CAT Scale Results

[lagman]

I took my new and loaded up 26BH to the scales today. I knew I would be close to max given my TT/TV combo but it looks like the numbers are in my favor (although I am close to the TV front axle limit). There was a line at the scale so I only had time to weigh hitched, with WD enabled. I also posted my previous CAT results of my unhitched and loaded TV. Also I measured the distance from the ground to the top of the wheel wells and pasted that below. I'd appreciate any comments or suggestions:

Capacities: 2013 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 w/Towing Package
GVWR: 5500
GCWR 11100
GAWR: Front: 2755
GAWR: Rear : 3110
Payload Capacity 1295
Max Tongue Weight 640
Max Towing Capacity 6400

Actual TT Measurements from CAT Scale: Hitched, WD Enabled
Steer Axle 2700 lbs
Drive Axle 2620 lbs
Trailer Axle 4600 lbs

Actual TV Measurements from CAT Scale: 2013 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 w/Towing Package (loaded and unhitched)
Steer Axle Weight 2745
Drive Axle Weight 2050

Measurements, Unhitched:
Front: 34.1"
Rear: 35.2"

Measurements, Hitched, no WD:
Front: 34.5"
Rear: 33.5"

Measurements, Hitched, with WD:
Front: 33.9"
Rear: 34.5"

If I'm doing the math correctly, it appears I am within all of my limits (except hitch weight is unknown.. I'll have to go to the scales again and weigh without WD enabled to get that number). The wheel well measurements suggest I am returning 0.2" too much to the TV front axle, although the CAT measurements suggest I still need to transfer another 45lbs to the front.. What does everyone think, leave it as is or transfer a little less to the front?

Thanks,
Dan

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by lagman

snip....... The wheel well measurements suggest I am returning 0.2" too much to the TV front axle, although the CAT measurements suggest I still need to transfer another 45lbs to the front.. What does everyone think, leave it as is or transfer a little less to the front?..... snip

Dan,

IMO I would leave well enough alone, your about as close as one could ask for. There is always a little suspension settling that takes place, and CAT scales have around a 40lb plus/minus tolerance. Also, even if you wanted to tweak the WDH a little, I would wait until you get your loaded tongue weight results.

I agree that your results reflect that you are within your TV weight limits, and confirming you loaded tongue weight is the only remaining data needed.

Whats interesting is that your 180lbs under your TV's GVWR, which is the same amount that member "dougtoms01" was on his TV CAT results a couple of days ago. http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthrea...heck-Requested

I bet it's good to know that you have your WDH adjusted correctly, thus providing enhanced handling/towing characteristics. Your results also let you know that adding any more weight to your TV/TT combination may compromise some weight limits.

Bob

[lagman]

I managed to get my hands on a tongue scale today. The tongue weighed in at 728lbs, which is 88lbs over my limit. Does the fact that my driveway slopes downward have any effect on the weight? I leveled the TT so it was parallel with the driveway but there is a significant downward slope. The measurement was taken at the low part of the driveway.

Thanks,
Dan

[Tail_gunner]

If you were not on a level surface, it will throw your tongue weight measurement at least some.

I'm pretty sure the tongue weight limit on your truck that you are referring to, is for a regular ball mount and not a weight distributing hitch. 640 sounds a little low for a WDH. Usually there are two sets of limit numbers, one for weight bearing ball mounts and another for weight distributing hitches.

[Doug]

Lagman,
I agree with the other comments.
Looks pretty good to me.
My front axel is a little less than unhitched, but my wheel measures slight below unhitched.
So, I wouldn't be concerned with the tape measure, I'd put my trust in the scales.

I didn't see how your trailer is sitting, ht wise?
I'd recommend about 1/2" - 1" lower in the front of TT versus rear.
I made an adjustment on the road trying to put just a slight bit more weight on my front end.
Stopped at the next CAT scale and weights were unchanged on TV axles. TT increased slightly.
Measurement wise, I raised the rear of the TV about 3/4", went from about 3/4 low in the front of TT to about 1/2" high in the front of TT.
It did not handle well at all. Instead of just a push by the big rigs, I got a push, then a waggle, waggle.
I stopped at the next rest area and put everything back to where I started :-)

Best regards,
Doug

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by lagman

snip....... Does the fact that my driveway slopes downward have any effect on the weight?....... snip

Dan,

It could, but difficult to say by how much. When I use my Sherline under your circumstances it can be a challenge to keep the scale square with the TT tongue, and found that I can get different weight results. Also, make sure your slide(s) remain closed during a weigh.

You mentioned that your 88 lbs over your limit...., which "weight limit" are you referring to?

Bob

[Doug]

Bob,
Sounds like he may be thinking he's 88 lbs over his hitch tongue weight rating.

Doug

[lagman]

Originally Posted by dougtoms01

Bob,
Sounds like he may be thinking he's 88 lbs over his hitch tongue weight rating.

Doug

right. my TV max hitch weight is 640 lbs.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by lagman

right. my TV max hitch weight is 640 lbs.

Dan,

Most TV receivers have two weight limits stamped on them, one is a WDH limit and the other is Weight Carrying (no WDH)...., or is the 640lbs the maximum specified by Toyota irregardless of the receiver used?

Depending on where the maximum 640lb tongue weight limit is specified, you may still be within your limit.

Bob

[Threebutchers]

Originally Posted by Rustic Eagle

Dan,

Most TV receivers have two weight limits stamped on them, one is a WDH limit and the other is Weight Carrying (no WDH)

now I'm learning.....thank you