Weight Distribution Question
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 889
Likes: 156
From: Gainesville
Weight Distribution Question
I’ve been to a CAT scale and weighed the Ex and our 28’ TT. Both weighted down a if we were traveling.
I had the Ex/TT attached with WD adjusted to what I thought would be close. I rolled up to the scale and weighed the Ex. I then rolled forward and weighed the TT.
I rolled off and then tightened the WDH a 1/4” and made the same pass. Rolled off and then loosened it 1/4” and made another pass.
Actually, the first pass was almost dead on with 40% weight being on the front tires and 60% on the rear tires.
I’ve read where the tow vehicle should make a separate, third pass by its self.
My question is why make this third pass?
Thanks.
I had the Ex/TT attached with WD adjusted to what I thought would be close. I rolled up to the scale and weighed the Ex. I then rolled forward and weighed the TT.
I rolled off and then tightened the WDH a 1/4” and made the same pass. Rolled off and then loosened it 1/4” and made another pass.
Actually, the first pass was almost dead on with 40% weight being on the front tires and 60% on the rear tires.
I’ve read where the tow vehicle should make a separate, third pass by its self.
My question is why make this third pass?
Thanks.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 1,695
I’ve been to a CAT scale and weighed the Ex and our 28’ TT. Both weighted down a if we were traveling.
I had the Ex/TT attached with WD adjusted to what I thought would be close. I rolled up to the scale and weighed the Ex. I then rolled forward and weighed the TT.
I rolled off and then tightened the WDH a 1/4” and made the same pass. Rolled off and then loosened it 1/4” and made another pass.
Actually, the first pass was almost dead on with 40% weight being on the front tires and 60% on the rear tires.
I’ve read where the tow vehicle should make a separate, third pass by its self.
My question is why make this third pass?
Thanks.
I had the Ex/TT attached with WD adjusted to what I thought would be close. I rolled up to the scale and weighed the Ex. I then rolled forward and weighed the TT.
I rolled off and then tightened the WDH a 1/4” and made the same pass. Rolled off and then loosened it 1/4” and made another pass.
Actually, the first pass was almost dead on with 40% weight being on the front tires and 60% on the rear tires.
I’ve read where the tow vehicle should make a separate, third pass by its self.
My question is why make this third pass?
Thanks.
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,049
Likes: 1,546
From: Media PA
I’ve been to a CAT scale and weighed the Ex and our 28’ TT. Both weighted down a if we were traveling.
I had the Ex/TT attached with WD adjusted to what I thought would be close. I rolled up to the scale and weighed the Ex. I then rolled forward and weighed the TT.
I rolled off and then tightened the WDH a 1/4” and made the same pass. Rolled off and then loosened it 1/4” and made another pass.
Actually, the first pass was almost dead on with 40% weight being on the front tires and 60% on the rear tires.
I’ve read where the tow vehicle should make a separate, third pass by its self.
My question is why make this third pass?
Thanks.
I had the Ex/TT attached with WD adjusted to what I thought would be close. I rolled up to the scale and weighed the Ex. I then rolled forward and weighed the TT.
I rolled off and then tightened the WDH a 1/4” and made the same pass. Rolled off and then loosened it 1/4” and made another pass.
Actually, the first pass was almost dead on with 40% weight being on the front tires and 60% on the rear tires.
I’ve read where the tow vehicle should make a separate, third pass by its self.
My question is why make this third pass?
Thanks.
Honestly, I’ve never heard of getting the weights how described here. I’m not exactly sure what your weight goals are or where the 40% / 60% balance comes from.
The typical trip to the truck scales (CAT or similar 3 pad scales) has the tow vehicle / TT as setup for travel with WD set get weighed with the steer axle on the first pad, drive axle on second pad and TT axles on the third pad. Then pull off the scale and release all of the WD tension and get another weigh positioned like the original. Then pull off the scales again and drop the TT in the parking lot and scale the tow vehicle alone using just the first two scales pads.
The results of the above scale pssses will provide all of the info you need to know, total combined weight, tow vehicle weight, trailer total weight, tongue weight, TV axle weights unloaded and loaded and how much steer axle weight is being returned by the WD system.
In a perfect world the WD would return the steer axle back to the unloaded weight, but that’s not always possible, so close-ish is sometimes as good as it gets.
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 889
Likes: 156
From: Gainesville
I had to read this as well as write it down. I thought my way was way easier, but, I guess flawed.
Do I use my current WD setting for the first pass?
