle ratings.
