Pin Weights

rhagfo wrote:
I am more than a little lost on why you need to know EXACTLY what you pin is going to weigh.

If you are concerned because you are pushing payload then you need a bigger TV!

If you just want to know good, luck, take empty trailer and it's pin and then figure out were you are adding weight, then figure out how that affects the pin. Keep in mind tandem axles are not a perfect fulcrum.

I bought a Cyclone one time and then discovered I was almost 1000 lbs. over on rear axle weight. Then went and bought an F450. Not doing that again.

But once I get my SRW weighed, then I can determine which camper is good for us. Just because a manufacturer says the pin weight is 2200 lbs., it may realistically be 2800 lbs..

I screwed up years ago but learned my lesson. Not going to do that again. I don't want to rule out a camper that's within specs for us and I don't want to buy one that's too much. Not sure why anyone would be lost on that.

spud1957 wrote:
I like using the dry weight ratio. Once loaded, the weight ratio would be similar.

If the posted dry weight of the trailer is 10k with a dry pin weight of 2K. That unit has a 20% ratio. Load it up to 12k and you will be close to 2400 lbs.

Some units' ratios are lower. Some are higher. Floor plan has a lot to do with it.

Mine dry pin weight was 19.8% and I loaded in 1180 lbs and the pin weight percentage went to 24.1%. I have now found two others with the same model and they had the similar results.

The best way to find out the real pin weight is actually measure it.
There is a Sherline scale that can handle up to 5000 lbs.



Sherline

Model No. Dual-ring Gage Ranges
LM-1000 0-1000 lb/0-460 kg
LM-2000 0-2000 lb/0-900 kg
LM-5000 0-5000 lb/0-2250 kg

Lantley wrote:
The best way to find out the real pin weight is actually measure it.
There is a Sherline scale that can handle up to 5000 lbs.



Sherline

Model No. Dual-ring Gage Ranges
LM-1000 0-1000 lb/0-460 kg
LM-2000 0-2000 lb/0-900 kg
LM-5000 0-5000 lb/0-2250 kg

Excellent. Did not know that. I'll call eTrailer tomorrow but if they don't have it, I'll order Amazon tomorrow. Thank you.

On second thought, I just ordered it through Amazon. Only a few dollars more than an LM-2000.

Thank you again. It should be here next week.

lawnspecialties wrote:

Lantley wrote:
The best way to find out the real pin weight is actually measure it.
There is a Sherline scale that can handle up to 5000 lbs.



Sherline

Model No. Dual-ring Gage Ranges
LM-1000 0-1000 lb/0-460 kg
LM-2000 0-2000 lb/0-900 kg
LM-5000 0-5000 lb/0-2250 kg

Excellent. Did not know that. I'll call eTrailer tomorrow but if they don't have it, I'll order Amazon tomorrow. Thank you.

I have seen those used for TT weights but how the heck would you use for 5er pin weights? You have to get level or at the same angle you tow at to even get close.

If exact is really important, aren't you still guessing what wet weight will be?

X2 on the Cyclone Toy Haulers. I based the pin weight when looking on 20% of the GVWR(15,500)figuring I wouldn't load it to the max and still be OK at less than 3100. Shipping weight was 12,800(actual by sticker). No specs given on the website so all just guessing. Oops. On mine there is nothing behind the axles except the gas tank(30 gal) everything else is in front of the axles, by a min of 3-4'. After getting ready to go camping I weighed it. Lets just say the TV and RV went on a diet. I now have it manageable but I can't carry the usual junk and forget about an auxiliary tank. Put a 700 lb bike in the back and the trailer is at 15,100. Pin abt 3400.

I think they built it with lead sheeting for xray protection.

My 2 cents. If you are shopping for a toy hauler have a late model dually. Unless you want one of the little ones (less than 30') YMMV

CWSWine wrote:

lawnspecialties wrote:

Lantley wrote:
The best way to find out the real pin weight is actually measure it.
There is a Sherline scale that can handle up to 5000 lbs.



Sherline

Model No. Dual-ring Gage Ranges
LM-1000 0-1000 lb/0-460 kg
LM-2000 0-2000 lb/0-900 kg
LM-5000 0-5000 lb/0-2250 kg

Excellent. Did not know that. I'll call eTrailer tomorrow but if they don't have it, I'll order Amazon tomorrow. Thank you.

I have seen those used for TT weights but how the heck would you use for 5er pin weights? You have to get level or at the same angle you tow at to even get close.

Build up a platform in the bed of your truck with lengths of 2x4's until it's the same height, to the top of the scale, as the hitch.

Lyle

Here's why a "rule of thumb" really doesn't work.

The GVWR of my trailer is a shade under 10k. If I am ultra conservative and use 25% to calculate pin weight I am at 2500#. However, I load to a GVW of only 8400# and my pin weight is only 15% empty or loaded. So my real pin weight when traveling is only 1260# or approximately half of the conservative guess.

A "guess" of 2500# would totally rule out a perfectly good trailer for me to tow. Likewise, if you guess wrong on the other direction you could be way beyond the capabilities of your TV.

I understand the dilemma. It is more critical for those with conservative tow vehicles. It is not always possible, realistic or desirable to just go get a bigger truck.

I spent considerable time studying brochures and making calculations before I bought my present trailer. It was time well spent. It has been a great combo and has served me well.