My trailer, for some reason, has a heavy tongue weight compared to other trailers of the same make. I have been putting the heavier camping stuff in the rear hatch to take some of that weight off the tongue. Is this an appropriate move or not?
Appreciate the help.
Do I use my current WD setting for the first pass?
My trailer, for some reason, has a heavy tongue weight compared to other trailers of the same make. I have been putting the heavier camping stuff in the rear hatch to take some of that weight off the tongue. Is this an appropriate move or not?
Appreciate the help.
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,049
Likes: 1,546
From: Media PA
I had to read this as well as write it down. I thought my way was way easier, but, I guess flawed.
Do I use my current WD setting for the first pass?
My trailer, for some reason, has a heavy tongue weight compared to other trailers of the same make. I have been putting the heavier camping stuff in the rear hatch to take some of that weight off the tongue. Is this an appropriate move or not?
Appreciate the help.
Do I use my current WD setting for the first pass?
My trailer, for some reason, has a heavy tongue weight compared to other trailers of the same make. I have been putting the heavier camping stuff in the rear hatch to take some of that weight off the tongue. Is this an appropriate move or not?
Appreciate the help.
I’m not saying that your method is wrong, just not sure if it’s giving you everything time on the scales can provide.
Yes, start off with the WD setup that you think is pretty good based of measurements and road manners as well as “looks right”, then with the scale data you can tune it further if you feel the desire to dial it in more.
A heavy tongue isn’t a terrible thing, much better than a light tongue. Do you know what percentage of the total TT weight you have on the tongue? Mine runs a little over 15%. Moving weight to the rear is fine so long as you maintain at least 13%-ish on the tongue. So many TTs are limited on storage space…….
Happy to lend a hand where I can.
Just as a side note, I have a scale ticket from our EX with my bride and I along with 130lbs of dogs and my 3 road trip tool bags and the total weight was 8080lbs with 4040 lbs on each axle. Pretty balanced, I guess I’m ready for a track day!
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 889
Likes: 156
From: Gainesville
Wow! Those are even numbers.
I just went to the nearest CAT Scale. My third pass, with no trailer, the Steer Axle weighed 3420 lbs.
Last pass, with 1 3/4” left in adjustment, we got a Steer Axle weight of 3440 lbs.
I understand the first pass with what I had. The third, with no trailer, but loaded with gear and the subsequent scales to get the Steer Axle weight back.
Why did I weigh the second time with sway bars disconnected?
Thanks again for the help. I had very successful towing experiences with my old setting except this last one where we felt like we were on a roller coaster.
After getting my new CAT Scale numbers, the Ex doesn’t porpoise ne’er as much. Steering wheel also feels more twitchy over this half a year. I’m wondering if my Blue Top steering box has seen better days. Last stop is the PSC, but with a heavy fee.
I’m going to figure out how to align the front end. I fired the guy who did it last year because he didn’t cinch down the pinch bolt and I lost my caster/camber bushing. Couple of weeks ago I took the Ex to a place that wanted to charge me almost $400. I walked.
Thanks again.
I just went to the nearest CAT Scale. My third pass, with no trailer, the Steer Axle weighed 3420 lbs.
Last pass, with 1 3/4” left in adjustment, we got a Steer Axle weight of 3440 lbs.
I understand the first pass with what I had. The third, with no trailer, but loaded with gear and the subsequent scales to get the Steer Axle weight back.
Why did I weigh the second time with sway bars disconnected?
Thanks again for the help. I had very successful towing experiences with my old setting except this last one where we felt like we were on a roller coaster.
After getting my new CAT Scale numbers, the Ex doesn’t porpoise ne’er as much. Steering wheel also feels more twitchy over this half a year. I’m wondering if my Blue Top steering box has seen better days. Last stop is the PSC, but with a heavy fee.
I’m going to figure out how to align the front end. I fired the guy who did it last year because he didn’t cinch down the pinch bolt and I lost my caster/camber bushing. Couple of weeks ago I took the Ex to a place that wanted to charge me almost $400. I walked.
Thanks again.
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,049
Likes: 1,546
From: Media PA
Wow! Those are even numbers.
I just went to the nearest CAT Scale. My third pass, with no trailer, the Steer Axle weighed 3420 lbs.
Last pass, with 1 3/4” left in adjustment, we got a Steer Axle weight of 3440 lbs.
I understand the first pass with what I had. The third, with no trailer, but loaded with gear and the subsequent scales to get the Steer Axle weight back.
Why did I weigh the second time with sway bars disconnected?
