CAT scale results

[amabee]

Ok, so we finally found some time to take the truck and new trailer to the CAT scale.

TV specs:

FGAWR 3950
RGAWR 3950
GVWR 7000
GCVWR 15000

Trailer:

Axles 5000lbs combined
GVWR 5450

1st weigh

Steer Axle 3500
Drive Axle 2680

2nd weigh, springs bars engaged

Steer Axle 3400
Drive Axle 3300
Trailer Axles 4400

3rd weigh

Steer Axle 3220
Drive Axle 3600
Trailer Axles 4280

I come up with a GTW of 4920lbs and an actual TW of 640lbs, which is right at 13%. That is of course if I am figuring this right.
My concern is the 100lb difference between the hitched and unhitched weight on the steer axle. I don't know if that is close enough or not, I do know reducing the links under tension by one is way to much, the back of the truck doesn't drop at all. The tilt adjustment also seems very "coarse", I almost think tilting it will no longer allow enough links under tension.

[Rustic Eagle]

Your correct on your 4,920lb gross TT weight, and a 640lb loaded tongue weight. Most CAT scales have a possible 40lb plus/minus weight error..., but a 100lb steering axle delta shouldn't be a major concern, but I would try and dial it in a little closer unless you plan to add some added /passenger/cargo weight to the TV.

If reducing the links under tension by one link is to much, then I would leave well enough alone. Tilting the ball mount toward the TT one position will accomplish almost the same end result as reducing one link under tension (in most cases).

Bob

[amabee]

Well, I have to add a little more info to this. We noticed that the trailer seemed a little "bouncy" yesterday, even with 13% TW. So I took it to a fairly flat parking lot and noticed the tongue was just slightly pointing up. So we lowered the hitch head one notch and that made a world of difference, it now points just slightly down and no "bouncy" feeling when towing.

After doing that we took it back to the CAT scale for some more weights.

With 6 links under tension we had 3300lbs on the steer axle, even less than before. We then went to 5 links and were at 3400lbs. To see what would happen we did the minimum of 4 links under tension(according to the hitch instructions) and got a steer axle weight of 3520lbs. My question is, will having only 4 links cause any issues when turning? Should I try tilting the head back or maybe just go with 5 links? It seems to handle just fine with the 100lbs less on the front.

[Doug]

I think i would be happy with 100 lbs less on front.
I personally don't like to be over my unhitched weight on the steering axel. especially knowing scales can be +/- 40 lbs.

Sounds like you have a good set up at 5 links one you ot the nose down.

JMHO,
Doug

[amabee]

Originally Posted by Rustic Eagle

but a 100lb steering axle delta shouldn't be a major concern, but I would try and dial it in a little closer unless you plan to add some added /passenger/cargo weight to the TV.

So if more weight is added, would it possibly return more to the Steer axle? Just trying to understand.

I think i would be happy with 100 lbs less on front.
I personally don't like to be over my unhitched weight on the steering axel. especially knowing scales can be +/- 40 lbs.

Sounds like you have a good set up at 5 links one you ot the nose down.

This is kind of what I am leaning towards, it took quite a bit of raising the tongue and truck to get them on with only 4 links and it still took some force to swing up the brackets. I also don't care for how close the bars are to the frame, though we seemed to have no issues backing into our driveway.

[David472]

For stability running down the highway, you are better off with the 5 link and 3400 lbs on the steer axle. Too much weight on the steer axle makes for an unstable situation in windy conditions.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by amabee

So if more weight is added, would it possibly return more to the Steer axle? Just trying to understand....snip

Depends on the location of the added weight...., "forward" of the TV's rear axle will add a percentage of the added weight.

I know that on most GM Trucks and SUV's if you exceed the TV's unhitched steering axle weight the suspension stops will be compressed creating a rough ride.

I wouldn't use 4-links under tension if it produces an "over-weight" on the steering axle...., stay with 5-links (3.400lbs).

The reason your WDH installation instructions state "minimum 4 links" is because the Pro-Series (Reese, Draw-Tite, etc.) has a straight (flat) spring bar tail and is not considered a heavy duty WDH. Most heavy duty WDH's (round & trunnion) have a radius at the spring bar tail that lowers the location of the connecting chain link, and I believe the dimensional relationship of spring bar to ball mount may differ a little as well...... these installation instructions (Reese, Draw-Tite, etc.) state 5-links minimum. Follow the installation instructions that came with your WDH, going below the recommended chain links under tension will cause the spring bar tail to come into contact with your TT's A-frame during TV turns.

Hope this helps.

Bob

[amabee]

Thank you all very much for the advice/info. I will go with 5 links and call it good.