Calculated Trailer and Tongue Weight

[Less is More]

For some, like me, getting access to a scale to get a reading on the trailer and tongue weight is difficult. It is, however, possible to calculate trailer weights using math and physics. Fortunately engineers have already done the thinking for those of us that have forgotten our calculus and physics. The following website provides instruction and a fill-in calculator. The accuracy of the calculator is depended on how well you measure and weigh what is in the trailer. The model really gives you a good estimates of total trailer weight, axle and wheel weights, and tongue weight. For those of you that have actual weights it would be informative to see how close the computation comes to your scale results.

Go to:https://www.engineersedge.com/calcul...t-balance.html

[larry2c]

I get a 404 error for that link. Is this using a bathroom scale and some 2X's? I've done that before but it is pretty sensitive to getting all the contact points at the proper measurements.

[Kcoulter]

Correct link:
https://www.engineersedge.com/calcul...ht-balance.htm

[Less is More]

No it does not used a scale and a fulcrum. Try copying the link and pasting it in a new tab. Sorry

[Scrapper]

You still need to have weights to enter into the calculations, where else can you get the correct numbers than from a scale? Scales are not hard to find. Every truckstop has them.

[Less is More]

Yeah right. I kinda know what I put in my camper and approximately what it weighs. Smaller trailer with a maximum loading weight. And living in a small town nobody has a tongue scale. I guess if you have a 5er or a hefty truck you don't have to pay that much attention.

[Thurman]

Although many truck stops have scales, and some are "Cat" scales, not all CAT scales allow RV weighing. There is a large "Pilot" truck stop in my town (Albany, Ga.) with a CAT scale but they DO NOT allow weighing anything other than commercial truck s. It would be nice if they would allow RV weighing, , ,

[Scrapper]

Originally Posted by Thurman

Although many truck stops have scales, and some are "Cat" scales, not all CAT scales allow RV weighing. There is a large "Pilot" truck stop in my town (Albany, Ga.) with a CAT scale but they DO NOT allow weighing anything other than commercial truck s. It would be nice if they would allow RV weighing, , ,

It's the policy of that truckstop, not CAT scales. It's time rv'ers quit using that particular truckstop for fuel, food and other supplies. I'll bet they love it when rv'er drops $100+ for their purchases.

[67L48]

Don't overthink it. Either Dry weight + 1,200 or just use your trailer's GVWR for your expected weight. Then, to calculate the hitch, multiply by 12.5% (middle of the 10-15% range for a conventional tow trailer; use a lower value for toy haulers and a higher number for single axles).

Trailer 1:
UVW: 7,193
GVWR: 9,250

Therefore, I'd figure the weight rolling down the road would be 8,400 lbs and it would be dropping 1,050 lbs onto the hitch

Trailer 2:
UVW: 3,795
GVWR: 4,500

Therefore, I'd figure the weight rolling down the road would be 4,500 lbs and it would be dropping ~580lbs onto the hitch.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by 67L48

Don't overthink it.

What?

And take all the fun out of most discussions?

[U.S.ArmyVeteran]

Excel Spreadsheet of Cat Scale Locations

https://catscale.com/cat-scale-locat...location-list/

Cat Scale locator by city, zip etc.

https://catscale.com/cat-scale-locator/

Eventually you will run across one in your travels.

Your mileage may vary.

[KaptnKirk]

I also live in a small town, but we have a landscaping company that sells material by weight (truckload). They have a drive on scale and allowed me to weight my truck for free. I imagine they might charge me for the truck and the trailer, but it's an option you might look into.

[babock]

Use a catscale for your axle weight. Just do it on a trip whn you happen to see one. For the tongue weight, buy a Sherline scale. Handy to have.