Thanks again for the help. I had very successful towing experiences with my old setting except this last one where we felt like we were on a roller coaster.
After getting my new CAT Scale numbers, the Ex doesn’t porpoise ne’er as much. Steering wheel also feels more twitchy over this half a year. I’m wondering if my Blue Top steering box has seen better days. Last stop is the PSC, but with a heavy fee.
I’m going to figure out how to align the front end. I fired the guy who did it last year because he didn’t cinch down the pinch bolt and I lost my caster/camber bushing. Couple of weeks ago I took the Ex to a place that wanted to charge me almost $400. I walked.
Thanks again.
I just went to the nearest CAT Scale. My third pass, with no trailer, the Steer Axle weighed 3420 lbs.
Last pass, with 1 3/4” left in adjustment, we got a Steer Axle weight of 3440 lbs.
I understand the first pass with what I had. The third, with no trailer, but loaded with gear and the subsequent scales to get the Steer Axle weight back.
Why did I weigh the second time with sway bars disconnected?
Thanks again for the help. I had very successful towing experiences with my old setting except this last one where we felt like we were on a roller coaster.
After getting my new CAT Scale numbers, the Ex doesn’t porpoise ne’er as much. Steering wheel also feels more twitchy over this half a year. I’m wondering if my Blue Top steering box has seen better days. Last stop is the PSC, but with a heavy fee.
I’m going to figure out how to align the front end. I fired the guy who did it last year because he didn’t cinch down the pinch bolt and I lost my caster/camber bushing. Couple of weeks ago I took the Ex to a place that wanted to charge me almost $400. I walked.
Thanks again.
Wow! Getting the steer axle back to the unloaded weight is something I’ve never been able to do with our heavier trailers. And if I understand correctly, with that setup you are now enjoying improved road manners?
The weigh with WD relaxed will give you the exact trailer tongue weight (drive axle weight over unloaded weight minus the steer axle’s lost weight from unloaded) as well as demonstrating just how much the WD is doing for you. You obviously can extrapolate the tongue weight without this scale pass, but it does show the effects of the TW on the steer and drive axles.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 889
Likes: 156
From: Gainesville
Wow! Getting the steer axle back to the unloaded weight is something I’ve never been able to do with our heavier trailers. And if I understand correctly, with that setup you are now enjoying improved road manners?
The weigh with WD relaxed will give you the exact trailer tongue weight (drive axle weight over unloaded weight minus the steer axle’s lost weight from unloaded) as well as demonstrating just how much the WD is doing for you. You obviously can extrapolate the tongue weight without this scale pass, but it does show the effects of the TW on the steer and drive axles.
The weigh with WD relaxed will give you the exact trailer tongue weight (drive axle weight over unloaded weight minus the steer axle’s lost weight from unloaded) as well as demonstrating just how much the WD is doing for you. You obviously can extrapolate the tongue weight without this scale pass, but it does show the effects of the TW on the steer and drive axles.
On pass #3 Drive Axle (no trailer): 5,660 lbs.
Difference: 1,500 lbs.
Tongue weight %: 22
That’s a lot.
Thanks for the guidance. I was feeling better before doing the math.
I weighed with fresh water tank full, grey water 16% and black water 24%.
I guess I need to make passes with the trailer dry. I read a post on Facebook suggesting towing with the fresh water tank full. Maybe that was a mistake.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 1,695
Those 2 numbers seem off to me. Possibly a wrong number typed? Or reading wrong ticket?
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,049
Likes: 1,546
From: Media PA
On pass #2 my Drive Axle (WD relaxed): 4,160 lbs.
On pass #3 Drive Axle (no trailer): 5,660 lbs.
Difference: 1,500 lbs.
Tongue weight %: 22
That’s a lot.
Thanks for the guidance. I was feeling better before doing the math.
I weighed with fresh water tank full, grey water 16% and black water 24%.
I guess I need to make passes with the trailer dry. I read a post on Facebook suggesting towing with the fresh water tank full. Maybe that was a mistake.
On pass #3 Drive Axle (no trailer): 5,660 lbs.
Difference: 1,500 lbs.
Tongue weight %: 22
That’s a lot.
Thanks for the guidance. I was feeling better before doing the math.
I weighed with fresh water tank full, grey water 16% and black water 24%.
I guess I need to make passes with the trailer dry. I read a post on Facebook suggesting towing with the fresh water tank full. Maybe that was a mistake.
