CAT Scale Visit

[tls001]

For my own piece of mind, I took our rig to a CAT scale today to make sure everything was good. We were loaded for camping.
I would appreciate some of you WD gurus comfirming my findings. (I really hate doing public math)

Here are the results:

1st Weigh - TV only
Ft axle-3460
Rr axle-2960
Total TV weight - 6420 (Gross allowed 7200)

2nd Weigh - TV and TT with WD
Ft axle-3460
Rr axle-3640
TT axles-5140
Total Weight - 12240

3rd Weigh - TV and TT with WD unloaded
Ft axle-3100
Rr axle-4160
TT axles-4980
Total Weight - 12240
GCWR = 15100

If I understand the sticky on how to figure this correctly, this is what I come up with.

Total trailer weight = 5820 (Gross weight allowed = 7000)
Tongue weight = 840 (14.4%)

All weights were under my gross ratings

Measured the wheel wells before and after WD

Fronts were 37 1/2" before and after

Rears were 39" before and 37" after


Have I missed anything???

[FPM III]

Originally Posted by tls001

...Have I missed anything???

Yes, you're missing one gross rating. What is your COMBINED Gross Vehicle Weight rating compared to your actual combined weight? The GCWR comes from the vehicle's manufacturer. Essentially, it's the TV's gross weight plus what the manufacturer says is the maximum weight of a trailer you can safely tow.

Once you know this, how do your actual weights stack up against it? You say your actual combined weight is 12,240 pounds. Well, if for example, the manufacturer of your truck says your GCWR is 12,000 pounds, you're overweight by 240 pounds.

You might want to read this:

How Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) Works

[tls001]

I understand what GCWR is, i just failed to put it in the post. I have since edited the post to include it.
The GCWR for my TV is 15100

[Quahog]

You didn't say what specific engine you have but I think yours is a 5.0 w/ 3.73 gears. This towing info may help.

http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/2011...ations/towing/

I'm no expert but it sounds to me like you're ok all around.

Here's another thread you may find useful:

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fu...d/17730894.cfm

[tls001]

Originally Posted by Quahog

You didn't say what specific engine you have but I think yours is a 5.0 w/ 3.73 gears. This towing info may help.

http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/2011...ations/towing/

I'm no expert but it sounds to me like you're ok all around.

Here's another thread you may find useful:

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fu...d/17730894.cfm

You are correct on the engine and gears.....

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by tls001

snip..... Have I missed anything???

Tls001,

Great job on utilizing the CAT scale with your loaded TV/TT combination..., and the only weight confirmations not stated were your TV's (F/R) GAWR's..., unless they are covered under your statement; "All weights were under my gross ratings".

Your CAT data confirmed the following:

* WDH is adjusted correctly, having distributed the proper weight back to the TV's front axle that was initially removed when the TT ball coupler was placed on the TV ball mount.

* Within the desired 13% to 15% loaded TT tongue weight based on your loaded TT weight.

* Having a 840lb loaded tongue weight implies that a 1,000lb minimum rated WDH would be ideal.

* Weight is being distributed to the TT axles.

* Loaded weights are within TV and TT GVWR's.

* TV axle weights within TV GAWR's (?).

* TT loaded tongue weight and TT loaded weight within TV receiver limits in WD mode (?).

I'm sure you will now travel with a higher degree of confidence having invested a little time at the CAT scale. I would assume that you have some form of sway control with your WDH as well.

Bob

[tls001]

Originally Posted by Rustic Eagle

Tls001,

Great job on utilizing the CAT scale with your loaded TV/TT combination..., and the only weight confirmations not stated were your TV's (F/R) GAWR's..., unless they are covered under your statement; "All weights were under my gross ratings".

Your CAT data confirmed the following:

* WDH is adjusted correctly, having distributed the proper weight back to the TV's front axle that was initially removed when the TT ball coupler was placed on the TV ball mount.

* Within the desired 13% to 15% loaded TT tongue weight based on your loaded TT weight.

* Having a 840lb loaded tongue weight implies that a 1,000lb minimum rated WDH would be ideal.

* Weight is being distributed to the TT axles.

* Loaded weights are within TV and TT GVWR's.

* TV axle weights within TV GAWR's (?).

* TT loaded tongue weight and TT loaded weight within TV receiver limits in WD mode (?).

I'm sure you will now travel with a higher degree of confidence having invested a little time at the CAT scale. I would assume that you have some form of sway control with your WDH as well.

Bob

Thanks Bob,

The front axle GAWR is 3750 and the rear is 3850

I am using a 1000/10000 equal-i-zer WDH

The TV receiver is rated at 1050 tonque and 10500 total using WDH

You are right, i feel much more at ease knowing exactly what I am pulling. The $11.00 the CAT scale folks charged was a bargain.

Thanks again,
Terry

[Rustic Eagle]

Terry,

Yep, looks like you are good-to-go.

Have a safe and enjoyable summer camping

Bob