determining pin weight

NC Hauler wrote:

ependydad wrote:

NC Hauler wrote:

:h??? Subtracting the drive axle weighs does not give true pin/tongue weight:h. I have no clue about tongue weight, been YEARS since I had any concern about that. BUT, I DO know that if I weighed my truck and the drive axle had a weight of 3860, then I hooked to my 5er, pulled onto the same scales and drive axle weight is now 7200#, then I'm REALLY close in knowing that my pin weight is 3340#...

In my example below, I know 20 pounds is nothing to obsess over (and can be dismissed via the +/- increments of the scale itself), but nonetheless- I'm more curious about the principle behind this.

The first time I weighed, I got:
- Truck+Camper hitched:
- - Steer axle: 5,220 lbs.
- - Drive axle: 6,260 lbs.

- Truck only:
- - Steer axle: 5,240 lbs.
- - Drive axle: 3,960 lbs.

What is my pin weight?

(5220 + 6260) - (5240 + 3960) = 2,280 lbs.

Or is my pin weight?

6260 - 3960 = 2,300 lbs.

Again, in this scenario - the 20 pounds isn't enough to matter. But, my question remains: do you account for the 20 pounds that may be lost on the front axle?

6260 - 3960 = 2,300 lbs. The weight of the drive axle with 5er hitched up less the weight of the drive axle minus the 5er being hitched up...

Good question, but I don't account for the 20# that might be lost on the front axle...I may be wrong in doing that, but will go with what is setting over my rear axle as far as pin weight...though your question does make some sense.

My steer axle went from 5280, without 5er hitched to 5460#...180# more, I know it's there because simple math states it is., but I don't consider it part of my pin weight, though I may be wrong in this assumption of mine....good question:)

That 180 lbs increase in the front axle may be part of the pin weight but I really don't give a dern. I really don't care what the "actual" pin weight is. I care that I am within the GAWR for the front axle and rear axle. That's all. Oh, and not overloading the trailer tires.