New project needs expert advice :)

[Believer45]

My thought was to try it without weight distribution and add it if there is a need. As you point out, it is better to err on the side of safety, though.

[flx]

Hello again! I redid my layout to scale and have it to where we're about 40% behind the axles and 60% in front. I can't move the water further back so hopefully this will work.


The water tanks will have a combined 40 gallons of water but it's really hard to say how that will be distributed. At the start of the day, the fresh water tank will have 40 and the gray water tank will have 0. How they change will simply depend on use. I can swap them if needed to where the fresh water tank is behind the gray water tank.

Please take a look at the attached rendering...it's to scale and the trailer is 24' + a 4' tongue. Hope this helps paint a better picture of what I'm trying to do.

[JimM2109S]

I presume the black areas on the sides of the trailer indicate axle position....

What you have should work, as long as there is always 40 gallons of water in one of the two tanks. If for any reason those tanks are drained, the rear of the trailer will be heavier than the front. Towing with no water would be very dangerous at highway speeds.

This is why I recommended putting the water tanks over the axles. Regardless of amount of water in the tanks, the load balance would keep the 60:40 ratio fairly well.

[flx]

I tried to do that, but it just won't work. This trailer will almost always have water in it, and when it doesn't, it's just for maintenence or storing. Local driving, no highways.

[flx]

I've updated the layout again and am attaching it below for another look by anyone willing. This forum has been so helpful and I really appreciate it. Based on the feedback I received, this layout would end up with:

WITH 40 GALLONS OF WATER (most common use)
2,000 pounds on trailer bed


690 pounds behind axles (35%)


1310 pounds over/front of axles (65%)
555 pounds over axles (27%)
755 pounds in front of axles (38%)




WHEN LOADED WITHOUT WATER (infrequent use)
1,700 pounds on trailer bed


690 pounds behind axles (40%)


1010 pounds over/front of axles (60%)
255 pounds over axles (15%)
755 pounds in front of axles (45%)




How am I looking?

[DougW]

Originally Posted by flx

I've updated the layout again and am attaching it below for another look by anyone willing. This forum has been so helpful and I really appreciate it. Based on the feedback I received, this layout would end up with:

WITH 40 GALLONS OF WATER (most common use)
2,000 pounds on trailer bed


690 pounds behind axles (35%)


1310 pounds over/front of axles (65%)
555 pounds over axles (27%)
755 pounds in front of axles (38%)




WHEN LOADED WITHOUT WATER (infrequent use)
1,700 pounds on trailer bed


690 pounds behind axles (40%)


1010 pounds over/front of axles (60%)
255 pounds over axles (15%)
755 pounds in front of axles (45%)




How am I looking?

That is looking pretty good to me. Once you get everything on there in a dry fit and weigh it, it will be interesting to see how close the actual weights are.

[Believer45]

I second DougW that you are looking good as your weights are figured. I also agree with him that it will be interesting to see what the scales say when you are doing the build.


Well thought out, well done.


Dave / Believer45

[JimM2109S]

This last iteration looks very good. When you can get scaled weights, let us know how it worked out. Now, where will it be parked when in full cook mode?

[flx]

Originally Posted by JimM2109S

This last iteration looks very good. When you can get scaled weights, let us know how it worked out. Now, where will it be parked when in full cook mode?

We're up in the Finger Lakes region in New York.

[D W]

Looking at the latest diagram in Post #26, I am wondering about how this rig will be attended. There doesn't see to be any human maneuver room on the deck, so my question is: will there be additional "furniture" , such as benches or stands to service the tables and smokers. Is this additional cargo and weight?

[flx]

Originally Posted by D W

Looking at the latest diagram in Post #26, I am wondering about how this rig will be attended. There doesn't see to be any human maneuver room on the deck, so my question is: will there be additional "furniture" , such as benches or stands to service the tables and smokers. Is this additional cargo and weight?

The deck height is 18" and the equipment you see will be cut before being affixed to the deck. Everything is tended to from the ground.

The tent, table, and chairs will be in the tow vehicle, so no added weight. Standing nearly 6'9", the typical enclosed trailer just won't work for me, so this setup is ideal.

But great question because I'd certainly want to consider any extra weight on the trailer.

[Believer45]

Originally Posted by flx

The tent, table, and chairs will be in the tow vehicle, so no added weight

You might want to look into carrying capacity of the Infiniti. 2022 has a base payload capacity of 1622 lbs. To be sure what yours can carry fuel it up and weigh it without anybody in it. Subtract that from gross vehicle weight rating of 7300 lbs and that is what your payload rating actually is. Take the tongue weight, add weight of driver and passengers, hitch, table, chairs, tent, tools, supplies, food etc. and that should not exceed the payload rating. You may be closer to overloading the QX80 than you think.

Dave / Believer45

[flx]

Originally Posted by Believer45

You might want to look into carrying capacity of the Infiniti. 2022 has a base payload capacity of 1622 lbs. To be sure what yours can carry fuel it up and weigh it without anybody in it. Subtract that from gross vehicle weight rating of 7300 lbs and that is what your payload rating actually is. Take the tongue weight, add weight of driver and passengers, hitch, table, chairs, tent, tools, supplies, food etc. and that should not exceed the payload rating. You may be closer to overloading the QX80 than you think.

Dave / Believer45

Good advice, thank you! Now to figure out who can weigh my car.

[Believer45]

Metal recyclers usually have a truck scale and some will weigh you for nothing if they are in a good mood at the time. Truck stops also have scales to weigh trucks. If you use a truck stop it is possible to weigh the front and rear axles separately. You will see several platforms, just put one axle on one platform and the other axle on the platform behind it. You will get each axle weight and total for the car.

[RamManMN]

Here are a couple of videos to check out:
https://youtu.be/JeEEC5eVNCk?si=GVhRyB96aEGY3YZF
https://youtu.be/MWAUg_5fAnE?si=04Ib_THT61cgAdUd