How 'balanced' are our trailers?

[Labzy]

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?

[mtnguy]

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.

[Labzy]

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.

[mtnguy]

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.

[lindy]

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.

[acadianbob]

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.

[tentcamper1]

a lot better balanced than most of us on this forum!!

[TheSasks]

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

[flyrotor]

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.

[lindy]

Yea if we all had flying campers