CAT Scale Results - Help Analyzing

[Bhrava]

Originally Posted by markcee

Dave is correct….2022 model year..

From my CAT scale weighs my TW is 1200 pounds putting me at 11.5% of total trailer weight. Surprisingly, that is only 105 lbs greater than the brochure ‘dry’ weight….which IMO is unusual.

As for my WDH….it is an Equalizer 14K/1400 lb bars, and I do need to lift the truck with the tongue jack to get the bars on, so the tension is there. The Equalizer’s squeaks/groans and pops with the bars engaged are also a telltale sign that the tension is there.

Given the above and the fact that I have transferred 100% of my weight back to the front truck axle, this leaves somehow increasing my tongue weight as the only thing left to try to really get this trailer towing well.

As I said it’s better with that FW tank filled, but still not nearly as ‘towable’ as my orevious trailer where I had close to 15% TW.

Definitely sounds like you need more tongue weight. You are on the right track, everything you posted is spot on as it should be, so that 11.5% TW is your answer. Get it up to at least 13% and you will find it tows much better.



When setting up a travel trailer I always recommend at least 13% TW as a starting point, the more the better it will tow.

[markcee]

Yes sir, would love to get to 13%. My lack of any front compartment storage space (one compartment 30”L x 12”D) is a real hindrance.

May have to strap some sandbags to the A-frame!

[RedRoverComeOver]

Haven't seen this mentioned but an axle sits on the wheels and tires. A scale would pick up all the weight. The wheels/tires shouldn't count as part of the max axle weight. A set could easily be 350lbs. I can't see that total weight counting against axle weight. Maybe a small portion could be?

[RamManMN]

Originally Posted by RedRoverComeOver

Haven't seen this mentioned but an axle sits on the wheels and tires. A scale would pick up all the weight. The wheels/tires shouldn't count as part of the max axle weight. A set could easily be 350lbs. I can't see that total weight counting against axle weight. Maybe a small portion could be?

Sorry, but there is no free lunch. The maximum axle weight is judged against st the actual weight on the scale which would include the weight of the tires.

[GolfingDave]

Was just curious about adding weight

Lead weighs 11.342 grams per cubic centimeter
dry sand weighs 1.631 gram per cubic centimeter

[Bhrava]

Originally Posted by RedRoverComeOver

Haven't seen this mentioned but an axle sits on the wheels and tires. A scale would pick up all the weight. The wheels/tires shouldn't count as part of the max axle weight. A set could easily be 350lbs. I can't see that total weight counting against axle weight. Maybe a small portion could be?

Thats all called unsprung weight which is factored in. The weakest link will either be the tires or the wheels, so one should never exceed either regardless of what the GAWR is.

[GolfingDave]

Originally Posted by markcee

Posted this in a couple of forums, looking for suggestions.

Been on the road for a week with our new Rockwood 8324 travel trailer and am having trouble with the tow quality. Originally had a light/floaty feeling on the front end of the truck which I attributed to not enough weight being distributed to the truck's front axle. I adjusted the Equal-i-Zer 14K hitch by adding a washer and that resolved it for the most part - not perfect, but better. Tried a second washer but by the measurement, it shows 'over adjusted' when I do that.

I still have an almost boat-like ride, like I'm riding a swell...even 10-15 mph winds are giving me issue. I can feel a lot of 'nudges' and I'm constantly having to correct.

I hit up the CAT scale yesterday and took my 3 weights. Here is a link to the results.

At 11.5%, I think I'm light on tongue weight. I really don't have anything I can move to the front of the trailer. However, my freshwater tank drain (gate) valve is forward of the axles....can I assume the tank is right there as well? If so, thinking of running with 1/2-3/4 tank of FW to give me more TW.

Also, what do you guys think about the amount of weight being transferred to the trailer and truck axles with the WDH engaged? Too little?

Open to any/all suggestions!

Thanks.

Just curious if you ever got this weight distribution dialed in with good results?

[markcee]

Originally Posted by GolfingDave

Just curious if you ever got this weight distribution dialed in with good results?

No....We ended up really liking the seasonal campground, as well as the site we scored so decided to leave the trailer there. Our intent was to book a site there each summer if we liked the place anyway and since seasonals are allowed to leave the trailer and retain their existing site, we just decided to do that.

We may get something smaller in time to bum around here in the SW.