|
09-28-2011, 10:44 AM
|
#1
|
(Kim)
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Windsor, Ontario
Posts: 595
|
How 'balanced' are our trailers?
With all the talk about TW's, axle weights, L&R side weights, it made me wonder 'how balanced are the trailers to begin with?'
How much engineering and work goes into designing the interiors of these units in regards to the placement of, well, everything?
There seems to be a big discrepancy in TWs between units, based on the location of storage, furniture, appliances etc, and its placement in regards to the axles, some being naturally inclined to put more weight in front, some in back......is there as big a difference between units for L&R or side to side weights?
__________________
2010 Dodge Ram 1500
2012 Rockwood 2306
Kim
DH (Alan), DD (Madison) and Zoey the lab,
|
|
|
09-28-2011, 11:02 AM
|
#2
|
Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Shenandoah Valley of Virginia
Posts: 9,280
|
I feel pretty good about the balance of my trailer. The AC, fridge, and pantry are all pretty much inline with the axles. My fresh water tank is over the back axle, the grey directly in front of that, and the black tank in front of the grey. Coming back from picking it up from the dealer, I had a 13.5% tongue weight. Traveling now with the trailer loaded for camping, including ~1/4 tank of fresh water, I am at 12.8%. I do try to load the back heavy so that I can continue to use 800 lb. spring bars.
__________________
Chap , DW Joy, and Fur Baby Sango
2017 F350 Lariat CCSB, SRW, 4x4, 6.7 PS
2017 Grand Design Reflection 337RLS
|
|
|
09-28-2011, 11:17 AM
|
#3
|
(Kim)
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Windsor, Ontario
Posts: 595
|
The TW is easiest to 'fix' (via WDH) and easier to ascertain.
I do not however have access to a scale that will allow weighing my TT from R&L wheel/axle weights.
When I load my TT, I just assume that FR has tried to get it as balanced side-to-side as they can, and I just divide up my weight of cargo and put half on the R and half on the L.
__________________
2010 Dodge Ram 1500
2012 Rockwood 2306
Kim
DH (Alan), DD (Madison) and Zoey the lab,
|
|
|
09-28-2011, 11:52 AM
|
#4
|
Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Shenandoah Valley of Virginia
Posts: 9,280
|
I weighed my side to side when I 1st got it, but can't find the information on that. I think is was something like only a 40 lb. difference.
__________________
Chap , DW Joy, and Fur Baby Sango
2017 F350 Lariat CCSB, SRW, 4x4, 6.7 PS
2017 Grand Design Reflection 337RLS
|
|
|
09-28-2011, 01:04 PM
|
#5
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Jamestown NY
Posts: 588
|
I know that with our 2604 the right side of the trl is heavier then the left. The stove sink, and fridge are all on the right side. Also using a laser temp gage the right side tires are always about 15-20 degrees warmer then the left tires, with the exact same tire press on the left and right.
__________________
2012 Winnebago "Journey To Insanity" 40U
2008 Dakota Sport 4x4
2004 Subaru Baja - DW's
2006 Honda Shadow Aero - TOAD for now.
F.R.O.G. member
|
|
|
09-28-2011, 02:27 PM
|
#6
|
Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
Posts: 3,368
|
And I think my Surveyor is designed so that most of any additional weight will unfortunately go onto the tongue. So, I work real hard to shift as much to the back as possible; but options are limited.
__________________
2021 F350 Lariat 7.3 4X4 w 4.30s, 2018 Wildcat 29RLX
2012 BMW G650GS, Demco Premiere Slider
1969 John Deere 1020, 1940 Ford 9N, 1948 Ford 8N
Jonsered 535, Can of WD-40, Duct Tape
Red Green coffee mugs
|
|
|
09-28-2011, 03:07 PM
|
#7
|
camping
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Elkhart, Indiana
Posts: 988
|
a lot better balanced than most of us on this forum!!
__________________
2007 Chevy 2500HD CC
2010 V-Lite 30WRLTS
Nights Camped 2011 -64
Nights Camped 2012 -50
"I Live in My Own World, But It's OK. They Know Me"
|
|
|
09-28-2011, 03:09 PM
|
#8
|
Wanna Be Camper
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Posts: 2,420
|
I think our V-Lite is pretty well balanced as it has all the appliances and toilette/ sink on the RH side and 2 slides on the LH side
__________________
John & Deb
2011 F250 Lariat FX4 Crew Cab 6.2
2011 Flagstaff V-Lite 30WRLS
|
|
|
09-28-2011, 05:22 PM
|
#9
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 755
|
Left to right is not near as important as is center of gravity, hence, items that are mounted high in the trailer will affect handling more on the left to right axis when turning and braking, granted, actual weight left verses right needs to be in moderation.
Front to rear loading directly affects the handling as it places either more or less weight on the tow vehicle, such the need for WD hitches AND proper setup.
If you see the CG charts for aircraft for weight and balance this becomes more appearent.
|
|
|
09-28-2011, 06:09 PM
|
#10
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Jamestown NY
Posts: 588
|
Yea if we all had flying campers
__________________
2012 Winnebago "Journey To Insanity" 40U
2008 Dakota Sport 4x4
2004 Subaru Baja - DW's
2006 Honda Shadow Aero - TOAD for now.
F.R.O.G. member
|
|
|
09-29-2011, 10:20 AM
|
#11
|
Villa Estate 392FLFB
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Saskatchewan, Canada
Posts: 1,085
|
i believe mine is pretty balanced. "passenger" side has the kitchen, cupboards, sink, shower and other side has hw heater, 2 slides. when on a flat lot etc there is no lean side to side. As for front to back i dont doubt that the front is too heavy. I would load as much as i can in the back to keep the tongue weight under 1000lbs.
__________________
One state/province at a time!
Full Timing - Salem Villa Estate - 392FLFB - Purchased July 29th 2010
|
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|