Tongue Weight without hitting the CAT scale?

[MommieMara]

Ok so I know I want that sweet spot tongue weight and how I load stuff effects that. I know at my camper size I want to be around a nice 13%. Is there a way to figure this out at home without having to hit the CAT scale before every trip? Do you just get a feel for it after a while? When your a N00B like me how do you figure out your packing and loading to get that sweet spot tongue weight?

[norty1]

If you carry the same stuff and it is stored in the same place, a benchmark measurement may be the only way to go. Then you will know what it is every time if nothing changes.

[goducks]

If you load the same then 50-100lbs shouldn't matter.
Try using this method. I've done it in the past and it was spot on with the scales we have here in Oregon.
http://hildstrom.com/projects/tonguescale/index.html

[Crabman]

You can also buy a Sherline scale.


http://www.sherline.com/lm.htm

[MommieMara]

Oh that trick with the bathroom scale looks pretty easy to replicate. Awesome thanks. I'd like a little peace of mind knowing I have the range right. Its a long drive to the CAT scale so I'd like to know I'm at least close before setting out with our new camper.

[Rustic Eagle]

Knowing your TT's actual loaded tongue weight is great information, but in order to confirm a loaded tongue weight "%" you need to know the TT's loaded weight (gross)...., so at least one visit to a scale will be required.

Once a complete CAT scale visit is completed, you shouldn't have to return unless your loading habits change notably. The Sherline tongue weight scale is a great tool for spot checking your tongue weight after the initial CAT visit...., use mine often.

CAT Scale 'how-to': http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3871

Bob

[MommieMara]

I plan to go once at least. I figure I can estimate based on the weight upon delivery and a ball park of what I load in it. Same stuff will basically live in the camper. I just like the idea of being able to check regularly before we leave so I know I loaded everything correctly.

[Rustic Eagle]

Good plan..., the initial loaded TV/TT CAT visit will give you a lot of good reference data to compare your 'home' pre-trip tongue weight readings with.

Bob

[MommieMara]

After looking at the picture of the F150 with the nose of the camper almost dragging the ground posted over in the campfire section I'm more confident its better to check the weight regularly lol

[Nighthawk 96]

I like to go by the CAT Scale every once in a while to confirm my weights. There is one on the way to our favorite campground, so no big deal to stop in.

[RedHorse1]

I think "nort" and "go" have nailed it. Get a weight that is good and as long as you don't start carrying another elephant in the front compartment any changes from trip to trip will be negligible. Adding 200# to your TT should affect your tongue by ~26#. If that's going to put you over weight on the tongue you should be shopping for a bigger truck, smaller TT or leave the elephant at home.
"Night" has a good suggestion as well, maybe hitting the scale every spring (or so) is just good mojo.
I also think the CAT Scale accuracy is about +-10# anyway.
All this said, guess what?
The CAT Scale is your friend.

[dewey02]

Thanks GoDucks and Rustic Eagle for those links.
I've got them marked as favorites, so when I get my TT out of storage this spring, I'll be hitting the scales. Thanks again.

[RoyBraddy]

X2 on the SHERLINE SCALES. AMAZON - ETRAILER sells them



Has many other uses here - great to have in the RV tool box...

Roy Ken

[Swinepartner]

Thanks for this good info. I'm going to get my TV weighed this weekend just to see what it is. My camper is new, and not loaded yet, so I don't know how much I'll get out of it. I'll weigh it once I have it loaded The link for the cat scales is exactly what I thought I needed to do.