Okay, what's the deal with the Dry weight??? From what I've been told is dry weight is without the dealer options. Okay, so I guess a coffee pot is an option, but what about the kitchen table, couch, sinks, etc., etc. Is the dry weight an empty shell of a trailer??? Or does the dry weight include the couch, sinks, cabinets, chairs, etc. Totally confused on the real meaning of Dry weight. Can someone please explain the difference? I've asked several people and several dealers and get several different answers. Figured someone would know the deal. Any help is useful. <br>Big dawg

Just like it says dry weight, no water, sewage, food or personal equipment, puts faith in you when you buy one from the salesman and he does not have these answers. This info should be on spec tag usually in tongue area or on the side along with gross weight per axle and tire size with load rating. The manufacturer must establish this info as built on floor as you buy it fully optioned, so if you buy one without A/C it should be lighter than the tag states. PK

I am seeing this information posted on most of the new fifth wheel units inside an upper cabinet in the kitchen area. Mostly over the sink from my observations. You just need to add for whatever has been added by the dealer. <br><br>Hey, the best approach is go weigh it. But, that is hard when trying to buy it. Just note how big the tanks are and then add the 8.6 pounds per gallon for water, plus tools, plus bedding, plus plus plus plus 'til suddenly you say &quot;Uncle&quot;.<br><br>Bob

Ditto on what Fiver Bob just said. That sticker inside some cabiet. is required by most states on new RVs since, I believe mid-90s. It must be the true wt taken before options with the weight of all options added. It is close to the actual weight before water and propane are added. It then tells you how much load capacity remains for you to add.<br><br>Tell the wife she can only take 5 pairs of shoes. [laugh]

Wow...thanks...my dry WT is 11,200 with everything in the unit. Everything in the unit is factory installed. So if what your saying holds true it would tell me I'm probably only towing around 12,000 at best. I don't travel with water in any tanks and my wifes shoes probably only Wt around 400 lbs ::). Okay, I feel better now I have that figured out. Thanks again...Big dawg<br><br>P.S. Sierra Phil, If I were to tell my wife only 5 pairs of shoes, I'll be sleeping with the dog in the dog house. That would be like feeding a shark chum while in the water. Some things you just don't do. ;D..Big dawg

I don't believe I've read what model # of Cardinal you have? I went to their web site and found some data. The quality is poor and not easy to read. http://www.forestriverinc.com Their brochure should have lots of helpful information on specs.<br><br>