Took the F150 and White Hawk 28DSBH to a Cat Scale

[milw156]

While in Lodi, CA at Flag City RV Park I took advantage of the Cat Scale nearby. TV is a 2012 Ford F150 Ecoboost 157" with the Max Tow package. Trailer is a 2014 White Hawk 28DSBH and hitch is a Reese Strait-Line Dual Cam with 1200 lbs bars.

F150 Stats:
GVWR 7700 lbs
Max payload: 1685 lbs

28DSBH Stats:
Empty 5937 lbs

1) First Scale: F150 only with family and full gas tank
Steer Axle: 3700 lbs
Drive Axle: 2960 lbs
Trailer Axle: Nil
Total: 6660 lbs

2) Second Scale: F150 with family and full gas tank, and trailer loaded and "wet". Approx 8 gallons water in gravity tank and 1 gallon in black tank plus full gear.
Steer Axle: 3380 lbs
Drive Axle: 3900 lbs
Trailer Axle: 6040 lbs
Total: 13320 lbs

A couple of things jumped out at me
1) I am a bit surprised that we only have about 723 lbs of "stuff" in the trailer as this is us with our things, plus some fresh water in case of pit stops.
2) If I'm doing the math correctly, about 620 lbs is actually going against my payload weight after using the WD bars. I barely use the bars as it is. Is this correct?

I've had no issues towing this trailer and there has been no sway issues. However I'm wondering if I should be shifting some weight in front of the trailer axles.

Any thoughts?

[Rustic Eagle]

Peter,

If your "Second Scale" is with the WDH engaged, then it appears that you need to transfer more weight to your TV's steering axle....., which would explain why you "barely use the bars". NOTE: On some of the newer Ford trucks one doesn't need to return 100% of the weight removed (in your case 3,700lbs) by the effect of the TT's loaded tongue weight,........ check your owner's manual to confirm if this applies to your Ford truck (even if it does, there is a "percentage" return weight requirement). If you find that the "percentage" return weight requirement doesn't apply to your particular Ford truck, then your TV's steering axle weight should be the same with "Truck Only" and "TV/TT hitched" with WDH engaged. Either way, I believe you will find that more weight is required at the TV's steering axle.

It takes three (3) separate CAT scale passes to get all the weights you need. Here is a JOF link on the CAT scale "how to" that may be helpful: http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthrea...igh-Your-tt-tv

Post back if any clarification is required.

My WIFI is cutting in-and-out so I can't go into much detail (boondocking in the Hiawatha National Forest).

Bob

[milw156]

Thanks Bob! I'll adjust and weigh at the next Cat scale up the road.

[Nighthawk 96]

Try moving your chains up one or two links to push more weight to the steer axle.

[clutch]

Originally Posted by Nighthawk 96

Try moving your chains up one or two links to push more weight to the steer axle.

X2

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by Nighthawk 96

Try moving your chains up one or two links to push more weight to the steer axle.

Yes...., and for OP's clarification: When making a TV/TT weight transfer adjustment with only the snap-up bracket chain link "count", confirm that at least five (5) chain links remain under tension to insure proper spring bar movement during TV turns (with a conventional WDH).

In the event that less then 5 chain links under tension would be required, then tilt the WDH ball mount one position toward the TT.........., thus maintaining the 5 chain link minimum WDH requirement. Tilting the ball mount in the proper direction transfers more weight as well.

Bob

[Green-Harley]

IIRC, scales are less used early in the day on the weekends and mid day mid week (Wednesday and Thursday), so that may be the best time to hit them and avoid delays.
I have a Super Duty and mid-sized Swift TT, so I'm not using a weight distributing hitch, but now I'm interested in my weights. Closest Cat to my trailer is 30 miles, need to wait until we go on a trip. Currently it's my work home and DW's country retreat.

[milw156]

I lowered the ball mount, reduced a chain for the snap-ups, and took it to another cat scale. I will include the first 2 weighs, with the 3rd being the closer. I think I'm getting there. One more adjustment pending.

1) First Scale: F150 only with family and full gas tank
Steer Axle: 3700 lbs
Drive Axle: 2960 lbs
Trailer Axle: Nil
Total: 6660 lbs

2) Second Scale: F150 with family and full gas tank, and trailer loaded and "wet". Approx 8 gallons water in gravity tank and 1 gallon in black tank plus full gear.
Steer Axle: 3380 lbs
Drive Axle: 3900 lbs
Trailer Axle: 6040 lbs
Total: 13320 lbs

3) Ball mount lowered 1" and 1 going from 8th chain to 7th chain for snap-up brackets. Fuel and passengers not changed. Only difference is a case of wine purchased in OR
Steer Axle: 3520 lbs
Drive Axle: 3740 lbs
Trailer Axle: 6080 lbs
Gross Weight: 13340 lbs.

Thanks again for everyone's assistance with this. All-in-all I'm really glad that I actually know the weights instead of guessing.

[Rustic Eagle]

Peter,

Great effort on your part!

I also agree.... your closing-in on getting your TV's steering axle weight where it belongs with TV/TT hitched with WDH engaged. Your most recent CAT weights reflect a reduction in TV's rear axle weight..., thus transferring more weight to the TV's steering axle and TT axles.

Once you get your WDH dialed in you will notice enhanced TV handling of your TT, especially in less than ideal towing conditions.

Bob

[Doug]

Great job, it is nice actually having the numbers in hand.
I am hooked on knowing my numbers after this year.

Doug