I agree, numbers seem off. Earlier you said unloaded steer axle was 3420 and here the drive axle is 5660 for a total EX weight of 9080 lbs, seems a little high for a RWD wagon. And it’s 1500 lbs less on the drive axle with the WD relaxed? I think maybe you have reversed some data……?
Also if that 1500 lbs is what you are figuring for TW, it’s incorrect. You have to look at the weight lost off the front axle and subtract that to find the actual TW.
It will be easier to offer help if you could post all of the weights here, then we can go through them together and see exactly where you are.
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,049
Likes: 1,546
From: Media PA
Traveling with or without water really depends on the destination, boondocking will need water while a full hookup cg won’t. And location of the fresh water tank can make a big difference in TW. Fortunately my fresh tank is over the axles and doesn’t make too much TW difference but the EX feels the added weight, but our TT is a fatty to start with……
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 889
Likes: 156
From: Gainesville
This is what the CAT Scales read:
Day 1 with fresh water full, some black water and some gray water:
Pass #2: (WD with no tension)
Steer Axle: 2940
Drive Axle: 5660
Trailer Axle: 6660
Pass # 3 (no trailer attached):
Steer Axle: 3420
Drive Axle: 4160
Last Pass (WD set at 1 3/4”):
Steer Axle: 3440
Drive Axle: 4880
Trailer Axle: 6880
Day 2 water tanks empty:
Last pass: (WD set at 1 15/16”):
Steer Axle: 3420 (target weight)
Drive Axle: 4880
Trailer Axle: 6380
Only difference is I took in a little more gas on day 2.
Any suggestions?
Thanks.
Day 1 with fresh water full, some black water and some gray water:
Pass #2: (WD with no tension)
Steer Axle: 2940
Drive Axle: 5660
Trailer Axle: 6660
Pass # 3 (no trailer attached):
Steer Axle: 3420
Drive Axle: 4160
Last Pass (WD set at 1 3/4”):
Steer Axle: 3440
Drive Axle: 4880
Trailer Axle: 6880
Day 2 water tanks empty:
Last pass: (WD set at 1 15/16”):
Steer Axle: 3420 (target weight)
Drive Axle: 4880
Trailer Axle: 6380
Only difference is I took in a little more gas on day 2.
Any suggestions?
Thanks.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 1,695
Those numbers look more correct. The comment we were responding to said pass 3 with no trailer drive axle was 5660 and this last post you say it is 4160 which sounds more correct. Probably just got confused at all the different numbers. Lol
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,049
Likes: 1,546
From: Media PA
Last Pass (WD set at 1 3/4”):
Steer Axle: 3440
Drive Axle: 4880
Trailer Axle: 6880
Day 2 water tanks empty:
Last pass: (WD set at 1 15/16”):
Steer Axle: 3420 (target weight)
Drive Axle: 4880
Trailer Axle: 6380
Only difference is I took in a little more gas on day 2.
Any suggestions?
Thanks.
Steer Axle: 3440
Drive Axle: 4880
Trailer Axle: 6880
Day 2 water tanks empty:
Last pass: (WD set at 1 15/16”):
Steer Axle: 3420 (target weight)
Drive Axle: 4880
Trailer Axle: 6380
Only difference is I took in a little more gas on day 2.
Any suggestions?
Thanks.
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 889
Likes: 156
From: Gainesville
Now I see how you thought that you had 1500lbs of tongue weight (almost 20% of your 7680 total trailer weight). You simply subtracted your unloaded drive axle weight of 4160 from the no WD drive axle weight of 5660. (5660-4160=1500). But you also have to account for the weight lost off the steer axle due to the tongue weight, so 3420 (unloaded steer) minus 2940 (no WD steer) equals 480 which you then take out of the 1500 additional on the drive axle to get 1020 lbs of actual tongue weight. A near perfect 13.5% tongue weight!
My only suggestion is to enjoy your nearly perfect setup! You have returned your steer axle to the unloaded weight and have a perfect 13.5% tongue weight along with a much more aerodynamic TT than most. (Airstream vs full rectangular frontal TTs). With your trailer weight trailer and your 4.56 gears you shouldn’t have any issues over any kind of terrain, go West young man!
My only suggestion is to enjoy your nearly perfect setup! You have returned your steer axle to the unloaded weight and have a perfect 13.5% tongue weight along with a much more aerodynamic TT than most. (Airstream vs full rectangular frontal TTs). With your trailer weight trailer and your 4.56 gears you shouldn’t have any issues over any kind of terrain, go West young man!
Thanks again.