Forum Discussion

fj12ryder's avatar
fj12ryder
Explorer III
May 23, 2013

Individual axle weights advice and opinions.

I need opinions or actual experience, either will do.

I just weighed my axles individually using a Sherline scale rated to 5000 lbs. I placed the scale under the U-bolt closest to the wheel and raised the axle just enough to allow the wheel to turn. The amount that I raised the tire didn't seem to affect the readings, since they didn't increase before the tire was completely off the ground.

I don't know exactly what the difference would be if I measured right on the wheel since I'm about 6" from the centerline of the tire. I'm thinking the reading I'm getting now is a bit high because of that.

I've scaled my toyhauler just as it is now and the weight from the Cat scale was 10,640 lbs.

My individual axle readings are 2400 lbs., 2400 lbs., 2400 lbs., 2500 lbs., 2200 lbs., and 3100 lbs. for a total weight of 15,000 lbs.

That's a difference of over 4,000 lbs, which seems a bit off, to say the least. Does this seem reasonable to anyone, or is my methodology too far off to be accurate? If anyone has had their axles weighted independently did the combined weights agree with Cat scale weights?

Any opinions would certainly be welcome. TIA.

5 Replies

  • fj12ryder's avatar
    fj12ryder
    Explorer III
    May 24, 2013
    I wondered about the weight transfer and you're probably right about that being part of the problem. At least I can say that I don't any wheel severely overloaded anyway. It looks like my G-rated LT tires are probably severe overkill. :)

    I'm going to recheck everything the next time I have the bikes onboard and see how that compares. I'm curious to see if the rear axle weights change very much, or if the loaded weight is evenly distributed.
  • stripit's avatar
    stripit
    Explorer
    May 23, 2013
    If you were able to take the rig back to the CAT scales and weigh each axle so you knew what that axle was according to them, then tried your method again to see if your system is close or way off. As I think about this, there is going to be weight transfer since only one wheel is off the ground a bit with your scale. I don't think your going to be real accurate your way.
  • fj12ryder's avatar
    fj12ryder
    Explorer III
    May 23, 2013
    Thanks for the input.

    The numbers for each axle were taken with the toyhauler hooked to the truck and no bikes loaded. My hitch weight is 3,000 lbs. There just doesn't seem like there should be that much difference between the weights I got and the Cat scale weights. Color me confused.
  • Chuck_Gail's avatar
    Chuck_Gail
    Explorer
    May 23, 2013
    On my TT I've weighed each wheel independently, as well as weighing per axle, and entire TT. Differences were in the 200# area, which is likely scale accuracy.
  • stripit's avatar
    stripit
    Explorer
    May 23, 2013
    Do with those numbers you have a 4360 lb pin weight, seem high for a triple axle trailer, but was the trailer loaded with toys? I have to think the 10,640 lbs was the trailer when the unit was attached to the truck, right?

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