Skipped the Cat Scale

[RUSSELL5000]

In preparation for long trip, I loaded the truck and trailer as it will be for travel -at least as close as possible. I used three 25 lb plates as representation of a full refigerator and freezer.

Measurements before hookup - ground to fender well: front = 39.0 in; rear = 41.0 inch.

Measurements after hookup and before weight distribution bars: front = 40.1 inch; rear = 39.0 inch.

Measurements after hookup and after weight distribution bars: front = 39.5 inch; rear = 39.5 inch.

I put a four foot level on the floor of the trailer after hookup: the bubble was right in the middle. I put the four foot level on the bed rail of the truck: the bubble was not in the middle - the rear of the truck is just a tiny bit high (bubble was very close to the middle.)

I decided to skip the Cat scale because I have the Equal-I-Zer hitch and I cannot see what could be adjusted to improve upon where I am at.

On paper, all of my rig is at about 80 percent of capability - so, I think I am good. I welcome another view from those who have more trips around the block.

Thanks!

[norty1]

I had to know so I check mine regularly. You may be surprised at how much stuff you have loaded on a empty rig.

[RedHorse1]

Originally Posted by norty1

I had to know so I check mine regularly. You may be surprised at how much stuff you have loaded on a empty rig.

I'm a fan of the scales too. I just sleep better verifying what I know about my weights. I know my weights before hitting them. After, I KNOW. Just my $000,000.02

[BigJohnD]

Regardless of set up, it's always good peace of mind to know what's on the axles, pin, hitch etc. When we full timed, I was within 400 lbs of max gross on a 40' fifth wheel, and that was with all empty tanks, empty water heater and minimal propane. It adds up quick. I'm always way more concerned about the trailer than the truck. That said, I hadn't got our newest one on the scales, but there's very little in it now, until I can get it to the scales.

[RUSSELL5000]

Well, you guys are right; I can't argue that it is good to know.

I was checking everything Sunday afternoon. If I am working with the Equal-I-Zer hitch correctly, you change the weight transferred to the axles of the truck by changing the L bracket height. I moved the L bracket one position, and the measurement on the front was LOWER than the unhitched measurement. According to the instructions, a bad set-up because too much weight was transferred. So, I went back to my original position.

The GVWR for the trailer is 9,250 lbs. 15% of that is 1,388 lbs.; I have the 1,400 lb. Equal-I-Zer.

According to the specifications, the truck has a payload of 2,400 lbs. Assuming a 1,400 lb. tongue weight (which I think is high), I have 1,000 lbs. of payload left. We are probably close to that with all of the family, dogs, and "stuff", but not far over.

According to the specifications, maximum trailer weight is 12,600 lbs.

So, my conclusion is that I have plenty of truck and hitch.

My question is really this: if I went to the Cat scale, what could I do? What could I change (I am afraid a new truck is out of the question)?

Thanks.

[norty1]

Well for one thing you may be relieved to find that all is well or close as you suspect or it may be a eye opener that you can work on if way over.
Just don't suggest your wife go on a diet!

[RedHorse1]

The issue for me about a vehicle's payload is that number is for the entire TV. Most of your load winds up on the rear axle. In my experience I will be at the rear axle max (Rear GAWR) before hitting my GVWR.
Knowing your weights will verify how well the hitch is set up (but it sounds like you've prolly got that one nailed), and if you are over, by how much and if the hitch weight is good.

[Filthy-Beast]

The scale and real weights will let you know if you need to move stuff from the TV to the trailer.

[RedHorse1]

Originally Posted by Filthy-Beast

The scale and real weights will let you know if you need to move stuff from the TV to the trailer.

Or maybe that you need to buy more "stuff".

[RUSSELL5000]

OK - some good points, particularly regarding distribution of stuff between the trailer and tow vehicle.

The need to buy more "stuff" is constant; no way to kill that possibility like suggesting the wife may need to diet, however!

[Subaru297]

You can also move stuff around in the trailer if your tongue weight is too high. First time I went to the scales I think our tongue weight was around 16% and we were right at our rear axle limit. A bit of repacking to get tongue weight around 13% and we were in better shape.

[RUSSELL5000]

Subaru927, thanks for the input. Good point.