Terry,
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Originally Posted by Tharrison
snip..... WHEN do you determine tongue weight?......snip
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Tongue weight should be confirmed once one has the TT under "loaded" conditions, ready to camp. For enhanced TV handling and control of the TT under loaded conditions the loaded tongue weight should be 13% to 15% of the TT's loaded weight. So in order to determine the ideal loaded tongue weight the TT has to be weighed (CAT scale). For future thread reference, which model Jayco TT are you interested in?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tharrison
snip.... The TT of interest to us, lists a factory-specified tongue weight of 1,150 lbs.---a mere 100 pounds under our max. As an aside, our max tongue weight of 1,250 is the largest max tongue weight of all production trucks that use a 2 inch hitch receiver. The factory spec of 1,150 could quickly climb above our limit with the addition of batteries, etc. The TT has a GVWR of 9750 lbs., well within the margin for our TV .....snip
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The Jayco factory published tongue weight of 1,150lbs is under DRY (unloaded) conditions as you are aware, your actual "loaded" tongue weight will be higher and is defined by your personal loading habits. For example; if the TT loaded weighed in at 8,500lbs, the desired loaded tongue weight would be 1,105lbs to 1,275lbs (13% to 15%). If the TT was loaded to it's GVWR of 9,750lbs, then a loaded tongue weight of 1,268lbs to 1,463lbs. One would locate cargo in a manner to get the desired tongue weight.
As Crabman mentioned, you would have to upgrade your TV's receiver to accommodate the heavier weights. Also, check your TV's owners manual for any other towing and/or tongue weight restrictions other then just the OEM receiver.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tharrison
snip..... Here is my confusion. If I use a tongue weight scale, will it produce the same value for tongue weight as the three step procedure in the "sticky" note? .....snip
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Yes, but in many cases there will be a little difference because of CAT scale tolerances (plus/minus 40lbs). The only thing a Sherline tongue weight scale won't tell you is whether you are 13% to 15% of the TT's loaded weight ......, unless you know the TT's loaded weight before hand.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tharrison
snip.... With a WDH, it would seem that some of that tongue weight would be redistributed ......snip..... Which method determines the tongue weight that should be used to compare against the TV tongue weight limit? ....... snip
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The TT tongue weight placed over the TV's hitch ball for the most part remains constant. The effect of the TT's tongue being placed on the hitch ball results in the TV's rear axle weight increasing and the TV's front axle weight decreasing. What the WDH is doing is removing weight off the TV's rear axle, then distributes weight to the TV's front axle and some weight back to the TT's axles. This is where the CAT scale comes in, as you already know. About 10% to 15% of the tongue weight "value" will be distributed to the TT axles (just a ballpark), differs with TV/TT combinations.
Either method (Sherline tongue scale or CAT scale) can be used for TV tongue weight limit review.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tharrison
snip.... For our purposes, I could take a tongue weight scale to a dealer and get a reading without being connected and at a CAT scale. Since tongue weight is the only questionable issue for us, I could possibly resolve it up front with a scale...... snip
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As mentioned above, taking a tongue weight reading at the RV dealer won't represent your loaded towing conditions. If the TT is sitting on the dealer lot, look for the yellow sticker on the side of the TT, there will be an actual UVW (ship weight) identified, and in almost every case this weight will be higher then the Jayco published UVW.
Then: (yellow sticker UVW) + (100lbs dealer adds; battery, etc) + (your estimated TT cargo weight) = TT loaded weight estimate..., then take 13% to 15% for your loaded tongue weight estimate.
Hope this doesn't add to the confusion
Feel free to comment, or ask for any clarifications.
Bob
On Edit: I would use 500lbs - 700lbs for a TT cargo weight estimate..., plus any fresh water weight if you tow with it. Also, if the TT isn't on the dealer's lot, then add 400lbs minimum to the Jayco published UVW for an estimated ship weight.