Truck and Trailer Weights

[punkaccountant]

Thanks to PG's thread, I finally took my 2306 to the CAT scales today at the start of a week long trip. Using his format, here's my readings. What do you all think of these weights? Good, bad?

Truck and trailer, WDH bars attached:
Front axle: 3620
Rear axle: 4020
Trailer axle: 4240
Total: 11880

Truck and trailer, WDH bars NOT attached:
Front axle: 3520
Rear axle: 4180
Trailer axle: 4180
Total: 11880

Truck alone:
Front axle: 3720
Rear axle: 3480
Total: 7200


From this, I calculated:
Trailer weight: 4680lbs (11,880-7200)
Tongue weight: 500 lbs (3520+4180-7200)

I drive a Ram 2500. The only thing we need to be concerned about is our dry weight as measured on the yellow sticker reads 3770. It also says our cargo cannot exceed 910 lbs. That makes it 4680. That means we reached our maximum cargo capacity. I am traveling with some water so I'm sure that added a lot to these weights.

[punkaccountant]

I forgot to add that I have an Equal-i-zer hitch weighted at 1,000/10,000 lbs.

[MtnGuy]

1st of all, it is great that you got those weights.

Ordinarily, I would say that you need to distribute more weight to the front axle....that is still 100 lbs. light. But in this case, I believe you might have the best setup right where you are for these reasons:

Tightening up more on the spring bars will put more weight on the front axle, but will also transfer more weight to the trailer axles. You are already at the max back there. Apparently with the stats that you gave, you have 2 2000 lb. axles. If that is the case you are already over the axle load. When you get a chance, crawl under your camper, and see what the axle ratings are....there should be sticker on each axle. If indeed they are 2000 lbs. axles, then you definitely don't want to tighten up on the spring bars. Also, check the tire ratings....make sure the maximum ratings added up are below the 4180 axle weights.....and you are much better off if they are way below the ratings.

You have a 3/4 ton truck, which is a big plus. It is meant to carry some weight on the rear axle, without squatting much. As long as the truck is riding close to level without the headlights up in the air, it handles well, and you are not exceeding the RAWR, then you should be good to go with that.

Getting some heavy items out of the trailer and into the truck bed (up towards the cab) might be beneficial if possible.

My other thought is that 1000 lb. spring bars on a 500 lb. hitch is a bit much, but should probably work.

BTW, I started a new thread with these posts.

[pg_rider]

Interesting that your loaded 2306 is nearly 500lbs more than mine even though our sticker weights are the same. Do you have anything unusual loaded in your trailer, or just the usual pots/plates/bedding? It doesn't seem like that 500lbs can all be attributed to water (that would be 60 gallons!).

[Labzy]

Our 2306 loaded axle weight is 3860lbs, and that had between 1/3-2/3 FW; I wanted less water when towing, but did not realize till we got to the CG and I started pouring water jugs in it, that I had more in the tank than I had wanted.

I hate the low CCC in the 2306 so I have weighed every item that goes into it; weight adds up fast if you are not careful. Our cargo was 298lbs not including water.

[punkaccountant]

Originally Posted by pg_rider

Interesting that your loaded 2306 is nearly 500lbs more than mine even though our sticker weights are the same. Do you have anything unusual loaded in your trailer, or just the usual pots/plates/bedding? It doesn't seem like that 500lbs can all be attributed to water (that would be 60 gallons!).

Well I did bring about 25 gals in jugs and in the FW tank. I have had a history of kidney stones so water is essential for me. Other than that, it's really just clothes and food. I can't think of anything that could add any significant weight. We do have a power awning and jack. I'm not sure if the yellow sticker includes those or not.