Verify CAT scale numbers please

[bearcat77]

Posting numbers for a buddy. I think we are good, but double check me please.



Attachment 1

Attachment 1

Trailer =8680
Tongue weight = 1020, just under 12%

Tongue weight looks good, and weight returned to steer axle looks good, right? Trying to diagnose a sway issue, but I don’t think weights are the issue.

[bearcat77]

[bearcat77]

[TxLoser]

12% is way low for a fw tongue weight. Should be closer to 20. Light on the tongue will cause sway.

Something isn’t right. I’m showing a dry weight of that trailer at 10,600.

[bearcat77]

Sorry, not a fifth wheel. I have no idea what those pictures are or where they came from. It’s a 34’ travel trailer being pulled by an F150. I’m already prepping him for an F350 purchase.

[TxLoser]

Oh ok. I thought that was a photo of the setup. I had some sway with an old TT. I adjusted the WDH some to add more tongue weight and it was much better. More tongue always means less sway.

Edit: always may be a strong statement. I’ll change that to most of the time. I’m no expert, just relating my own experience.

[bearcat77]

Yeah, I’m told him he could go higher on the tongue weight, but at close to 12%, and full weight returned to steer axle, he really shouldn’t have to. I think he may just be suffering from that nice soft F150 suspension. Based on the sway I saw on the interstate, I was expecting the numbers to be a lot farther off.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by bearcat77

snip.......It’s a 34’ travel trailer being pulled by an F150.......snip

The CAT weights (assume under loaded conditions) need to also be compared to the F-150's specified GVWR and specified rear GAWR to confirm within limits.

My first thought would be towing a 34ft TT @ 8,680lbs gross loaded weight I would want my loaded tongue weight closer to 15% (1,300lbs) than at 11.75% (1,020lbs) ...., with any size TV. Tongue weight % is critical for any TV handling a long/heavy TT, especially in less than ideal towing conditions.

Couple additional thoughts come to mind....

* F-150 receiver hitch 'weight distribution' rating?
* WDH brand/model/weight ratings ?
* Type of WDH sway control (integrated or manual) ?
* TT towing level?
* TV & TT tires at max PSI?
* TV tires "P" or "LT"?

Bob

[Midnightmoon]

Originally Posted by Rustic Eagle

The CAT weights (assume under loaded conditions) need to also be compared to the F-150's specified GVWR and specified rear GAWR to confirm within limits.

Here is the data sticker off of a 2018 F150 crew cab max tow 157" wheelbase 4x4 for comparison. The truck in the OP's question may differ slightly depending on configuration.

[bearcat77]

This is the actual sticker:




I’m thinking a tiny bit more on the tongue, and if that doesn’t work, then LT tires. Or just get that F-350 long bed like I’ve been telling him!

[Rustic Eagle]

bearcat77,

Appreciate the follow-up.

If my math is correct, it appears that the F-150 in question is exceeding it's specified GVWR and rear GAWR.

The TV OEM receiver hitch has a specified maximum tongue weight of 1,150lbs, not much wiggle room for adding tongue weight based on the present 1,020lb loaded tongue weight...., and in doing so will contribute to the TV gross weight and rear axle weight.

If the WDH is under rated it can also influence TV/TT handling characteristics. Also, if the present WDH utilizes a 'manual friction sway bar' (non integrated), TT's over 26ft its recommend that two manual friction bars be used.

Just food for thought.

Bob

[Murff]

Coorect me if I'm wrong but the CAT states Drive (rear) axle at 4200 lbs. Door sticket states GAWR of 3800 lbs. Me thinks rear axle is overloaded by 400 lbs?

Murff

[bearcat77]

I think you guys are looking at midnight moon’s sticker. Rear axle on my buddy’s truck is 4050.

[Rustic Eagle]

bearcat77,

I was looking at your posted 4,050lb rear GAWR....., the CAT stated 4,200lbs (hitched & engaged)...., thus my over weight comment.

Bob

[Murff]

OK, reread correct sticker. Still a few pounds over but maybe rearrange load or up a notch on the WDH?

Murff

[bearcat77]

Eagle, you are correct! I knew I still followed you guys for a reason. That totally slipped past me. Sounds like he is at the max for his truck and may just have to bite the bullet and go truck shopping.

[Bayoutalker]

Originally Posted by bearcat77

Eagle, you are correct! I knew I still followed you guys for a reason. That totally slipped past me. Sounds like he is at the max for his truck and may just have to bite the bullet and go truck shopping.

I wouldn't jump all the way to a 3500 for that trailer. A 2500 with a full tow package should be more than enough unless he is looking at a bigger trailer soon. He would save money and fuel.

[jadatis]

Your weight on TT axles is 7640 lbs and weight on tonge I calculated as 820 lbs.
Then tonge/ total TT = 820/ ( 7640+ 820) =9.7%
That is below the minimum prescribed of 10%, and American traveltrailers are designed to be stable at 10% to 15% tonge- weight.

What you calculated was the tongeweight/ carweight ratio, and that is indead 12%.

Edit: sorry, now I miscalculated, will review it.
Edit2: reviewed and onlyb40 lbs difference total weight.
To let my post still add something, you did not use a weightdiatrbution hitch and towbar is placed 0.411 times wheelbase, behind rear axle. For instance wheelbase 10 foot , then towbar 4.11 foot behind rear-axle.
The more overhang behind, the lesser stable.
Uae this in your yudgement.

[Heady]

On my F150 had terrible sway.....until I went to max sidewall pressure on the TV tires, this helped some.....I then went to LT tires and it was a incredible difference. The stiffer sidewalls of the LT tires made a huge difference!