I have basically the same setup as you for both my 5ver and TV. I went thru your exact same problems when we first took delivery, setup and set out, on our first several trips.
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First off, LEO’s or DOT folks are highly unlikely to stop you for a weight check unless you look like the proverbial VW bug pulling a three axle, 15k fiver that’s bent double at the hitch. Either that or the TV rear bumper dragging the ground. What you do need to be aware of is the excess weight, strain, pressures and braking capability of the tow vehicle. The reason that DOT made the mfg’ers put the GVWR on the vehicles is due to premature failures of major components, including brakes, when the vehicle is overloaded and used in extreme conditions for an extended period of time.
Having dealt with loading, weight and balance of aircraft in a professional capacity for many years, it’s not hard to see why a lot of folks don’t understand this law of physics. In other words we have to stay within the same seesaw or teeter-totter effect as we did in our younger years.
To remedy and/or get a better understanding of exactly what you need to do to stay within the limits, you need to go to a CAT scale and weigh the RV, separately, loaded as it is towed. Weigh the truck, as it will be loaded for towing the RV. Then weigh both together. This is used to see exactly what you have on the pin and how your other weight is distributed. Be sure to tell the person operating the scale ticket that you need multiple readings to determine a correct combined weight.
An ag scale at you local feed store won’t cut it.
One thing I urge you
not do, is carry water at full capacity in the fresh water tank, especially if it’s mounted in the far rear, which most Crossroads are. If the correct amount of weight is not properly distributed on the pin, a porpoising effect will cause the fresh water to bounce up and down in the fresh water tank. This causes undue stress on the support brackets and/or holders that will bend and even break. I know, we had this happen, call it the weakest link in the chain.
On our rig, we determined that about � tank of fresh water was sufficient to keep the weight and balance in correct proportions and keep the pin weight within the suggested 15% to 18% and still not overload the max “hauling� capacity of the TV. If the pin weight is within the envelope, the pin will not goose neck, porpoise, or jump up and down when going down the road.
Another issue to watch closely is the amount of “supplies� and or excess “equipment� in the basement compartment. A 200# to 300# excess can cause a serious weight change on the pin. Anything that can be moved inside the RV and over or behind the axles will go a long way in solving your problems.
Good luck,
Linear Mode
