4johnsonsandadog wrote:
We weighed the TV w/TT attached (with propane & battery already installed)and got a TV weight of 8200. We unhooked the TT and got a TV weight of 7600. That means the tongue weight was 600# - correct? Why would that be if you are saying it needs to be 800-1200? How would that happen? Also, I'm sure this TT will be right at the 10,500# when it's all loaded up with stuff. Would that improve the situation?
Was the WD hitch attached for your first weigh-in? If it was, that would skew your results. If it was not, than you are correct in the 600 pound result.
As to the weight of the tongue, the general 'safe' range given is 10-15% of total weight. When you drop below that range, your tongue is too light for the trailer and you are prone to sway (the tail wagging the dog). This can become a very dangerous situation very quickly.
As for the total weight loaded, I do not expect that will make much to a difference in this. While your tongue weight will increase, so will the total weight - it won't likely effect the ratio much. If propane is empty, filling that will up it some. But, still, it won't make that much if a dent.
In the end, I can't fathom a trailer having a hitch weight that low with propane and battery in place. i'm hoping the weight distribution was skewing the numbers. A trailer that is loaded at 10,500 should have a tongue weight of at least 1,050 pounds (preferably more) or it will be an unsafe set up. That needs to be the goal.
