Help Deciphering CAT Scale Weights

BarneyS wrote:


I would aim for getting the brackets at the right level so the bars rest evenly across the surface. Than I would tilt the hitch head rearward until I got the weight transfer that I wanted.

This all assumes that you trailers A frame can take the stress of the additional pressure the WD bars will put on it via the brackets. You have very strong, square, non tapered WD bars that are not too flexible. It is not unheard of for A frames to bend or break from excess WD pressure, especially when going through a dip like you would find at a gas station or other driveway or even some RR crossings. If your frame is a 6 inch frame or larger it should be ok.
Barney

I finally took the time to make some adjustments. I added the larger spacer to tilt the head back some more. I also dropped the frame brackets by one notch to relieve some tension and to level out the bars. I tried it out at that setting and it “felt” like there was too much tension. I could see the bars bending when tensioned and there was lots of additional popping noises when driving. I then lowered the brackets one more notch and that seemed to be a good balance.

I stopped at the scales yesterday on our way home from a trip and the numbers confirm that the weight has been spread to the TV front axle and TT axles. Note: trailer weight has increased by 420 pounds due to water and other cargo. Despite the extra weight the adjustments have still taken more weight off the rear axle and moved it to the front axle.

TV Front Axle: 3,120 (was 3,020)
TV Rear Axle: 4,480 (was 4,560)
TT Axles: 6,960 (was 6,560)
New Gross Weight: 14,560 (was 14,140)

I’m still 100 pounds above the rear GAWR for my truck, so I’m considering adding the last washer to tilt the head back to its max, leaving the frame brackets where they are, to see if I can squeeze anything else out of it.